eNews 6 February 2012

By Seana McAuley - last updated on Tue, 13/03/2012 - 11:41

Minister decides for public benefit
Confused by consortium? Collaboration has you in a conundrum?
They work for you - Get to know the Assembly
Upcoming policy fora - unemployment forum, volunteering forum
Year-end preparation and forward planning
New diplomas on offer from NICVA Skills Development
Employment update: are you ready for the changes?
EBM's social economy project wins another award
WiserAdviser training with Advice NI
Improving outcomes for children and young people
2012 Family Support Organisation of the Year
Explore volunteering with Volunteer Now events
Spotlight invites you to have your say
University of Ulster opens APEL accreditation process
Women in the workplace study visit
Child care jobs boost for the City
Nationwide Foundation seeks Trustees
Interchange opportunity with the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland

CEE Economic Insight
Pick of the Websites
All of a Twitter
NICVA Out and About
Make Your Move - new jobs from CommunityNI

1 Minister decides for public benefit

NICVA has welcomed last week's decision by the Minister for Social Development that all charities in Northern Ireland will be required to demonstrate that they are established for the benefit of the public. A Charities (Amendment) Bill will now be prepared for consideration by the Committee for Social Development and hopefully introduced to the Assembly before the summer recess.

Denise McCann, NICVA's Governance and Charity Advice Manager, commented:

“This is a very positive development. NICVA has always believed that all charities should be treated fairly and equally. We are delighted that the Minister has decided not to change the essence of the public benefit test requirement, thus providing a framework whereby all charities in Northern Ireland will have to demonstrate how they fulfil the public benefit test.”

Once royal assent has been granted, the Charity Commission can begin a public consultation on its guidance for the public benefit test, perhaps early next year. This could see the register of charities being established before the summer of next year.

For more detailed information on the passage of this reform, please see NICVA’s dedicated charity law reform page http://www.nicva.org/governance/charity-law-reform

2 Confused by consortium? Collaboration has you in a conundrum?

Fear not… We have training that can help

CollaborationNI is presenting new one-day training, ‘Leading Change – Collaboration and the Law’ on Wednesday 22 February 2012.

Aimed primarily at leaders, trustees and senior managers in voluntary and community organisations, this training will address the main legal issues you need to consider if you are involved in a collaborative venture. When working together as organisations, there is a broad range of collaboration types, from loose networks at one end of the spectrum to full mergers at the other. Each type of working arrangement brings its own challenges and opportunities and this training will offer practical tools and advice.

To book a place on this course, please click on the link above. This training event is part of the CollaborationNI project, funded by the Building Change Trust and delivered by a consortium of NICVA, CO3 and Stellar Leadership.

3 They work for you - Get to know the Assembly

NICVA’s Vital Links team is bringing its free Get to know the Institutions training to Rural Community Network this week. This training is run in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Assembly outreach team.

The first of four sessions, Get to know the Northern Ireland Assembly examines the roles and functions of the Assembly and the relationship between the Assembly and the Executive. This session takes place on Thursday 9 February, 9.30am-1.00pm at Rural Community Network, Cookstown.

To book a place please click on the link above or contact Cathy Breslin cathy.breslin@nicva.org. NICVA’s Vital Links is a project supported by the Peace III Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.

4 Upcoming policy fora - unemployment forum, volunteering forum

Unemployment policy forum
Belfast Umemployment Resource Centre will be hosting the first unemployment policy forum on Friday 17 February 2012 at 10.00am - 12.00pm.

The aim of the forum will be to enhance the capacity of organisations active on the issue of unemployment to build links with each other, make policy responses and participate in policy development. As this is the first meeting of the forum, it will deal with identifying the most pertinent issues for the sector and formulating a forward work plan.

Volunteering policy forum (chaired by Volunteer Now)
22 March 2012 - 10.00am-12.00pm at NICVA, 61 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast BT15 2GB. At this meeting Paula Hackett from Volunteer Now will explain why risk assessment is important when involving volunteers and how to effectively implement policy and procedure around it. Representatives from NI Chest, Heart and Stroke will also talk about their experiences of managing risk when involving volunteers. Membership of the forum is free and is open to any organisation or individual with an interest in volunteering issues.

