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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.   

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 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.  

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

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.

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.

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

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.

The Charity Commission’s consultation on its draft strategic plan for 2023-2026 and its engagement strategy will close for responses on 6 March at 5.00 PM (extended from the 6 February).  

A huge new report, years in the making, says that the community and voluntary sector’s increasing importance needs to be fully embraced. The private, public and third sectors all need to work together to build the best-possible future.

Help and advice for people and organisations who want to help following the Turkey-Syria earthquake. 

For years, mental health provision was described as Northern Ireland’s ‘Cinderella Service’. What words would best describe services for special educational needs?

The Chancellor has flagged up economic inactivity as an urgent issue. If he looks at this complex challenge and attempts a simple fix, he won’t get the results he wants.

Earlier this year, Benefact Trust announced changes to their grant funding including the permanent closure of their General Grants programme. The new grant framework aims to make a lasting impact on communities facing social challenges.

The Department for Communities is currently undertaking a review of its arrangements for supporting the Voluntary and Community Sector.

The High Court this week declared that the rights of two children with sight loss were breached when authorities failed to help get them to school. This grim story points to a bigger problem facing NI.

New research reaffirms an old oddity – Northern Ireland has the lowest rate of poverty of any UK region. However, that’s not the whole story.

Housing Rights share the lessons learned on their impact journey, so you can benefit from their experience.

The Department for Communities has set up a Registration Threshold, Registration and Proportionality of Annual Reporting Working Group to commence the work on introducing a threshold for charity registration. 

NICVA joined with the The Community Sector Peer Group, CO3 and the NI USE to say: 'we’re not a ‘nice to have’ – we’re essential'.

We all die eventually but, before we do, most of us encounter death many times. Not all of us handle it well. Additional support could help.

Celia Currie, Stakeholder and Policy Manager for Northern Ireland, reflects on the importance of volunteers in fundraising and why it's important for charities to understand what type of fundraising is being carried out

Over the last three months the NICVA Wellbeing group has been busy providing opportunities for staff to focus on their wellbeing and learn how to improve their mental and physical health.

Distribution of wealth should a headline talking point of economic discourse, alongside GDP, employment levels and inflation.

NICVA has spoken to the sector about the Cost of Living Crisis and you’ve told us about the issues you’re facing and the help you need.