Insight and latest updates from our team

***PLEASE NOTE: Nominations are now closed and we will update this article with information regarding the Panel in due course***

Do you have the commitment, knowledge and skills to represent the VCSE sector on community planning in Belfast? On behalf of Belfast Community Planning Partnership (BCPP), NICVA is inviting nominations for representatives to the Belfast Agenda VCSE Sectoral Advisory Panel for a further four-year term from April 2025 to March 2029.

We were delighted to convene some of our NICVA members for a tour of the Bank of Ireland Art-Deco buildings and site on Thursday, hosted by the Belfast Stories Team from Belfast City Council.

As we embark on a new year it is an opportune time to plan for governance. 

The Code of Good Governance (the Code) sets out the principles and key elements of good governance for the boards/committees of not-for-profit organisations including charities, voluntary, community, sporting, faith and social enterprises.

Responsible business network Business in the Community (BITC), in partnership with NICVA, is hosting a half-day conference in Belfast on 29 January that will bring businesses and the voluntary and community sector together to explore the pivotal role that effective partnerships play in addressing critical societal challenges.

When a group of passionate older adults came together in 2011 to form the Mid and East Antrim Agewell Partnership (Agewell), their vision was to connect the three areas in the newly formed Mid and East Antrim and form strong networks.

Civil society members of  The Anti-Poverty Strategy Group are pressing the NI Executive for the inclusion of Eradicating Poverty as a priority within the new Programme for Government.

NICVA has submitted its response to the Department for Communities' consultation on a Gambling Code of Practice.  This initial Code of Practice will affect anyone providing gambling facilities and includes voluntary-led organisations that run societies’ lotteries. 

New research from the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) reveals devastating impacts of the UK Government's planned increase in Employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) on the voluntary and community sector.

NICVA’s 2024 Impact Report highlights how we have strengthened, supported, and championed the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland over the past year.

Community Foundation for Northern Ireland seeks input on new VSCE Digital Hub

Our annual general meeting (AGM) took place on Friday, 6 November 2024. The AGM provided an opportunity for members to come together, hear about our work over the past year, and vote on important decisions.

The Civil Society Group on charity banking issues has launched a joint report on the banking challenges that charities and other not for profit organisations have been experiencing.

At NICVA, we love to highlight the amazing work of our members. This month, we’re focusing on Kith & Kin Financial Wellbeing, a Social Enterprise making a big difference by helping people manage their finances better.

On 21 November, NICVA held its annual Trustees Conference on the theme of finance. 

Arrangements for the All-Party Group on the Voluntary and Community Sector meetings for 2025 are currently being rescheduled to ensure fullest engagement from the voluntary and community sector and MLA colleagues.

23-28 November is Charity Fraud Awareness Week. Now in its ninth year, its aim is to share best practices and protect charities from fraud. Below are some links and resources to help.

This series of online training is designed specifically for charity trustees and those staff whose work contributes to the good governance of the organisation.