Here’s our round-up of highlights from the event.
Reflecting on the 23/24 year
Charlene Brooks, NICVA’s Chair, reflected on the challenges faced by the voluntary and community sector this year, including political instability, funding cuts, and rising service demands. She highlighted NICVA’s commitment to working with and for our members through key initiatives like the Cost of Living report, advocacy against funding cuts, and the establishment of the All-Party Group to ensure the sector’s voice is heard in policy discussions.
NICVA’s CEO Celine McStravick presented the Annual Report highlighting key outputs during the year:
- Delivering accredited and non-accredited training programmes
- Providing advice and support to sector organisations on governance, workforce development, fundraising, HR, finance, and cyber security
- Conducting surveys and detailed research on key issues impacting the sector
- Hosting a wide range of policy seminars and events
- Representing the sector across influential committees and strategic forums.
Read our full annual report and accounts here
Changes to NICVA’s Executive Committee
At the AGM, Charlene Brooks (Belfast Healthy Cities) was reappointed as Chair of NICVA’s Executive Committee, while Stephen Dallas (The Bytes Project) was re-elected to the Board.
Three new trustees were welcomed to the Board:
- Jahswill Emmanuel (Multi-Ethnic Sports & Cultures NI)
- Peter Lynch (The West Belfast Partnership Board)
- Roisin McLaughlin (North West Community Network)
Charlene also thanked the trustees departing NICVA for their wisdom and expertise as members of the board. The trustees stepping down are:
- Heather Weir (elected 2020)
- Sharon Didrichson (elected 2022)
- Olwen Lyner (elected 2015; Chair 2021–2023)
- Denise Hayward (elected 2015)
Sir Kenneth Branagh was re-elected as Honorary President.
NICVA’s Impact
Following the AGM, Celine McStravick launched NICVA’s Impact Report 2023/24, showcasing how NICVA strengthened the voluntary and community sector over the past year. Key highlights included responding to 920 sector queries, delivering training to over 1,100 participants, and supporting 1,447 members, many of which are small organisations. NICVA also held 48 policy engagement events, campaigned on sustainable funding, and facilitated the creation of the All-Party Group for the sector. These achievements underline NICVA’s commitment to empowering organisations, amplifying their voices, and fostering collaboration.
Explore the full Impact Report here
View our summary Infographic here
Panel discussion: Innovation and Collaboration
A panel discussion explored how innovation and collaboration can address critical challenges, sharing key learning and successes. The panel included:
- Karen Smith, Head of Contracted Services, Disability Action.
- Dr. Martin McMullan, CEO, Youth Action.
- Brenda McMullan, CEO, Halifax Foundation.
Attendees also participated in roundtable discussions on future challenges and the support needed from NICVA, followed by lunch and a mini Christmas market showcasing local charities and social enterprises.
