With economic inactivity rates among the highest in the UK, the conference addressed the pressing need for effective strategies to combat this issue.
Hosted by NICVA and Belfast City Council, Labour Market Partnerships, this event brought together stakeholders in the voluntary and community sector to explore the development of a sustainable and effective investment model to address economic inactivity challenges.
Speakers at the event included Minister for Economy Conor Murphy MLA, Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons MLA and the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray.
A broad range of voluntary and community sector leaders also provided insight into the critical support provided by the sector in areas including building the skills and confidence of young people; working with the statutory sector; and supporting women to develop key employability and vocational skills.
Speaking at the conference, NICVA Chief Executive Celine McStravick said:
“The voluntary and community sector work is well evidenced as a major contributor to reducing economic inactivity, providing a range of supports and services to people furthest removed from the job market. The sector has the expertise to deliver and provides value for money by reducing demand on social care and other pressurised public services.
“This conference showcases the breadth and value of the support provided by the voluntary and community sector – provision that would be decimated without UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). But with this funding due to come to an end next year and no transition fund in place, we’re calling for a long-term strategy and investment to ensure these vial services can continue to operate.
“Our elected representatives are facing many challenges, but we remain positive that these issues are not insurmountable. We need a collaborative approach across government departments and sectors to deliver a shared outcome, and our sector plays an important role in these policy discussions and solutions.”
Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons said:
“I value the services and supports delivered by the voluntary and community sector and the partnership working with my Department which allows greater expertise, reach and responsiveness to the needs of our customers.
“Department for Communities initiatives such as Labour Market Partnerships, Workable NI and Access to Work NI help to channel this collaboration, direct our activity and target specific outcomes for those individuals facing additional barriers to employment.
“Whilst we would like to do more to meet our high ambitions for our labour market, the reality of constrained finances means we need to find new and innovative ways to achieve more for our customers with less.
“I am challenging my Department to find better ways to achieve outcomes against these pressures and it is reassuring to see that our voluntary and community sector is also looking inwards and challenging itself to do the same.”
Minister for Economy Conor Murphy said:
“Supporting people into good jobs is one of my four economic priorities. This means providing pathways for people from unemployment and economic inactivity into employment, while improving the quality of jobs so that they pay a decent wage, provide certainty and security, and are flexible enough to allow a work-life balance. My Department will soon publish a consultation on a Good Jobs Bill which aims to address these issues and strengthen democracy in the workplace.
“The community and voluntary sector has a pivotal role to play in supporting pathways into good jobs. The sector has been a leader in collaboration for many years and I look forward to working in partnership in the time ahead.”
