Belfast Agenda VCSE Sectoral Advisory Panel ***NOMINATIONS NOW CLOSED***

NICVA has been appointed to undertake an independently managed nomination and selection process to secure the continued engagement and input of the Belfast Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sectors in the Belfast Agenda community planning process.  

Community Planning is about everyone working together to develop and implement a shared vision for promoting the wellbeing of the city and delivering real improvements for local people. It is about bringing decision making closer to communities and giving local people an opportunity to have their say on issues that matter to them. The Belfast Agenda, the city’s Community Plan, outlines how partners plan to support the most vulnerable in our city while growing the economy, regenerating neighbourhoods, supporting communities and achieving our climate targets. 

Click here to watch a short video on The Belfast Agenda

1) Background to the Belfast Agenda and the VCSE Sectoral Advisory Panel

The Belfast Agenda is the city's community plan, first published in 2017 and updated in 2024 to reflect the current priorities of community planning partners and the public.  Created by a partnership of key city partners, residents and community organisations, the Belfast Agenda sets out a joint vision and long-term ambitions for Belfast’s future, as well as outlining priorities for action over the next four years.

The VCSE Panel plays a central and constructive role in helping drive forward community planning by articulating the voice of the sector in strategic planning; supporting the development of cross-sectoral relationships and improved partnership working; and promoting ongoing and effective community engagement in community planning.

The Belfast Agenda VCSE Sectoral Advisory Panel was established in February 2020, for a four-year term (extended by one year due to COVID-19). As the Panel completes its first term, a refreshed membership of up to 30 members will be in place by March 2025, with a reserve list of suitable candidates (up to 10 reserves) should further vacancies arise over this next term.

For more information on The Belfast Agenda, including accessible formats and other languages CLICK HERE

2) Summary of Panel Membership Roles and Responsibilities

• Purpose: Drive the Belfast Agenda articulating the voice of VCSE sectors in strategic planning, fostering cross-sectoral relationships, and promoting community engagement.
• Membership Term: Four years from April 2025 to March 2029
• Time Commitment: Up to 12 panel meetings per year (2-hour duration), plus additional quarterly meetings if delegated to Boards or Working Groups.
• Chair and Vice Chair: Selected from within the panel, serving a minimum of two years, with a possible one-year extension.
• Current Panel Members: You can find a list of panel members on Your Say Belfast 
• For more information, please refer to the VCSE Sectoral Advisory Panel Terms of Reference 2019 (attached). 
• Please Note: The Terms of Reference were drafted in 2019. These are due to be updated and approved by the new Panel to better represent the aims of the Belfast Agenda and the diverse nature of the sector and the people of the city.

3) Selection Criteria and Process

Membership of the Sectoral Advisory Panel will be drawn from organisations and groups within the VCSE sectors operating within the Belfast local government district boundary. The nomination and selection process applied to recruit Panel members will place an emphasis on achieving, as far as possible, a balanced VCSE sectoral representation across the following areas:

• Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership - 10 places (minimum)
• Belfast Agenda Themes and Priorities - 15 places 
• Section 75 and Minoritised Voices - 5 places

There will also be a Reserve List of up to 10 suitable candidates to fill any gaps that may occur over the four-year term.

Via the approved Application Form, Nominees will provide sufficient detail and information to clearly demonstrate a minimum level of relevant experience in the following areas:

• Skills and Experience
• Reach and Connectivity
• Knowledge and Expertise

Please Note: Existing panel members are eligible to re-apply for a further four-year term. To ensure continuity and to support the ongoing delivery of the work, BCPP may seek to retain up to two thirds of existing VCSE panel members.

Please read the Selection Criteria (attached) for full details (NB: UPDATED 16.01.2025)

4) Selection Panel

A Selection Panel made up of three voluntary and community sector representatives of NICVA’s Executive Board will ensure an independently managed nomination and selection process coordinated by NICVA staff. The process will comprise of the following steps: 

1. Request for Application: Candidates can self-nominate via the written Application Form approved by BCPP. This must include the endorsement and confirmation of support for the candidate’s nomination by the CEO/ Director/ Chair of Employing Organisation.
2. Assessment of Applications: Via the NICVA Selection Panel. Nominees should provide sufficient detail and information to clearly demonstrate knowledge, skills and experience relevant to the role and responsibilities of a VCSE Panel representative. These roles and responsibilities are detailed within the Terms of Reference document.
3. Recommendations for Sectoral Advisory Panel: NICVA Selection Panel will make recommendations to BCPP and the Chair.
4. Notifications: Successful Nominations, Reserves and Unsuccessful Nominations will be notified in writing via email on or before 31 March 2025

5) How to Make a Nomination, Closing Date and Return of Nominations

• To request a nomination pack please email: [email protected], including 'VCSE Sectoral Panel Nomination Form Request', in the subject area of your email.
• Closing date for completed nomination forms is extended to 3pm on Thursday 27 February 2025.
• All returned forms must be signed by the Chair/CEO/Director of the nominating organisation. Electronic signatures are allowed.
• Incomplete forms or those returned after the final closing date cannot be accepted.
• Completed forms should be returned to [email protected]

6) Support for Applications

To promote diversity and representation, NICVA aims to make the nomination process as accessible as possible. If you need extra assistance or support with the application form, if you require it in a different format, or if you need an alternative method of submission, please contact Susan Glass at [email protected] as soon as possible.

7) Further Information

NICVA hosted an online information session for VCSE organisations on Monday 27 January 2025 to outline the nomination and appointment process. John Tully, Director of City and Organisational Strategy, Belfast City Council, was in attendance to share key information and answer any questions about the process and the role of the VCSE Sectoral Advisory Panel in the Belfast Agenda. There were no FAQs from this session and you can view the attached slides for further information.

For any other queries regarding the Nomination process please contact Susan Glass via email: [email protected]