Sector representatives mark the publication of the Concordat

Pictured from L - R with Minister Nelson McCausland and Will Haire, Permanent Secretary DSD are: Jim Deery, Ashton Centre, Patricia Haren, Women’s Support Network, Seamus McAleavey, NICVA, Michael Hughes, Rural Community Network, Olwen Lyner, NIACRO, Wendy Osborne, Volunteer Now and Brenda McQueen, Dry Arch Family Centre.

DSD Minister, Nelson McCausland and DSD Permanent Secretary, Will Haire, joined representatives from the voluntary and community sector at the launch of the Concordat.

The Concordat agreement between Government and the Voluntary and Community Sector lays out the shared vision of working together as social partners to build a participative, peaceful, equitable and inclusive community in Northern Ireland.

It outlines a twelve point framework that will shape how both parties interact with each other alongside the shared values and principles of the Concordat, including;

Purpose of the Concordat

The purpose of the Concordat is to help create the conditions in which a vibrant and sustainable voluntary and community sector can thrive, working closely with Government in the design and delivery of policy and services in the interests of the people of Northern Ireland.