The SWI recently changed its charitable status to become a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), making the charity more transparent for all members and the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).
At present, this change is in the SWI national body only, so does not affect Federations and Institutes.
To become a SCIO, the SWI constitution had to be revised to reflect the rules set out by OSCR.
The SCIO constitution has three changes which all benefit members.
Furthermore, obtaining SCIO status enables the SWI to explore significant funding opportunities for the organisation’s future development.
The Board of Trustees also took the opportunity to make small changes in the SCIO constitution to reflect the SWI Strategic Plan 2022-25. This plan had four key priorities:
1 Implement significant change in the constitution and internal operations
2 Develop a comprehensive member-centric culture and membership strategy
3 Reduce costs and overheads and develop income diversification throughout the organisation
4 Develop an ambitious plan for a Visitor Learning Centre
As many of the objectives in the SWI Strategic Plan 2022-25 have been met or are in an advanced stage of delivery, an updated SWI Strategic Plan 24-26 has been approved by the Board of Trustees. This provides clarity on the next steps in securing the SWI’s future.
Our key priorities are now:
1 Maintain organisational growth and development
2 Prioritise members
3 Achieve financial sustainability
4 Implement a successful SWI Heritage project with members
Be assured that the aims of the SWI remain the same and we continue to build inclusive, diverse communities and advance education and skills. We want to preserve the past and involve the present in shaping the future.