The Councils for Voluntary Service (CVS) Network consists of 57 independent organisations that provide a range of development and support services to the voluntary sector in Scotland.

The Network delivers these services via their Core Activities Framework which focuses on 6 key areas:

• Understanding the voluntary sector
• Communicating with the voluntary sector
• Representing the interests of the voluntary sector
• Providing support services
• Promoting good practice
• Growing the sector

CVS activity is supported by the Scottish Executive and local authorities, as well as by trading income and funding from a wide range of sources.  From April 2004, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has had direct responsibility for the development and co-ordination of the Network.

The CVS Network currently employs over 400 staff, benefits from the experience and skills of over 600 board members and is in touch with 26,000 voluntary organisations across Scotland.

The CVS role is to support and facilitate the development and representation of the voluntary sector at a local level. Through this they strengthen the contribution local voluntary organisations make to the economic, social and cultural development of their communities and provide a bridge between the voluntary sector and key public agencies at a local level.

CVS provide a range of services in a variety of ways, depending on local needs and circumstances. Generally these services will assist in developing the voluntary sector, the provision of direct support services and facilitating voluntary sector involvement in partnerships and policy development.

The Federation
Within Dumfries and Galloway there are four CVSs covering the old local authority geographical areas of Annandale and Eskdale, Nithsdale, Stewartry and Wigtown. The Federation members are Annandale and Eskdale CVS, and Wigtown CVS.

From a loose alliance in the early 1990s, the Federation has progressed to a Company Limited by Guarantee, with Board members being representatives of each local member CVS.  The Federation plays a key role in representing the interests of the voluntary sector on Community Planning partnerships across Dumfries & Galloway, and works collaboratively with the four area CVSs to support the voluntary sector in the Region.