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Seventeen learners from across Belfast are taking part in NICVA’s first OCN Level 2 Award in Community Development, a free, accredited course designed to strengthen local leadership and collaboration as part of the Community Empowerment Programme (CEP). 

This month, we are delighted to shine a spotlight on Specially Connected, a dedicated organisation working to create a more inclusive and understanding society for children with additional learning needs and their families. Their compassionate, hands-on approach is making a real difference to families across Northern Ireland — from personalised home visits to inclusive community events and specialised training.

In this Spotlight, Specially Connected share their story, their impact, and how NICVA membership supports their development.

NICVA’s Director of Policy and Insight Jonny Currie provides the first new monthly update on our policy and public affairs work in support of the voluntary and community sector across Northern Ireland.

NICVA submitted a response to the consultation on the draft Programme for Government 2024-2027 ‘Our Plan: Doing What Matters Most’.  

NICVA recently submitted a response to the  2025-26 Draft Budget for NI  published for consultation by the Department of Finance.

Are you a social entrepreneur based in Northern Ireland? Are you looking to scale-up your work? Do you focus on financial inclusion? UnLtd are keen to hear from young people (aged 16-30) wanting to make their communities fairer places to live.

A number of organisations have been appointed to deliver key projects as part of council’s £15.1m Belfast PEACEPLUS Local Community Action Plan. The plan is funded by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £1500 support payment for Voluntary and Community organisations funded through his department’s Voluntary & Community Division and Community Empowerment Division.

The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates will increase from 1 April 2025 with hourly rates for over-21s set to go up to £12.21 an hour.

NICVA’s Director of Policy and Insight Jonny Currie provides an overview of key issues relating to this week’s Spring Statement. 

Following on from International Women’s Day, this month we wanted to throw the spotlight on one of our newer member organisations Women in Media Belfast (WIMB) CIC

Run by Amanda Ferguson, Patricia MacBride and Niamh Campbell, WIMB was borne out of necessity, and a desire to increase women’s voices across the changing media landscape.

As we approach the new financial year, it's crucial for employers and employees in Northern Ireland to be aware of the forthcoming adjustments to statutory rates effective from 1 April 2025. These changes will impact various statutory payments, including sick pay, maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental pay.

The All Party on the Voluntary and Community Sector held its first meeting of 2025 in NICVA offices, with a packed house of voluntary and community sector representatives, MLAs and the Minister for Communities in attendance.

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.

On 21st March, NICVA hosted its annual Celebration of Learning, bringing together learners, leaders, and organisations from across the voluntary and community sector. This inspiring event recognised the achievements of individuals who completed accredited programmes with NICVA over the past year and provided a valuable space for shared learning and connection.

Celia Currie, Stakeholder & Policy Manager-Northern Ireland for the Fundraising Regulator shares a few key takeaways from this year’s report.