Insight and latest updates from our team

Today NICVA submitted their response to the DFP Consultation Paper on Northern Ireland's Non-Domestic Rating Policy.

On 19th January the Evason Group, or the Welfare Reform Working Group, established by the 'A Fresh Start' Agreement published their recommendations for the mitigation of the impacts of welfare reform. 

Fermanagh Community Transport (FCT) is a Charity formed as a result of a merger between Rural Lift for South West Fermanagh and FAST Rural transport, both of who had previously been delivering successful community transport since 2000.

For those in the voluntary and community sector following NJC payscales, a cost of living increase for 2016/17 has not yet been agreed.

Interest in mergers across the VCSE sector is growing and these may be appropriate where organisations are sufficiently compatible. This guidance gives an overview of the merger process and uses local case studies to illustrate some of the challenges.

This guidance is designed to assist VCSE organisations considering joint working arrangements to deliver public services. It highlights the importance of putting a collaboration agreement in place to outline how costs and responsibility will be shared.

A volatile financial environment and increasing operating expenses and demand for services are causing organisations to look at innovation and change. This guidance note explores ‘shared services’ and some of the processes, risks and benefits involved.

As commissioners demand more innovation and expertise in contracted services collaboration between organisations is an attractive option. This guidance explains the potential challenges of joint tendering and how organisations can best prepare to respond.

When considering merger or joint working, due diligence is the process of investigation organisations undertake to obtain a better picture of the other organisation(s) involved, including their assets, liabilities and any potential risks.

This guidance outlines the responsibilities of directors and trustees of VCSE organisations in relation to collaboration and provides useful information to ensure good governance oversight and appropriate board involvement in any collaborative process.

This guidance outlines the eight fundamental principles and duties of trustees of boards of VCSE organisations. Together these form the building blocks of good governance for collaboration.

This practical guidance is designed to assist organisations involved in, or considering, collaboration by providing an overview of the key issues that can influence collaborative working. Links to NI case studies are included to illustrate best practice.

You can now access over 15 years of social information from ARK Northern Ireland on the Detail Data Portal.

DSD Officials attended a meeting organised in NICVA on Friday 18th December. 

NICVA recently met with Senior DFP Finance Officials to discuss the process of the 2016/17 budget.

Infertility Network UK provides information, support and advice to all those struggling to conceive. Sharon Davidson is the Regional Organiser for Northern Ireland.