Leeann Kelly

Impact Practice Manager
Organisational Development

Leeann's Latest content

Title Type Summary
Save the Date – Winter Impact Practice Network Event What does it take to keep strengthening impact in practice—together?Over the past few years, the Impact Practice Network has become a trusted space for open, practical conversations—where challenges are shared honestly, ideas are tested, and learning is grounded in real experience.At the heart of the network is peer insight—and the opportunity to hear directly from those putting impact into action.Now, we’re building on that momentum. Published
NICVA Impact Practice Network: “Capturing Change That Actually Matters" - Transforming How We Measure Outcomes. Event This session offers practical strategies to make outcome measurement a valuable learning tool rather than merely a compliance requirement. “Capturing Change That Actually Matters” is an interactive workshop focused on outcome measurement frameworks grounded in real-world experience and proven practical effectiveness.  Published
Strengthening Voluntary Youth Work Together Article - A Shared Commitment to System Change  The Voluntary Youth Work Coordinating Committee* recently met with the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People Chris Quinn to discuss what needs to happen next for youth work.  Published
Member Spotlight: Quilter Cheviot – Helping Charities Grow with Confidence Article Supporting long-term impact through thoughtful investment and trusted adviceAt Quilter Cheviot, it’s not just about managing money — it’s about helping charities make a bigger difference. With a clear focus on balancing growth, income and risk, their work ensures organisations can stay financially resilient while staying true to their mission. Published
Leading with Confidence: Building Strong VCSE Leaders Article NICVA’s ILM Level 5 Leadership and Management ProgrammeStrong, confident leadership has never been more important for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations. With rising demand, increasing complexity and ongoing resource pressures, leaders are required to navigate change while supporting their teams and communities effectively. Published
A Sector that Speaks Clearly — and a System that Must Change Article The voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in Northern Ireland is not short on commitment, expertise or impact. What it continues to face, however, is uncertainty — driven by complex policy systems, fragmented decision making and funding models that don’t reflect how services actually work.NICVA’s Policy Survey 2026 captures the voices of organisations navigating this reality. The message coming through is clear: collective voice matters, trusted leadership matters — but recognition alone is not enough. Published
NICVA Member Spotlight: A Safe Space to Be Me Article 10 years of neurodivergent‑affirming support, access, and advocacyThis month, we are delighted to shine a spotlight on A Safe Space to be Me, an award-winning charity working across Northern Ireland and nationally to provide counselling, neurodivergent-affirming support, and wellbeing services.As they mark 10 years of impact, their work continues to respond to growing need, supporting individuals and families while also driving forward conversations around systemic change. Published
The Future of Voluntary Youth Work Is Being Shaped - Be Part of It Article For the past five years, the voluntary youth work sector in Northern Ireland has been on a shared journey of reflection, relationship building, and change. That journey continues - and your organisation’s voice is needed now. Published
Voluntary Youth Work Roundtable article Article Text here Draft
Making Meaning: Practical Qualitative Data for Real Impact Event Impact Practice Network in partnership with Sonrisa Solutions Ltd.The voluntary, community and social enterprise sector works with some of the most vulnerable, socially isolated and economically disadvantaged individuals and communities across Northern Ireland. With extensive experience in delivering services in innovative and cost-effective ways, this work is essential in ensuring that these voices are heard, needs are made visible, and services are sustainably funded. Published
Future Foundations in the Voluntary Youth Work Sector Article Conversations on Future Structures, Relationships & the Voice of Young People Published
Future Foundations in the Voluntary Youth Work Sector: Ballymena Event Conversations on Future Structures, Relationships & the Voice of Young People Published
Future Foundations in the Voluntary Youth Work Sector: Derry Event Conversations on Future Structures, Relationships & the Voice of Young People  Published
Future Foundations in the Voluntary Youth Work Sector: Newry Event Conversations on Future Structures, Relationships & the Voice of Young People  Published
Future Foundations in the Voluntary Youth Work Sector: Lurgan Event -Conversations on Future Structures, Relationships & the Voice of Young People  Published
Future Foundations in the Voluntary Youth Work Sector: Belfast Event Conversations on Future Structures, Relationships & the Voice of Young People  Published
Shaping the Future of Voluntary Youth Work: A Sector Conversation on Structure, Trust & Collaboration Event This roundtable event invites leaders across the voluntary and community youth work sector to explore findings from new research and to collectively envision what infrastructural support and guiding principles are needed for the next decade. Published
