Policy news

With support from NICVA, The Scaffolding Project have launched a briefing document examining 'The experience of poverty and community responses in East Belfast.'

  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:

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.

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 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.

What's the latest on the Peace Plus programme and how will voluntary and community organisations be involved?  NICVA  meets with SEUPB to get an update

The Minister for Communities introduced the Charities Bill to the Assembly on 21 June 2021.  

On 23rd June, the first full meeting of 2021, of the Government and Voluntary & Community Sector Joint Forum (JF) was held online.  

On the 24th June the Department for Health, in partnership with NICVA will host an engagement event for stakeholders across the community and voluntary sector on the development of an Advance Care Planning Policy for Adults in NI.  

To mark Carers Week 2021 the Coalition of Carers Organisations have released this statement calling for urgent support for carers across NI many of whom are at breaking point due to a lack of essential services and supports.

On the 17th May NICVA hosted an information session for voluntary and community sector organisations on the recently launched UK Community Renewal Fund and how delivery of the fund shall operate in Northern Ireland.

NICVA's recently hosted an engagement event with the Department of Health in relation to the departments current public consultation on policy proposals to implement a Duty of Candour for Health and Social Care (HSC).

NICVA has prepared its response to the independent review of charity regulation.  Closing date for receipt of responses is Wednesday 12 May 2021.  

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey is changing legislation to enable local voluntary groups and clubs to raise vital funds by selling tickets online.

In March NICVA took soundings from sector organisations on our draft Manifesto for Change at three consultation events.  Read here the final Manifesto incorporating the feedback we heard from you for enhancing sector/government working