Get in touch with us on 028 9087 7777 or via the support request form or you can email our team. Please check COVID-19 Information Hub for regular updates.
Policy & Public Affairs
As well as providing information, skills, and opportunities to engage directly with policymakers and influence policy, the Policy and Public Affairs Team also directly represents the sector’s interests on a wide range of external forums and groups. In addition, our team includes NICVA’s research function, which undertakes ongoing research to increase understanding of the sector, its views, and its value to society. We also offer advice on undertaking research, and work with our universities and other research bodies to encourage research partnerships with our sector.
As part of our work we offer the opportunity to join meetings and events held by our Public Affairs Forum which provides regular opportunities for those working in policy and public affairs to come together and exchange knowledge with others in the sector, and a space to meet invited policymakers and influencers. In addition, those interested in particular policy areas, can join our Departmental Monitoring Group mailing lists.
We regularly consult our members and the wider sector to gather your thoughts on what issues need to be lobbied on or brought to the attention of policy and decision makers. This consultation has enabled us to develop our Policy Manifesto and our ongoing consultations and seminars help ensure that your views, concerns and proposals on specific current issues are reflected and represented to policymakers.
Our Current Campaigns
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Through this campaign, NICVA is representing the sector’s concerns about Brexit and helping the sector meet the challenges of changing international frameworks as well global trends in society. |
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NICVA is seeking to ensure that the sector is fully involved in the debate on how Northern Ireland can best transform health and social care services to meet growing needs and improve outcomes, and fully enabled to make its own major contribution to prevention and service provision. |
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Through this campaign, NICVA is gathering evidence to quantify and communicate the value of this sector’s work to society. This help reflect the importance of the work you do and the need to support it to the media, government, and the public. |
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Through this campaign, NICVA is seeking to ensure that the sector has a real say in the shape of future investment and that future funding mechanisms are transparent and consistent for all. |
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NICVA is working closely with Universities and others to encourage research that has tangible positive impacts and benefits for society, meets key needs identified by our sector, and is carried out through positive collaboration and partnership. |
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NICVA is seeking to ensure that our support services meet the needs of the ethnic minority sector in Northern Ireland. Through a programme of engagement we are developing our understanding of the challenges and tailoring our support to meet these. |
Updates
Manifesto for Change - A Blueprint for Future Sector/Government Collaboration
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
NICVA’s Policy and Public Affairs Update March 2021
The article below details the latest policy and research activities of NICVA's Policy and Public Affairs team.
Shared Island Dialogue: Civil society cooperation key to addressing all-island challenges
The Wheel and NICVA, the representative bodies for the community and voluntary sectors in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, today called for greater collaboration between civil society organisations across the island.
How to respond to Government consultations
Responding to Government consultations is vital to ensure that the voices of all of society are incorporated into the policy development process.
Have Your Say on the New Sport and Physical Activity Strategy
The Department for Communities is consulting on a new sport and physical activity strategy for Northern Ireland. Read here how you can input your views.
Consultation on Audit of Inequalities and Equality Action Plan 2021-24
Belfast City Council are currently consulting on the draft ‘Audit of Inequalities’ and Equality Action Plan 2021-2024.
SEUPB Launch Public Consultation on the PEACE PLUS Programme for 2021-2027
SEUPB are seeking views on the draft content of the European Union funded PEACE PLUS Programme (2021-2027), which shall be worth approximately €1bn.
Women’s Aid launch a petition for a 'Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy' in NI
Women’s Aid have today launched a petition calling on the Northern Ireland Assembly to develop and implement a 'Violence Against Women & Girls Strategy' in NI.
Ad Hoc Committee on a Bill of Rights to commence stakeholder consultation events
Following their recent Call for Evidence, the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Ad Hoc Committee on a Bill of Rights has launched a series of stakeholder events.
Budget 2021
Following a year of unprecedented challenges and economic uncertainty, the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak MP, yesterday announced the new budget for the UK.
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Resources
Events
Team
| Déarbhla Sloan | Policy Officer |
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| Dr. Helena Mc Elhinney | Research Officer |
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| Geoff Nuttall | Head of Policy and Public Affairs |
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| Kathy Maguire | Policy Development Officer |
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