The ALLIANCE Membership team review activity in 2020

There were numerous training and networking events during the year and we welcomed over 100 new members.

In 2020, the ALLIANCE adapted our membership offer and held a variety of digital events for our growing network, which now comprises nearly 3,000 individuals, associates and organisations. We have even more exciting plans for members in 2021.

During the year, our growing network welcomed 48 new member organisations, including GamCare, Sikh Sanjog, MS Society Scotland, The Health Agency, Young Scot, Close the Gap and Royal Voluntary Service. We also welcomed over 95 new individual members and 56 professional associates.

In support of our members’ response to the pandemic, we promoted the ways they adapted to best strengthen the voices of people of all ages who are disabled or living with long term conditions and unpaid carers.

We highlighted the Wellbeing Fund through an Opinion series to show how 12 member organisations adapted their services to be able to meet the challenges posed by COVID-19 and the lockdown.

In 2020, our events programme included over 35 digital training and development opportunities. Each event was fully booked and received positive feedback. Comments included:

• “I really enjoyed the session today – it was very informative and thought provoking.”
• “The ALLIANCE provides access to useful training, resources and funding. Feels like I’m part of something bigger than just me and my organsiation.”
• “I thought it was an excellent session and message put across. I liked the slides. They all reminded me of how much I am missing the ALLIANCE meetings.”

Some events over the year have focused on:

• Training and development on data protection
• Social media strategy – surgery session with Third Sector Lab
• Applying human rights with the British Institute for Human Rights
• Data visualisation: exploring Power BI with Third Sector Lab
• Deafness and dementia: predicting the future for Scotland
• Improving your charity’s cyber resilience in the “new normal”
• Service design with NHS NES Digital

Over 650 members took part in the opportunity to engage and partner the People at the Centre Programme and Independent Review of Adult Social Care.

We maintained strong communication with the Involvement Network and offered different platforms for members to share their story and views, build connections, and benefit from peer learning and support. This included: Humans of Scotland, a range of activity during Self Management Week, NHS 24 engagement activity, an opportunity to join the National Panel of Stroke Voices, and apply to be a lay member for a University of Strathclyde project exploring medicine needs of Older People with Sensory Needs.

We sent out weekly updates to our members during the lockdown period and reinstated a bi-weekly Membership newsletter to keep everyone abreast with the latest news and events.

ALLIANCE Membership provides greater access to numerous benefits including being able to input and influence national policy,  peer learning, and support for networking and knowledge sharing.

You can become a member by completing the online form. If you have any questions, contact us at membership@alliance-scotland.org.uk

Reports of other ALLIANCE programme activities during 2020 can be found in our News section.

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