Insight and latest updates from our team

Distribution of the £600 home energy payment has begun. However, for some older people in Northern Ireland, huge challenges remain as they struggle both with the cost of living and the risk of loneliness.

Reforming Assembly and Executive structures has been suggested several times as a way to end the current impasse. Will that work, in theory or practice? Scope looks at one suggestion: weighted majority voting.

NICVA delivers ILM qualifications at levels 3, 4, 5 and 7 to the Voluntary and Community Sector in NI for first line, middle and senior managers. We go back to learners several months later to find out the impact of their learning.

Mark Creaney, from The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF), talks about how the largest community funder across the UK is supporting communities who are seeking to minimise their impact on the environment.

Does big data provide an opportunity to improve the world? Can our personal info be used for nefarious ends? The answer to both is yes, potentially. Everyone should have an educated say in how we, as a society, use data.

Since September 2020 83 people have participated in our ILM L5 Diploma in Leadership and Management. It is encouraging to go back to our learners six months after they complete and find out what has changed.

Below is a summary of the most recent activities of NICVA's Policy and Public Affairs team from October-December 2022.

Some charities have experienced issues with either opening a bank account for their charity or maintaining their bank account.  We have been passing these issues on to the banks on your behalf via the Community Banking Project.

Eating disorders can devastate lives – but, here in NI, treatment services are not comprehensive and we simply don’t know how many people need help.

NICVA warmly welcomes the Minister for Communities’s decision that a de-minimis threshold for charity registration should be introduced in Northern Ireland.  

The Department for Levelling Up (DLUHC) has now opened the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Northern Ireland programme for applications under the programme's 'People and Skills' priority.  Read how to apply here.  

The Organisational Development Team has enjoyed serving our members and working with the wider sector in 2022. From the day to day information, advice, support and training to special initiatives we have adapted and developed to meet your needs.

The voluntary, community and social enterprise sector exists to make a difference in the lives of others, but increasingly we find ourselves under pressure to be able to effectively demonstrate the impact of our work.   

Last year NICVA partnered with NI Chest Heart and Stroke (NICHS) and The Public Health Agency (PHA) to be part of the Work Well Live Well Programme. This short article tells of our journey and some of the ideas we have for next year.

Another year’s transfer tests have just finished – will there be many more? Or, with the Independent Review of Education due to wrap up in the Spring, could academic selection at age 11 be headed for the scrapheap?

The Fundraising Regulator gives an overview of their work in 2022 including its commitment to strengthening its presence in Northern Ireland.

Mental health issues can affect one in four people at some point in their lives and have a significant impact on employee wellbeing. 

In Northern Ireland, carers are over four times more likely to be chronically lonely than people in general. Loneliness can be devastating - carers need more support.

The Department of Finance has just released a report of the responses to its 2019 rates consultation including views on the charity rates exemption

On 25th November, NICVA hosted a 'Maximising the potential of civil society in Northern Ireland' workshop along with the Law family Commission on Civil Society, a programme created by Pro Bono Economics.