To book a place at either forum please contact Cathy Breslin by email cathy.breslin@nicva.org or call 028 9087 7777. The policy fora are supported by NICVA's Vital Links project which is supported by the Peace III Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.

5 Year-end preparation and forward planning

Sector Matters can provide your organisation with “hands on” assistance to help you through your year-end preparation and financial planning for next year including help with budgets and cash flow projections.

For most organisations year-end is only two months away and in the current financial climate preparation and planning could be critical to ensuring your survival. By asking Sector Matters for assistance we will provide you with the necessary support to guide you through the process and complete a financial health check in the process for a total cost of just £250 + VAT. For more information contact Sector Matters on 028 9087 7781 or email tom.coard@sectormatters.com

Book now for free finance workshop
Sector Matters is also offering practical help to organisations working with older people through its free finance workshop taking place on Monday 13 February 2012, 10.30am to 12.30pm at NICVA, 61 Duncairn Gardens.

This two hour workshop has been designed to remind or enlighten you about some of the key concepts and tools needed in financial accounting. It should help you think about your organisations’ finances in a different way: more business-like than grant led but no less mission focused.

To register or for more information, click on the link above or contact Paula Reynolds at Sector Matters on 028 9087 5018 or email paula.reynolds@sectormatters.com

6 New diplomas on offer from NICVA Skills Development

ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management
This is a must for anyone considering a career in management or for those in management who want to improve their practice. Improving your leadership and management skills is key to running an effective organisation. Key challenges facing those responsible for leading, managing and training staff will be explored such as improving productivity and effectiveness and the importance of leadership in delivering efficiency.

There are eight sessions and two online tutorials designed to meet and reflect the diverse needs of each individual participant starting on Tuesday 28 February 2012 from 10.00am-4.00pm. The cost of the training is £500 (£650 non-members) plus £170 registration and certification fee to the Institute of leadership and Management (ILM).

ILM Level 5 Diploma for Professional Management and Coaches and Mentors
Starting on 8 March, 10.00am-4.00pm. Cost: £330 (non-members £429) + £170 registration and certification with ILM. According to research conducted by the CMI*, 68 per cent of managers say that coaching is an effective method of learning. Almost one in four (23 per cent) prefer to learn from colleagues; whilst 15 per cent argue that they are more comfortable seeking the advice of managers in other organisations. There will be four session plus two online action learning sets to allow participants to engage with their coach/mentor, adding value and support to the classroom based learning. Participants will be required to complete an extended period of management coaching or mentoring within their organisation.

For further detail on any of the programmes above please view www.nicva.org/training or contact Roisin Kelly, Skills Development Coordinator, roisin.kelly@nicva.org

7 Employment update: are you ready for the changes?

Several changes to employment legislation are coming into force over the next few weeks. NICVA'S HR Manager has added updates to www.communityni.org as a quick guide to what organisations need to be aware of. For more information please follow the links below.

Increase to Statutory Redundancy, Maternity, Paternity, Adoption and Sick Payments

Statutory redundancy payments increase from 1 February 2012.
Statutory Maternity, Paternity, Adoption and Sick payments increase from 1 April 2012.

New employment rights for agency workers

From 5 December 2011, after 12 weeks in the same job with the same hirer, agency workers will be entitled to the same basic terms and conditions as if they had been recruited directly.

8 EBM’s social economy project wins another award

East Belfast Mission’s social economy project won a provincial award in the Social Entrepreneurship category at Ulster Bank's Business Achievers Awards on 26 January 2012.

The Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards recognises business success, irrespective of offering, size, sector or location. The awards, now in their 18th year, are in association with the Irish Independent, Enterprise Ireland, Inter Trade Ireland and Invest NI. Companies are judged on a variety of merits including financial performance, company milestones and achievements, future strategy for the business and development of innovative products and services.

