Ross-shire Voluntary Action

Ross-shire Voluntary Action was established in 1971 as the East Ross & Black Isle Council of Social Service. One of a network (some 56 in total number) of independent Community Development organisations throughout Scotland, Ross-shire Voluntary Action was established to serve the geographical area of Ross & Cromarty.

The key aim of Ross-shire Voluntary Action is to provide support in an appropriate manner to the local voluntary sector. This support takes many forms - from providing centralised office-based services to advisory and representative roles. Although Ross-shire Voluntary Action is a member's organisation, it provides services to any local voluntary group requesting assistance.

Ross-shire Voluntary Action employs only 3 staff members - Alan Gartshore as Secretary, Elma Blackall as Office Manager, and Andy Blackall as Graphic and Web Designer - but has, at its disposal, the collective knowledge and experience of 12 voluntary managers on the Executive Committee. In addition to their knowledge and experience of the voluntary sector, these managers bring a wide range of skills to the organisation. The current committee members bring working knowledge of many aspects of significance including business and commerce, education, religion, local authority, civil service and so on. Collectively, this adds up to more than 400 years experience at the disposal of the organisation.

Ross-shire Voluntary Action is a service-delivery organisation. The output of the organisation can be described in terms of its five main roles. Office Services, Web Design, Advisory, Representation and Training.