By David Dunsire

IF there’s one thing I’ve learned over my many years of working with leaders in the charity sector it’s that they’re resilient and unafraid to tackle challenges head-on.

To say that they’re adaptable often feels like an understatement. It’s become an unfortunate fact of their lives that they have to walk a financial tightrope year after year. They are no strangers to uncertainty.

But the uncertainty they face over how their worlds may look post-Brexit is not one which can be underestimated, nor one which politicians can afford not to have on their radar.

The issues faced by Scotland’s invaluable third sector are as varied as they are complex. Of course, the same can be said in every area of life. Yet it feels as though the myriad of “what ifs” which may affect our charities is not really on the radar in political corridors.

Brexit has happened, yet we’re currently sitting in a safety net. How the landscape will look beyond December 31 when our transition period ends remains unclear. And that’s doing nothing to ease anxieties hanging over charities which have taken on increasingly important roles in Scotland’s economy, environment and social wellbeing.

Throughout the sector there is real concern over future staffing levels without freedom of movement, a fear that can often be overlooked from those on the outside.

Funding, as ever, is an issue. But, again, the complexities are not always appreciated. Losing access to European Union money will have a major impact on some charities. Should there be no trade deal with Europe, and amid the continuing United States-China trade wars, there is a very real possibility that charity investment portfolios could be affected, with significant losses suffered.

Another hangover of Brexit was the delay to the Scottish budget and how that may impact upon our charities who receive annual funding grants from the Government, councils and other public bodies. Everyone is watching with interest to see what makes it over the line after the political horse-trading at Holyrood.

It’s important that the Brexit debate causes no delay to other critical work that shapes how Scotland’s charity sector operates. Over the last year, there has been a consultation exercise under way over proposed amendments to Scottish charity legislation. It’s my hope that momentum is not lost in the implementation of new charity laws and that legislative changes are secured in this Parliamentary session. I would also encourage all charities to prioritise good governance, the top issue found to promote public trust in charities.

With so many balls in the air, it’s little wonder that our charity leaders have become resilient. They have to be.

No-one could blame them if it all feels overwhelming. Yet I remain optimistic that Scotland’s third sector has a bright future. That feeling was reinforced recently at the annual Third Sector Drinks Reception hosted by Lindsays in association with the Association of Chief Officers of Scottish Voluntary Organisations (ACOSVO).

Talking to many of the 100-plus guests representing 80 organisations, the dynamism was clear. ACOSVO Chief Executive Pat Armstrong urged the leaders assembled to “own their role” while Anna Fowlie, her opposite number at SCVO, reminded everyone that while the challenges they face have never been bigger, so too are the opportunities.

There’s no doubting the determination of our third sector leaders and we should be confident in their hands. That does not, however, mean the needs of their work can be taken for granted in Brexit discussions. Scotland cannot afford for charities to be overlooked.

Lawyer David Dunsire specialises in working with the charities sector for Lindsays. He is also a charity trustee.