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
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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
NICVA draft response to Charity Commission's draft strategic plan consultation
The Charity Commission’s consultation on its draft strategic plan for 2023-2026 and its engagement strategy will close for responses on 6 March at 5.00 PM (extended from the 6 February).
£600 energy support for Northern Ireland households to start in January
The UK Government has confirmed how customers without direct debits will receive their £600 voucher to help with energy bills.
NICVA’s Policy and Public Affairs Quarterly Update Oct-Dec 2022
Below is a summary of the most recent activities of NICVA's Policy and Public Affairs team from October-December 2022.
All NI Households to Receive £600 Payment for Energy Bill Support
The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy today released an update on Energy Bill Support Schemes in Northern Ireland for domestic customers.
Department plans for a de-minimis threshold for charity registration
NICVA warmly welcomes the Minister for Communities’s decision that a de-minimis threshold for charity registration should be introduced in Northern Ireland.
UK Shared Prosperity Fund NI Programme - OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
The Department for Levelling Up (DLUHC) has now opened the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Northern Ireland programme for applications under the programme's 'People and Skills' priority. Read how to apply here.
Department of Finance Update on Non-Domestic Rates Consultation/Charity Exemption
The Department of Finance has just released a report of the responses to its 2019 rates consultation including views on the charity rates exemption
UK Government Support for Energy Consumers in Northern Ireland
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has released information on support available for energy consumers in Northern Ireland.
Finance Minister Holds Consultation Event at NICVA on Devolving Fiscal Powers
On Tuesday 25 October, Finance Minister, Conor Murphy, and officials from his department held a sector consultation roundtable at NICVA on devolving more powers to the NI government to raise revenue from taxes
Cost of Living Crisis- Key Asks
NICVA is seeking meetings with Ministers on the impacts of the cost of living crisis on the voluntary and community sector following discussions with sector representatives and relevant Government Departments.
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Resources
Team
| 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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