ACOVO  (Association of Chief Officers of Voluntary Organisations) members had expressed an interest in understanding the role of the voluntary and community sector in other countries.  The purpose of the study tour was to

ü      Increase understanding; gain new ideas through exploring new horizons with third sector leaders in Scotland.

ü      Afford ACOVO members the opportunity to meet and network with leaders in the voluntary and community sector in Scotland, through an organised matching process, which includes a return leg of the exchange to Northern Ireland in September.

ü      To explore how the voluntary and community sector has developed under devolution in Scotland, specifically the role of Scottish Executive in developing the sector and what learning there may be in the implementation of the review of public administration.