Credibility, experience and legitimacy add up to powerful sector

Speaking to a meeting of NICVA’s Lobbying and advocacy policy forum, Mr Coaker acknowledged the vital role voluntary and community organisations play in reaching people and communities that other sectors cannot. Mr Coaker assured that he wholly welcomed opportunities to meet with the voluntary and community sector commenting that "out of discussion comes better policy".

He also recognised that although Northern Ireland should not be considered a ‘special case’, Westminster needs to take into account there are ‘special circumstances’ when it is deliberating on important issues like the economy, taxation policy and welfare reform. Mr Coaker added that he recognised there is potential flexibility in how welfare reform could be applied in Northern Ireland with the opportunity to mitigate some of the details that could have major impact for social security recipients without breaking parity.

The meeting went on to discuss a wide variety of issues raised by forum members including voter apathy, demonisation of young people, women’s role in peace building, the Marmot review into health inequalities, the impact of the built environment on community cohesion, implementation of the Work Programme in NI, transparency in political donations and the Barnett Formula.

The conversation continued over lunch and, reflecting on the morning, NICVA Head of Public Affairs Lisa McElherron said

“the meeting was a great opportunity to hear from the Shadow Secretary of State on how he views his role and get an insight into how Northern Ireland is viewed in Westminster. Everyone was impressed with Mr Coaker’s knowledge of the issues affecting people and communities in Northern Ireland, and his willingness to engage in new issues raised with him today.”

Mr Coaker said

"NICVA does a great job in providing an effective voice for the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland. I was really pleased to be able to hear directly from its members, and discuss a wide range of issues during the Lobbying and advocacy forum. I look forward to continuing to work with them on important matters like welfare reform, which will have a huge impact on communities across Northern Ireland."

For more information on NICVA's policy fora and how to get involved click here.