A Year of Learning
Over the last year, more than 200 learners completed ILM and OCN accredited programmes with NICVA. These included both calendar courses and bespoke training delivered directly to organisations:
Bespoke programmes
- TIDES – ILM Level 3 Leadership and Management
- NIACRO – ILM Level 5 Leadership and Management
- Fermanagh Trust – ILM Level 3 Leadership and Management
- PEACEPLUS Community Empowerment Programme – OCN Level 2 Community Development
Training calendar programmes
- ILM Level 3 Award in Leadership and Management
- ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management
- ILM Level 3 Award in Management of Volunteers
- ILM Level 5 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring in the workplace
Learners consistently reported strong outcomes from their training, including increased skills and confidence, improved policies and procedures, stronger collaboration, and better engagement with the communities they serve.
OCN Success and External Recognition
September 2025 marked the delivery of NICVA’s first OCN Level 2 in Community Development through the PEACEPLUS Community Empowerment Programme, with 17 participants successfully completing the qualification. A further 22 learners are due to complete the course in April.
We were delighted to welcome many of them to the celebration event to receive their certificates. We were also proud to share the excellent feedback received through the OCN external quality review.
Highlights included:
- Our systems and management were described as exemplary
- IQA processes assessed as high standard
- Learner support commended
- Staff and quality of training excellent
- Assessment robust, fair and responsive to learner needs
This recognition highlights the commitment of NICVA staff to providing high‑quality, accessible, learner‑centred education across the sector.
Keynote: Changing Nature of Leadership
Our guest speaker, Anne Morrison (Morr Living), delivered a thought‑provoking speech on the changing nature of leadership. She reflected on the challenges of leading in a world that is faster, more connected and more uncertain than ever.
Anne emphasised that real leadership is rooted in humanity:
- Emotional intelligence is tested not in calm waters but in moments of uncertainty.
- Leaders must “notice people, see them, properly listen.”
- A key question for today’s leaders: “What do you need from me right now?”
Anne encouraged leaders to reflect on how they show up for their teams, reminding us of Maya Angelou’s powerful words:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will not forget how you made them feel.”
Learner Reflections
A highlight of the morning was a learner panel facilitated by Dawn Love, Skills Development Officer, featuring:
- Kirsty Comac (Here NI) – OCN Level 2 Award in Community Development; TQUK Level 3 Award in Education & Training
- Daniel Fairley (EBCDA) – ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management
Daniel reflected on how he did not initially see himself as a leader, but the programme helped change his mind-set and recognise the leadership role he already played within his organisation and community.
Kirsty reflected on how the OCN programme “gave her a map to follow,” helping her to be more organised and more confident in developing community‑focused work.
Both learners spoke about the value of high-quality, flexible training, NICVA’s strong understanding of the sector, the support of trainers and peers, and the relationships built throughout the learning journey.
Their reflections reminded us of the impact that the right learning, at the right time, can have on people, organisations and communities.
Looking Ahead
The event concluded with a group discussion exploring the evolving landscape of leadership, including the challenges leaders face and the support they need moving forward.
Closing the event, Roisin Kelly, Skills Development Coordinator, congratulated learners for their hard work and commitment, particularly alongside their busy working and personal lives. She thanked them for bringing fun and their participation in the sessions and ended with the quote:
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever”- Mahatma Ghandi
Upcoming training
NICVA's upcoming training can be viewed on our training calendar. We also offer bespoke training for your organisation, please contact [email protected] for more information.
We have a couple of accredited programmes planned. You can register online by clicking the links below
ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring | NICVA
