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
Rehabilitation of Offenders – Consultation
DoJ has launched a consultation on proposals to reform rehabilitation periods in Northern Ireland.
What would a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland look like? An information webinar
An ad hoc committee examining a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland has recently been set up by the Northern Ireland Assembly. The committee is currently carrying out a programme of consultation.
Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman: An information webinar
On Tuesday 12th January 2021, NICVA was joined by the new Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman, Margaret Kelly for an information webinar.
Policy and Public Affairs Update - December 2020
As the year draws to a close, we reflect back on the work of the Policy and Public Affairs team during the last few months of 2020.
#MakeOurFutureFair Campaign
NICVA are proud to support the #MakeOurFutureFair Campaign. Led by the Human Rights Consortium, the newly launched campaign calls for the delivery of a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.
Loneliness in Northern Ireland: A call to Action
A NI report launched this week highlights the impact of loneliness across NI communities and makes an urgent call to the NI Executive to respond by driving forward the development of a bespoke Loneliness Strategy for NI.
NICVA joins urgent call for NI loneliness strategy
Loneliness has a real cost and affects people of all ages. It is something we’re all likely to experience at some point in our lives, including when becoming a carer or parent, following bereavement or during ill health.
Covid Collaborations: How voluntary & community sector/researcher partnership projects are helping those impacted by Covid
During the initial months of the coronavirus pandemic many organisations and businesses face unprecedented changes and obstacles to their normal work.
QUB Students available for internship or placement opportunities
Level 3 QUB politics students are keen to gain first hand experience in the voluntary and community sector. Would your organisation be interested in hosting some of them in January 2021?
RSPB NI launch 5 Point Green Recovery Plan for NI’s Economy and Environment
The RSPB NI have recently launched their 5 point Green Recovery Plan for a post-Covid 19 Northern Ireland.
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Resources
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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