NICVA tackles sector’s insurance anxieties

news release

13 May 2003

NICVA tackles sector’s insurance anxieties

Following years of ever-escalating premiums costs, many voluntary and community organisations throughout Northern Ireland are now experiencing the anxiety of not being able to afford insurance - the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action has investigated these purse-string issues and the umbrella organisation will present its essential findings at a special event to be held at its Belfast offices today (15 May 2003).

Gordon McCullough, Head of Research at NICVA, said: “Insurance premiums are on the increase and like many sectors voluntary and community organisations are being hit hard. Our research has found that 37 per cent of organisations have experienced a substantial increase in insurance premiums over the last year. The impact of such increases has led to a reduction of services provided by organisations and in some of the most serious cases closure .”

On highlighting some of the problems faced by the sector groups, he added: “Organisations are reporting a string of problems that includes obtaining first time insurance, renewing existing policies, getting adequate cover, and in some cases even being forced to abandon the services they provide. This research is being conducted by NICVA using computer aided telephone interviews to assess the full impact of the problem. The objective for the seminar is to achieve a way forward, to tackle the problem, and to conclude with optimistic recommendations .”

The insurance seminar will be an opportunity for NICVA to discuss the main issues of the research survey, and also for voluntary and community organisations to contribute their experiences of how insurance matters have impacted on their activities. According to Mr McCullough, there will be a number of government departments who will also be attending the event to order to learn about how these issues affect local organisations. He said: “The study has not only assessed the impact of the insurance issue, it has also investigated if there are any sub-sectors that have been particularly affected and has examined the rise of insurance premiums in a global context.”

Mr McCullough added: “There will be an opportunity at the event for groups to discuss the problems they have faced, and for others to propose solutions. Everyone is welcome, so please come and voice your concerns .”

If you would like to attend the seminar, which will take place at the NICVA offices at 61 Duncairn Gardens in Belfast on 15 May 2003 from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm, please contact Georgie Finlay at:
Georgie Finlay

028 9087 7777

NOTE TO EDITORS

For further information please contact:

Lise Mc Greevy, Communications Officer at NICVA

028 9087 7777 (work)

0772 1746805 (mobile)