Positive Steps

The government has published 'Positive Steps', a coordinated response to the Task Force on Resourcing the Voluntary and Community Sector, issued in October 2004.

NICVA welcomed the official acceptance of the need to cut bureaucracy and provide secure funding for groups that are doing an essential job in improving society in Northern Ireland.

It also welcomed the start of extra funding in the latest Budget but pointed out that many groups are losing money, shedding staff and cutting services.

'Positive Steps' promises to facilitate the involvement of the voluntary and community sector in service delivery and to promote a seven to ten year approach to programmes concentrating on outcomes.

It accepts the need to invest in communities to help deliver longer term change to those most in need and says the Community Investment Fund, already announced, will provide more strategic funding.

However, the report makes no mention of the Task Force recommendation that this fund should build up to £25 million per year compared with £1m promised for this year and £2m for the coming two years.

The report endorses the Task Force proposal that voluntary and community organisations should be able to recover full overhead costs when they deliver public services.

'Positive Steps' says government is committed to streamlining the delivery of statutory funding to the sector and the introduction of audit requirements that are proportionate to the size and turnover of organisations.

But there is also a huge challenge to the sector to collaborate, modernise, introduce quality systems, improve governance and financial controls and develop strategies on training and information and communications technology. The report makes clear that organisations must be 'kite-marked' for good governance and financial control before they can benefit from the reduced audit and regulatory controls that are promised.

'Positive Steps' is available on www.dsdni.gov.uk.