The Joint Forum consists of representatives from central and local government and the voluntary and community sector. It facilitates open discussion on key issues which shape the relationship between the voluntary and community sector and the public sector. It seeks to influence and examine the impact of public policy and supports opportunities for greater co-operation and joined up activity to better serve the people of Northern Ireland.
Minister McCausland said, "The Joint Forum is an important partnership between Government and the voluntary and community sector which helps us to work together as partners in building a peaceful, participative, equitable and inclusive society in Northern Ireland.”
Speaking on behalf of the voluntary and community sector, Seamus McAleavey, Chief Executive of NICVA said, “We are pleased to welcome the Minister here today. This is a challenging time for the sector on a range of issues like welfare reform, the development of a new employment programme 'Steps 2 Success', a squeeze on voluntary and community organisations' income and increasing demand for our services. Being able to work together, directly with policy makers, through the Forum is a positive and important step to managing these issues and creating positive change."