Provincial award winners will go on to compete in their respective categories at an all-island awards ceremony in Dublin in April 2012 where one category winner will also be crowned overall ‘Ulster Bank Business Achiever 2011’. The 2011 Ulster Bank Business Achiever will receive a comprehensive reward package including a publishing bursary with the Irish Independent, business mentoring, a full service communications workshop, as well as much positive national and regional PR coverage.

For further information go to www.businessachieversaward.com

9 WiserAdviser training with Advice NI

Advice NI is offering training and support for money advisers throughout February and March.

Introduction to Dealing with Debt
This course (OCNNI level 2) will help you to understand the basic principles of money advice, explore the nature and extent of a debt problem and how to check our client's liability. This is an excellent course for anyone working with clients facing financial issues or debt.
***Please note this entry level course is a prerequisite to all other wiseradviser courses.****

Good Practice Dealing with Debt
This course will provide you with a framework consisting of standards, systems and practices to enable you to provide a quality money advice service.

Prevention of Homelessness as a Consequence of Debt
This course which has been developed in conjunction with Housing Rights Service is accredited by OCNNI at level 3. It will equip you with the skills to identify the options for dealing with mortgage and rent arrears. It will explain the orders made by the court in relation to housing arrears/repossession as well as re-housing options available to the client.

Debt Relief Orders
This skilled level course follows on from pre-course materials available on www.wiseradviser.org. The course is only relevant to those who are hoping to train as an Intermediary with an approved Debt Relief Order Competent Authority. In this workshop you will review a case-study and explore the role of the intermediary in more detail. This course will be supported by a discussion forum.

Please see Advice NI's full training calendar for wiseradviser fee's, locations and times. Contact Joanne McCoy for further information.

10 Improving outcomes for children and young people

Your views are being sought about how to improve outcomes for children and young people and their families across Northern Ireland. Five new multi-agency groups with membership from the statutory, voluntary and community sectors have been set up by the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership.

These Outcomes Groups are consulting about the most concerning issues affecting children, young people and their families in each of the five areas. The responses received from this consultation will inform the actions plans for each area as part of the Northern Ireland Children and Young People’s Plan. Events and opportunities will be organised in each area particularly for children, young people, parents and communities so that everyone can have their say.

The consultation will run for 12 weeks and will end on 11 April 2012. Consultation documents from each of the Outcome Groups are available on the Health and Social Care Board website http://www.hscboard.hscni.net/consult/index.html or by contacting Anne Hardy or Una Geelan at: Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership, HSCB Northern Office, County Hall, 182 Galgorm Road, Ballymena, BT42 1QB by emailing cypsp@hscni.net or by calling 028 2531 1208.

11 Family Support Organisation of the Year

The search is on for the 2012 Family Support Organisation of the Year as part of the inaugural ‘Ni4kids Family Awards’ take place on Friday 11 May at the stunning new Titanic Belfast building.

There are 13 award categories in total including Mum, Dad and Child of the Year but the awards that may be of particular interest to members of NICVA are the awards for ‘The Family Support Organisation of the Year Award which is in recognition of the brilliant teams of individuals in organisations and charities that offer families with young children an extra shoulder to lean on. There is also a Childcare and Coach of the Year Award which again could be for individuals and teams who work on a voluntary or charitable basis.

This is a great opportunity to receive some well deserved recognition and Ni4kids would like members of NICVA across Northern Ireland to be nominated for these awards. To find out more or to nominate visit www.ni4kids.com/familyawards or email awards@ni4kids.com.

12 Explore volunteering with Volunteer Now events

Volunteer Now is organising a Volunteer Manager’s Forum event in Belfast on Tuesday 21 February at Volunteer Now, 34 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast. This event will be an opportunity for volunteer managers to network and share information; attendance is free.

The event will include a free ‘Volunteer Management in a Nutshell’ training workshop. These half day workshops are for organisations at all stages of development and provide an overview of what policies and procedures are right for your organisation as it is now. The session will be practical, interactive and provide participants with a clear action plan for development.

To register for this event please contact Suzanne Liddle by email at suzanne.liddle@volunteernow.co.uk or call 028 9023 2020 / 07850 851 819.

