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.
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 Manifesto for Change 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
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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
UK Government Levelling Up Fund Round 2
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities have published a recording of their recent Northern Ireland informational webinar on Round 2 of the Levelling Up Fund.
UK Government Host Information Webinar for Northern Ireland Applicants to Round 2 of the Levelling Up Fund
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities recently hosted an Northern Ireland informational webinar on Round 2 of the Levelling Up Fund.
Top 10 Results from NICVA’s Annual Individual Charitable Giving Survey 2022
NICVA commissions an annual survey into charitable giving in Northern Ireland. The Individual Giving Survey 2022 was undertaken in January 2022. Participants were a fully representative sample (n=1,013) of the NI adult (16+) population.
NI Assembly dissolved in advance of upcoming Assembly Elections 2022
The NI Assembly was today dissolved in advance of the Northern Ireland Assembly Elections due to take place on Thursday 5th May 2022.
Policy and Public Affairs Quarterly Update (January – March 2022)
Catch up on what NICVA's Policy and Public Affairs team have been up to in the last quarter to highlight and support the work and key interests of the sector:
The Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland - Consultation
SIB is currently in the process of developing a new Investment Strategy on behalf of the NI Executive and have produced the draft ISNI 2050 which is out for consultation until April 20th 2022
JOINT FORUM COMMUNIQUÉ MARCH 2022
Catch up on the most recent news & activity happening via the Government and Voluntary & Community Sector Joint Forum.
NICVA response on the draft gambling codes of practice
NICVA has submitted a response to the Department for Communities consultation on the draft code of practice for gambling operators which includes anyone conducting a society lottery.
#AE2022: VCSE Sector Manifestos
On the 5 May 2022, Northern Ireland will head to the polls to elect a new cohort of MLAs for the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Non-functioning Northern Ireland Executive has negative impact on our daily lives.
With the absence of a functioning Executive, we are in a further period of damaging inertia. Important decisions legally cannot now be made- the most obvious the finalising of a three-year budget
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Resources
Events
How to engage with the Northern Ireland Assembly - Free Members' Webinar 10 Jun 2022 - 10:00 to 11:00 |
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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Suzie Cahn | Shared Island Project Director |
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