Local Growth Fund and UKSPF Successor
NICVA’s #NICantWait campaign continued to drive discussion about the lack of clarity on the successor to the UKSPF. Alongside our partners in the Economic Inactivity Coalition, we warned that nearly 24,000 people supported through UKSPF-funded programmes could lose access to vital services if a replacement programme is not announced soon.
It has been a very busy period of meetings with MPs, MLAs, and Executive Ministers, a photocall on the steps of Stormont before a debate during which MLAs supported our key asks, media engagement, and the submission of formal parliamentary evidence through the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee.
Poverty, Economic Inactivity, and Inclusion
NICVA has continued to link funding issues to broader socioeconomic challenges. As a member of the anti-poverty strategy group, NICVA supported the updated set of recommendations urging the NI Executive to take decisive and meaningful action to address poverty, its root causes and impact.
You can read our response to the draft strategy here NICVA’s Consultation Response: Draft NI Executive Anti-Poverty Strategy | NICVA
Capacity-building, influencing, and insight
Insight Exchanges
NICVA’s Insight Exchanges launched in August to enhance peer networking and share best practice among members. Exchanges so far have focussed on community banking challenges and effective strategic planning.
All-Party Group on the Voluntary and Community Sector
The September of the All-Party Group (APG) on the Voluntary and Community Sector featured updates on key policy issues affecting our sector. The Head of Policy and Research from NICVA’s sister council in Scotland SCVO provided insight on the relationship between the VCS and the Scottish Government - highlighting many shared concerns and opportunities.
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir joined the APG for a lively and informed discussion on specific policy areas relating to his department. You can read more about the meeting here : DAERA Minister Attends September Meeting of the All-Party Group on the VCS | NICVA
The next meeting is on Tuesday 18 November in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings.
VCS Policy Community
The October meeting of the VCS Policy Community focussed on the history and potential of partnership agreements between different levels of Government and our sector. Join us for next week’s gathering online where we will be focussing on NICVA’s new Civic Threads project and hearing from the Social Change Initiative and their World Values Survey.
