CLP deadline for expressions of interest - apply now for free training and bursaries

The Programme is targeted at grass-roots community groups working at a local level to develop their communities.  It is for groups that work with the whole community not single issue groups.

This is a one year leadership journey for groups, and by participating a group and its committee will have the opportunity to:

• Build the management and leadership capacity in your organisation.
• Participate in ten action learning sessions with a dedicated facilitator for your group.
• Benefit from a governance review, if one is required.
• Receive ongoing support and advice from NICVA.
• Network at three roundtable workshops with others from the Leadership Programme.
• Achieve accreditation for individuals from your group at Institute of Leadership and Management level 3.
• Opportunity for up to two people from the group to gain a Certificate in Management Practice from University of Ulster free of charge.
• Receive a maximum bursary of £2,500 (2,750 Euro) for an action-learning project.

Una McKernan from NICVA commented: "The first 27 groups, over 120 individuals, through the Programme are already showing lots of evidence of improved leadership skills, which can only benefit how their organisations are run and the local communities they operate in."

Una continued “the Programme is now recruiting for groups to participate in the third and final year, which continues to offer exciting and innovative training and learning opportunities which aim to strengthen the leadership capacity of community groups.” 

Year one participants, who celebrated their end of journey achievement in May, made the following statements:

Rainbow Parenting Group: "CLP has helped Rainbow Parenting to feel revitalised, empowered, focused, giving us a greater understanding of ourselves and our community's needs".

Killybegs Womens Group: "We are so grateful to have been part of this programme. We have been re-energised and refocused with the excellent help of our facilitator."

Groups currently in receipt of IFI revenue funding are not eligible to apply for this Programme.