Gathering events, Glasgow: OGP network and OGP policy events for Scotland – and will be livestreamed here!

Feb 22nd 11.30 – 12.30 Discover new opportunities with the Open Government Partnership

Want to join a growing international movement for greater government accountability and transparency? Interested in discovering new opportunities to influence Scottish Government decision making? Then come along to SCVOs Open Government Partnership (OGP) networking event and see how you can get involved. The OGP is an international platform for domestic reformers committed to making their governments more open, accountable, and responsive to citizen. Scotland has recently been awarded pioneer status and must deliver an action plan in partnership with Scottish civil society. This places the third sector in a powerful position to make sure those most marginalised in our society are heard by the Scottish Government and guide the OGP agenda. If you want to learn more about what Open Government would look like in practice in Scotland and meet those already involved, then make sure you come along.

Feb 23rd 1.30 – 2.30 Healing divided societies: can open government work?

With the recent rise in inequality, there has been a fracturing of societies in Europe and the United States. In the UK, there has been a worrying prominence given to the idea of ‘deserving’ and ‘undeserving’ groups of people. This has been a core theme behind the changes to the welfare system and, through the Brexit debate and threat of repeal of the Human Rights Act, appears to be becoming more central to political thinking. During this time in Scotland, charities and government alike have taken an increasingly internationalist position. This has included supporting the Sustainable Development goals, and pushing Scotland’s participation in the Open Government Partnership (OGP). The OGP is an international platform for domestic reformers committed to more open, accountable, and responsive government. Scotland has recently been awarded pioneer status and must deliver an action plan in partnership with Scottish civil society. This means the third sector is in a great position to champion its values of equality, inclusion and participation. Can open government provide an answer to rising inequality and polarising public attitudes? We will attempt to answer this, with a particular focus on Scotland and how to include those who feel ignored by decision makers.

Arranged by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

More details and booking at: https://thegathering.eventgrid.com/Page/19763/schedule

Livestream link – http://thirdforcenews.org.uk/tfn-news/tfn-live-the-gathering-2017 will be live with the above events streaming on 22nd Feb 11.30 and 23rd Feb 1.30

To view the Paris sessions livestreams from December 2016 – visit link here