NICVA is here for you but at present we have a number of staff on furlough leave. Whilst we're open, we are operating a reduced service. You can get in touch with us on 028 9087 7777 Monday - Friday from 9am - 1pm, or via the support request form or email our team. Please do also check for updates and new information via the COVID-19 Information Hub
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
Support and funding needed to help Voluntary and Community Sector organisations overcome fallout from Covid-19
The urgent need for training and investment in the voluntary and community sector has been highlighted by a recent survey carried out by the NICVA.
Regional Social Prescribing Development Board Call for Expressions of Interest for the role of Co-Chair
The Regional Social Prescribing Development Board is looking for Expressions of Interest for the role of Co-Chair from the Community & Voluntary Sector.
NICVA Raises Deep Concerns About the UK Internal Market Bill’s Impact on Future Peace and Prosperity in Northern Ireland
NICVA is extremely concerned about the potential impact of the proposed UK Internal Market Bill on the future peace, stability, and economic well-being of people in Northern Ireland.
Latest Policy and Public Affairs Team Update
In this latest update read how we have been adapting our work to support the sector in responding to the impact of Covid -19 and to ensure our core policy and public affairs activities continue in these challenging times.
Significant loss of income felt across the voluntary and community sector amid Covid-19 pandemic
Over two thirds of voluntary and community sector organisations have reported a loss of income despite an increased demand for their services according to a recent study carried out by NICVA.
Children’s Law Centre is urging groups to contribute to stakeholder report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child
The Children’s Law Centre (CLC) is calling on all stakeholders to contribute to a report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child ahead of the “List of Issues Prior to Reporting” expected to be issued to the UK Government in February 2021.
Top 10 Results from NICVA’s latest Covid-19 Impact Survey (August 2020)
In August, NICVA surveyed their membership of over 1000 voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations in Northern Ireland.
A Regional Mutual Bank for Northern Ireland Webinar
NICVA recently hosted an Information webinar on the campaign to develop a regional Mutual Bank in Northern Ireland.
Covid-19 Research Collaborations between QUB and VCSE Sector Organisations
QUB researchers, in collaboration with local and international NGOs/ VCSE sector organisations, have recently been successful in obtaining ESRC funding to undertake Covid-19 related research projects.
SEUPB publish PEACEPLUS Stakeholder Engagement Survey report
The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) have published a summary of responses to their PEACEPLUS Stakeholder Engagement Survey which was undertaken earlier this year.
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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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