Boost Your Organisation’s Impact: Don’t Miss This Chance to Access Student Research Support Event Join Queen’s University Belfast’s Science Shop and NICVA for a lunchtime learning session showcasing how charities can access student research support. This session will highlight real examples of organisations that have benefitted from partnerships with Science Shop – from evaluating impact to gaining new insights into service delivery. You’ll also hear how students benefit from carrying out projects with communities. Published
Mencap NI and Caring Breaks: Redefining shared spaces for innovation Article NICVA Member Spotlight In Northern Ireland’s voluntary and community sector, collaboration isn’t just a buzzword - it can be a gamechanger. Two NICVA members, Mencap Northern Ireland and Caring Breaks, are working together in a way that could reshape how support is delivered to families caring for individuals with learning disabilities. Published
Stronger Governance, Stronger Organisations: The Impact of NICVA’s Support Article Good governance isn’t just a box to tick - it’s the foundation for trust, resilience, and impact. Our latest survey shows how our governance support is transforming organisations across Northern Ireland.  Published
Making the most of your membership – Winter welcome & refresher session Event As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and make sure you’re equipped with the support you need for the year ahead.  Published
Making the most of your membership – Autumn welcome & refresher session Event Autumn invites renewed purpose — join us to rediscover the tools, connections, and support that help your organisation thrive. Published
NICVA’s Making the most of your membership – Summer welcome & refresher session Event Summer is a brilliant time to pause, take stock, and make sure you’re getting the support you need to keep your organisation thriving. Join us this Summer 2026 for NICVA’s Making the Most of Your Membership online session — designed to help both new and long-standing members reconnect, refocus, and make the most of the season ahead. Published
NICVA’s Making the most of your membership – Spring welcome & refresher session Event Spring is the perfect moment to reset, re‑energise, and make room for growth. Join us this Spring 2026 for NICVA’s Making the Most of Your Membership online session — designed to help new and existing members get inspired and informed. Published
Member Spotlight: Specially Connected — Supporting Families of Children with Additional Learning Needs Article This month, we are delighted to shine a spotlight on Specially Connected, a dedicated organisation working to create a more inclusive and understanding society for children with additional learning needs and their families. Their compassionate, hands-on approach is making a real difference to families across Northern Ireland — from personalised home visits to inclusive community events and specialised training.In this Spotlight, Specially Connected share their story, their impact, and how NICVA membership supports their development. Published
From Data to Impact: Measuring, Communicating, and Embedding Change Event Voluntary and community organisations are under increasing pressure to show the difference they make. Funders, policymakers, and communities want clear evidence of impact—and many organisations struggle to know where to start. Published
Impact Innovation Lab: Design, Collaborate, Solve - Spring Impact Network 2026 Event Turn complex challenges into fresh ideasJoin us for a interactive, design‑led Innovation Lab where four real organisational impact challenges take centre stage. This is not a traditional workshop — it’s a creative problem‑solving space where participants experiment, ideate and build early prototypes together. Published
Kickstart 2026: Make the Most of Your NICVA Membership Event NICVA Member Welcome and Refresher Session It is the perfect time to plan ahead and set yourself up for success. Join us this January 2026 for NICVA’s Make the Most of Your Membership online session — a fresh start for new members and a reset for existing ones. Draft
The essentials of collaboration Event Join us to master the art of effective collaboration and learn the skills to work harmoniously with others. This interactive in-person training session is designed specifically for leaders working in the voluntary, community, and social enterprise sectors. Published
Member Spotlight: HERe NI – Empowering LGBTQIA+ Women Across Northern Ireland Article This month, we’re proud to feature HERe NI, a trailblazing organisation working to support, empower and advocate for LGBTQIA+ women and their families across Northern Ireland. Their goal is clear: to create a society where everyone can live free from discrimination, feel valued, and have equal access to safety, wellbeing, and opportunity. Published
Insight Exchanges: A New Way to Connect, Learn and Shape Change Article At NICVA, engaging with our 1,500 members is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we launched Insight Exchanges – a new way to bring members together to connect, share experiences, and have honest conversations about the issues that matter most to our sector. Published
Make the Most of Your Membership Winter Session Event NICVA Member Welcome and Refresher Session We're delighted to invite you to our Winter 'Make the Most of Your Membership' online session! Whether you're a new member or looking to refresh your engagement, this is an opportunity to help you unlock the full value of your membership. Draft