The impact of volunteering on quality of life - 21 February 2012, 12.45pm – 3.30pm (Lunch provided), Volunteer Now, 34 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast. To recognise the legacy left from the European Year of Volunteering 2011 and to mark the beginning of the European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations 2012, Volunteer Now has organised a seminar to discuss the impact of volunteering on quality of life.

Guest Speaker Dr. Pat McCloughan will consider participation in volunteering and unpaid work activities across Europe, including the determinants of volunteering and the relationship between volunteering and subjective well being. Learning from the range of research being conducted on older people volunteering through the Unlocking Potential Project will also be included in the seminar to inform the discussion.

You can register for the information session by contacting Suzanne Grant by email suzanne.Grant@volunteernow.co.uk or call 028 9023 2020.

Further information on both events can be found at www.volunteernow.co.uk

13 Spotlight invites you to have your say

The BBC Northern Ireland topical debate programme, 'Spotlight Special' is back on Tuesday 21 February. Presented by Mark Carruthers, the programme could be your chance to put a question or comment to a panel of politicians, on issues affecting our day to day lives.

It's a Question and Answer format, so with questions and comments coming from the studio audience, audience participation is at the heart of a successful and dynamic programme. BBC is especially looking for people who have something to say, are opinionated, are interested in the news, politics in Northern Ireland and the issues that affect their day to day lives; etc…

The programme is pre-recorded on the night and in terms of time, it's from 6.30pm to about 9.15pm with the programme broadcast later the same night. Recording takes place in Black Staff Studios in Great Victoria Street. If you are interested in taking part contact Spotlight by email at spotlightspecial@bbc.co.uk or call 028 9033 8374.

14 University of Ulster opens APEL accreditation process

The University of Ulster invites expressions of interest for places on this year’s Accreditation for Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) taking place in Jordanstown from 8-11 May and again on 14 May 2012.

This intensive fast-track course provides the opportunity for people in the voluntary and community sector to convert experience into university credits. Along with a Portfolio of Learning Outcomes it also offers the prospect of entry into the second year of the BSc Honours Community Development.

Cost: APEL concessionary fee £166 (Portfolio submission £250)

To receive information contact Isy Hawthorne-Steele, Rosemary Moreland or Eilish Rooney.

15 Women in the workplace study visit

Women in the workplace - Boston, MA and Washington, DC: 17 - 27 April 2012
Up to ten individuals, including human resource specialists, business leaders, relevant non-governmental organisation leaders, and academics from Ireland and from Northern Ireland will be selected to engage with their American counterparts to examine the development and promotion of female-friendly work environments. This programme will explore strategies to help working women achieve a balance between work and life, access continuing education, re-enter the work force, and take control of their financial futures.

The programme is sponsored by the Irish Institute at the Centre for Irish Programmes, Boston College, and the US Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Short-listed applicants must be available for interview either 29 February in Dublin or 1 March in Belfast. To apply visit www.bc.edu/irishinstitute for an application. For further information, please visit the website or telephone (353) 1 614 7450.
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16 Child care jobs boost for the City

A new Children’s Day Nursery set to open in June 2012 will create up to 20 new jobs in the field of child care. The purpose built facility in the heart of Belfast will provide day care for over 50 children aged 0-5 years old, provide a private drop off/pick up area, have highly qualified staff, feature three bespoke rooms and offer nutritionally balanced meals. Located on Glengall Street, Puddleducks Day Nursery will be easily accessed from main motorway links, public transport systems and ideally situated for busy mums and dads commuting to the city centre. Puddleducks is a social enterprise of Belfast Central Mission.

For more information contact Puddleducks on 028 9024 1917 or visit www.puddleducksnursery.org

17 Nationwide Foundation seeks Trustees

Vacancy for Trustees – Voluntary role (expenses reimbursed). Meetings held in Swindon and London.

The Nationwide Foundation is a grant making charity (1065552). It aims to be a leading funder and focuses support on charities helping people in need, particularly over housing and personal finance issues. It works closely with its main benefactor, the Nationwide Building Society.

