Policy & Public Affairs

NICVA’s Policy and Public Affairs Team provides a range of services to inform you about policy issues affecting your work, and provide you with the skills and opportunities to engage with policymakers

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.

Updates

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.

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 

Time is running out to save critical services to help the most vulnerable

NICVA issued a statement today to reflect the concern that members have expressed regarding the continuation of critical services funded through the European Social Fund (ESF)

NICVA members give their views on getting NI government back

In May, we surveyed NICVA members on the current lack of government in Northern Ireland.  Read here what members' top concerns were and what they said should happen next.  The survey questions and results are attached

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.

Team

Kathy Maguire Policy Development Officer kathy.maguire@nicva.org's picture
Suzie Cahn Shared Island Project Director suzie@wheel.ie's picture

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