Autumn Support for NICVA Members: Free Impact Practice Clinics Article Want to sharpen how your organisation plans, measures and communicates impact?We're offering a limited number of free, personalised 1-to-1 online sessions to help you take practical steps forward - whether you're just starting out or ready to refresh your approach. Published
What You Told Us: How Your Voice is Shaping NICVA’s Future Article This summer we asked you - our members - to share your views on NICVA. Thank you to the 124 organisations who took the time to complete our membership survey. Your feedback gives us a clear picture of what’s working well and where we can do more to support you. Published
Connect, Celebrate, Collaborate – Be the Next NICVA Member Spotlight Article At NICVA, we’re committed to celebrating and supporting the incredible work of our members. That’s why we’re offering a unique opportunity to be featured in our Member Spotlight—with the added benefit of a personal visit from our team. Published
Why NICVA Training? Because It Makes a Real Impact Article The ILM Level 5 in Leadership and Management delivered by NICVA is more than just a qualification — it’s a transformative experience that builds confidence, sharpens leadership skills, and empowers people to lead with purpose. Published
Connect, Celebrate, Collaborate – Be the Next NICVA Member Spotlight Resource At NICVA, we’re committed to celebrating and supporting the incredible work of our members. That’s why we’re offering a unique opportunity to be featured in our Member Spotlight—with the added benefit of a personal visit from our team. Draft
Impact Practice Network: Building a Case for Support and Driving Change Event Come along to this Impact in Action session:Part 1: Making the Case – How Impact Strengthens Funding and SupportPart 2: Making it Work – Insights from a Six-Month Study on Impact Practice Draft
Member Spotlight: The Little Forget Me Nots Trust – Compassionate Support for Bereaved Families Article NICVA member The Little Forget Me Nots Trust is dedicated to ensuring no bereaved parent ever feels they have to navigate baby loss alone. Their trauma-informed, community-led support begins where clinical care ends - offering creative, compassionate spaces for families to process grief and begin learning to live with grief. Published
Member Spotlight- Celebrating Two Decades of Impact with Bolster Community Article As Bolster Community celebrates its 20th anniversary, we at NICVA are thrilled to catch up with them and reflect on their incredible journey of fostering connections and enhancing wellbeing.  Published
Make the Most of Your Membership Summer Session Event NICVA Member Welcome and Refresher Session We're delighted to invite you to our Summer  'Make the Most of Your Membership' session! Whether you're a new member or looking to refresh your engagement, this is an opportunity to help you unlock the full value of your membership. Draft
Supporting You on Your Impact Journey Article At NICVA, we know that getting to grips with impact practice can be challenging - especially if you’re just starting out or don’t have dedicated resources. That’s why we offer practical, tailored support to help you build your confidence and approach impact in a way that works for your organisation. Published
Insight Exchange: Strategy That Works on the Ground Event NICVA's Insight Exchange – Exclusive to NICVA Member Organisations  Draft
Unlock Your Small Organisation's Social Impact Potential Event For many small voluntary community organisations, impact reporting has always been a challenge due to resources. Whether its capacity, staff/volunteer time, or limited budget, many local groups are doing valuable work but can’t demonstrate the social impact they are creating with their beneficiaries and within their communities. Draft
Summer Impact Practice Network- Bringing Impact to Life: Telling Stories that Matter Event We are excited to invite you to the Summer Impact Practice Network meeting, where we'll explore the art of storytelling to showcase impact. This is your chance to learn how to bring your impact to life through compelling narratives. Draft
Make the Most of Your Membership Session Event NICVA Member Welcome and Refresher Session We're delighted to invite you to our quarterly 'Make the Most of Your Membership' session! Whether you're a new member or looking to refresh your engagement, this is an opportunity to help you unlock the full value of your membership. Draft
Tips for effectively working in partnership Resource Collaborations and partnership working is all around us! Yet as many success stories are often matched with horror stories.  Here are some simple tips that can help you get it right: Published
Supporting the Voluntary and Community Sector to Thrive: NICVA’s Impact Report 2024 Article NICVA’s 2024 Impact Report highlights how we have strengthened, supported, and championed the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland over the past year. Published
Supporting the Voluntary and Community Sector to Thrive: NICVA’s Impact Report 2024 Resource NICVA is proud to be the backbone of Northern Ireland's voluntary and community sector, with 1,421 members making us the largest membership organisation.  Published
Spring Impact Practice Network- Join Us for an Impactful Policy Making Session! Event We are thrilled to invite you to the Spring Impact Practice Network meeting, where we'll dive deep into the world of policy making. This is your chance to gain the insights and tools you need to influence policies that truly matter. Draft