Social Policy

Data is growing. How it grows is up to us.

6 Jan 2023Ryan Miller undefinedData, Human Rights, Health, Big Data, Sector Issues, Social Policy, Privacy

Does big data provide an opportunity to improve the world? Can our personal info be used for nefarious ends? The answer to both is yes, potentially. Everyone should have an educated say in how we, as a society, use data.

Childcare needs support, and right now – for everyone’s benefit

25 Nov 2022Ryan Miller undefinedEconomy, Childcare, Education, Social Policy, Children, Early Years

For too long, childcare in Northern Ireland has been treated as an afterthought. As inflation hits its highest rate for over four decades, the pressure on both providers and parents is coming to a head.

Access Research Knowledge on Northern Ireland's social issues

5 Jan 2016Bob Harper Detail DataDetail Data, Open Data, Open Data Portal, Research, Social Issues, Social Policy

You can now access over 15 years of social information from ARK Northern Ireland on the Detail Data Portal.

Tax Credits Crunch - unpicking the July budget's effect on NI

1 Oct 2015Ryan Miller Welfare Reform, Social Policy

The importance of Welfare Reform in Northern Ireland has shrunk, grown or both - depending on your views - thanks to the Chancellor's July budget. Over 100,000 homes have projected income reductions of over £1,600. Scope takes a look.

Women and dealing with the past

17 Sep 2015Ryan Miller Peace Process, Social Policy

A report released this week says we need to better provide for female victims in order to address the legacy of conflict. Scope looks at its suggestions.

Can slavery be defeated?

10 Sep 2015Ryan Miller Social Policy

Forced labour remains a global scourge. Scope went along to a Law Centre NI conference and spoke with Kevin Hyland, UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and former top cop at the Met, about what can be done.

Refugees, migrants and Ireland

4 Sep 2015Nick Garbutt Social Policy

Scope editor Nick Garbutt reflects on the refugee crisis and looks back at Ireland's history of migration 

Shroud education: sharing and the future

20 Aug 2015Ryan Miller Equality, Social Policy, Education, Community Relations, Peace Process, Politics

Shared Education is the big new thing for helping society come together and improving schooling. But what are we supposed to expect?

Whatever happened to Heenan Anderson?

14 Aug 2015Nick Garbutt Politics, Social Policy, Welfare Reform

Whatever happened to the Heenan-Anderson Commission?

Why we need to know the truth about Kincora

12 Aug 2015Nick Garbutt Social Policy, Politics

Why is Secretary of State Theresa Villiers so determined to ensure that allegations about child abuse at Kincora Boys Home in Belfast does not form part of the UK investigation?