The Foundation’s Board seeks two new Trustees who will contribute towards developing and implementing its next three year grant making strategy. The new Trustees will bring their experience, skills and understanding of the grant making and charity sectors to complement the existing strong Board. A knowledge of the fields in which the Foundation provides support would also be desirable. Trustees are expected to attend four Board meetings a year, and to participate in sub committees as necessary.

Interested applicants must email CVs and a covering letter to the Foundation’s chief executive, Lisa Suchet by 17 February: lisa.suchet@nationwidefoundation.org.uk. Further information is available at www.nationwidefoundation.org.uk or call 01793 655 113. Interviews will take place on 8 March in London.

18 Interchange opportunity with the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland

The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland is seeking to appoint a Senior Finance Officer for a secondment of 12 months. The secondment opportunity, aimed at individuals at a middle management level who have the relevant skills and experience to undertake the duties outlined. The secondment will begin in April 2012 or as soon as a suitable candidate has been identified and a release date is agreed.

Interested candidates should complete a candidate proforma, available at www.interchangeni.org.uk and return it through the Interchange Manager to interchangesecretariat@dfpni.gov.uk by 2.00pm on Monday 20 February 2012. For further information about the post, please contact Paula Graham, Senior HR Officer in The Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland on 028 9082 8622, or by e-mail to hr@policeombudsman.org

CEE Economic Insight

Economic Insight - 3 February 2012
This weekly roundup and review of economic news from home and abroad is an invaluable tool for keeping up to date with all the latest developments. You can find CEE's Economic Insight on our website at www.nicva.org/projects/centre-economic-empowerment along with other news and information on the project.

Pick of the Websites

Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has published a follow-up report into Connecting Criminal Justice: the exchange of information by Criminal Justice Organisations through the Causeway IT programme.

The Big Ards Get-Together - enjoy tastes, sights and sounds from around the world. Unique foods and crafts are on offer from around the world; relax around the global campfire to enjoy the beats and rhythms of live music from the many diverse areas of the world.

Ulster Association of Youth Drama - this inaugural conference, whose key themes are “Engage, Inspire, Create” aims to offer learning, best practice sharing and networking to those working directly in the Youth Drama sector in Northern Ireland, to those who want to explore the use of drama when working with young people and those studying for a career in the industry.

Belfast City Council community launch of draft Investment Programme for Belfast 2012-2015. Consultation events will take place at the following venues Shankill – Wednesday 8 February at 10.30am in Argyle Business Centre, East – Thursday 9 February at 12 noon in Belmont Tower, West – Friday 10 February at 10.30am in An Chultúrlann, North – Wednesday 15 February at 10.30am in Grove Wellbeing Centre, South – Thursday 16 February at 10.30am in Olympia Leisure Centre

All of a Twitter

@neilirwin Neil Irwin - 6 February

Arts Council (NI) Beyond Borders deadline extended until 10th Feb bit.ly/yvdMv2 #GrantTracker

@NICVA NICVA - 6 February

Charities advised to learn from new Charity Commission NI report - 100 lessons to be learned ow.ly/8Ts0x

@CommunityNI CommunityNI - 6 February

RT @springboardopps: New initiative aims to tackle sectarianism shar.es/fZioN #tweetni

@Mencap_NI Campaigns - 6 February

Benefit cuts are fuelling abuse of disabled people, say charities fb.me/1vRnljZeS

@OrtusNI Ortus Bus Dev Agency - 3 February

@NICVA @NICVACEE Our Social Franchising programme will assist comm/vol sectors assess sustainability through franchising. Please RT #socent

@ViewforNI

Check out VIEW - an independent voice on community/voluntary sector in Northern Ireland - http://bit.ly/view01-january2012

NICVA Out and About

If you are interested in NICVA's activities, events and training and would like to know what goes on in your area then take a look at the brand new Out and About feature on our website. This feature contains a map enabling you to see where activities are taking place across Northern Ireland and the types of activities delivered by NICVA staff. To find out more about what's going on just click on the activity to find out more about that project.

This week NICVA staff will be seen out and about in Cookstown, Strabane, Enniskillen and Ballymoney.