Insight and latest updates from our team

The work of the VCSE sector encompasses every aspect of life from health and social care, to arts and education, to social issues and the environment.

Women's Aid provides a holistic service to women, children & young people affected by all forms of domestic & sexual violence.

Hope 4 Life NI is a mental health organisation based in Northern Ireland works to the ethos that that everyone has a right to good mental health and is committed to working for this right to become a reality for all.

Providing frontline nursing and hospice care, Marie Curie is an end-of-life charity that offers a free support line and a wealth of information on all aspects of dying, death and bereavement.

The LRA (Labour Relations Agency) has published new guidance: 'A Practical Guide to Hybrid Working' to help employers who wish to develop a blended approach to working at home/remotely and in the workplace. 

Cashless transactions were a feature of daily life before COVID, but 2020 forced many charities to offer supporters alternative donation methods.  

  Catch up on what NICVA's Policy and Public Affairs team have been up to in the last quarter to highlight and support the work and key interests of the sector:

A new forum aimed at supporting and improving communications on issues around charity law, regulation and trends has been launched by Northern Ireland’s charity regulator.

While the NI Executive's recent guidance remains to work from home, it also encouraged employers 'to plan for a return to the workplace'. This article provides guidance on how organisations can prepare for this. 

With almost three quarters of NICVA members working to promote positive community relations, it remains a substantial area of work for the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland.

Everyone wants to live well. It is also important to die well.

The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman is currently consulting on draft plans to help improve the public service complaints process. The Complaints Handling Consultation is now open and will close on 30th September 2021.

Leading civic and business figures are calling on EU and UK politicians to resolve the NI Protocol in ways that promote opportunities for Northern Ireland and upholds the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement.

The Department of Health is currently undertaking a consultation to gather views on the draft Framework which will underpin Integrated Systems model. The deadline for response to the consultation is 17 September 2021.

Charities and other societies will be allowed to sell their lottery tickets online from the 7 September 2021.

NICVA has prepared a response to the Charities Bill 2021.  Closing date for receipt of responses is Friday 3 September 2021.

NICVA recently held a webinar with the Department for the Economy to provide an overview of the High Street £100 Voucher Scheme launching on 27th September.

Further to the introduction of the Charities Bill to the Assembly in June, the Committee for Communities has launched its ‘Call for Evidence and Views’ and seeks your views by Friday 3 September. 

From 1 July 2021, the electoral register in Northern Ireland will be renewed as part of the national canvass. If you want to vote in future elections, you must register to vote after 1 July, even if you’ve registered before.

Geraldine is a volunteer with Falls Community Council.