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
Discretionary Support Review
The Minister for Communities, Deirdre Hargey MLA, has appointed an independent, expert panel to review the Discretionary Support scheme which provides financial support to individuals in crisis situations in Northern Ireland.
Latest on the Peace Plus Programme
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
Opportunities in Integrated Care Partnerships (ICPs)
There are currently a number of opportunities for people who work or volunteer in a community or voluntary organisation to get involved with the work of Integrated Care Partnerships (ICPs).
Charities Bill introduced
The Minister for Communities introduced the Charities Bill to the Assembly on 21 June 2021.
Joint Forum between the Government and the Voluntary and Community Sector - Meeting 23rd June 2021
On 23rd June, the first full meeting of 2021 of the Government and Voluntary & Community Sector Joint Forum (JF) was held online.
Policy and Public Affairs Team Quarterly Update (Apr-Jun 21)
Catch up here on what NICVA's Policy and Public Affairs Team has been doing in the last quarter to support the sector
NICVA supports ‘Ending the Harm’ public awareness campaign
NICVA is lending it's support to a new hard-hitting public awareness campaign, focusing on how paramilitary gangs use illegal money lending as a means to control and exploit vulnerable people.
Guidance on the Right to Work process issued by the Home Office
The Home Office have issued further information and guidance on the process for employers completing right to work checks on EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens.
WPG Feminist Recovery Plan Relaunch - One Year On
The Women’s Policy Group Northern Ireland are re-launching the WPG COVID-19 Feminist Recovery Plan on Wednesday 28th July 2021 from 10am-12pm via Zoom.
Advance Care Planning Policy - PHASE II Stakeholder Engagement Invitation 24th June 2021
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.
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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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