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
Election 2022 Engagement Series
With the NI Assembly Election due to be held in May 2022, NICVA have invited each of the five main parties to participate in an engagement event with the Voluntary and Community Sector.
The Scaffolding Project - The Experience of Poverty And Community Responses In East Belfast
With support from NICVA, The Scaffolding Project have launched a briefing document examining 'The experience of poverty and community responses in East Belfast.'
NICVA’s Policy and Public Affairs Update September 2021
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 role of the voluntary and community sector in supporting good relations amongst Northern Ireland’s young people webinar
With almost three quarters of NICVA members working to promote positive community relations, it remains a substantial area of work for the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland.
NIPSO: Consultation on creating Complaints Handling Standards for the Northern Ireland public sector
The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman is currently consulting on draft plans to help improve the public service complaints process. The Complaints Handling Consultation is now open and will close on 30th September 2021.
Civic and business leaders call for politicians to resolve NI Protocol issues
Leading civic and business figures are calling on EU and UK politicians to resolve the NI Protocol in ways that promote opportunities for Northern Ireland and upholds the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement.
Updated guidance on travelling between the Common Travel Area
The Home Office has updated their guidance for Irish citizens travelling to the UK from Ireland or the Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man).
Future Planning Model: DoH Consultation webinar
The Department of Health is currently undertaking a consultation to gather views on the draft Framework which will underpin Integrated Systems model. The deadline for response to the consultation is 17 September 2021.
Belfast Agenda: Continuing the Conversation
The Belfast Community Planning Partnership has started a review of the 2017 Belfast Agenda and they want to hear from you.
DfE briefing on the High Street £100 Voucher Scheme
NICVA recently held a webinar with the Department for the Economy to provide an overview of the High Street £100 Voucher Scheme launching on 27th September.
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Resources
Events
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NICVA 61 Duncairn Gardens Belfast United Kingdom BT15 2GB |
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NICVA 61 Duncairn Gardens belfast United Kingdom BT15 2GB |
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NICVA 61 Duncairn Gardens Belfast United Kingdom BT15 2GB |
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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