Dialogue on Democracy

This is the second event in a new series of seminars aimed at exploring the role voluntary and community organisations can play in creating a stable and inclusive society.

Following the success of the 'Value of Voluntary and Community Organisations' conference in November 2008, which was addressed by George Reid, NICVA is delighted to confirm an impressive range of speakers for this half day seminar.

Agenda

9.30 Arrival and registration

10.00 Senior Government Representative, Department for Social Development

10.30 Geoff Mulgan, Carnegie Commission on Civil Society

11.00 Peter King, Special Advisor to First Minister Peter Robinson MP MLA

11.30 Questions and discussion

12.00 Discussion Groups

Each discussion group will begin with input from an elected representative who will reflect on the morning's discussion and outline how their political party sees the future development of civil society in Northern Ireland.

1.15 Closing Remarks

1.30 Lunch

This event is free of charge for voluntary and community organisations. To confirm a place please contact Cathy on cathy.breslin@nicva.org by 30 January 2009.

Speaker biography

Geoff Mulgan

Between 1997 and 2004 Geoff had various roles in the UK government including director of the Government's Strategy Unit and head of policy in the Prime Minister's office. Before that he was the founder and director of the think-tank Demos, described by the Economist as the UK's most influential think-tank. He has been chief adviser to Gordon Brown MP; a consultant and lecturer in telecommunications; and an investment executive. Geoff is currently the Director of the influential Young Foundation and Chairman of the Carnegie Commission on Civil Society, which was established to explore the possible threats to and opportunities for the development of a healthy civil society, identify how policy and practice can be enhanced to help strengthen civil society and enhance the ability of civil society associations to prepare for the challenges of the future