Scope Articles

The future face of democracy? NI's Citizen's Assembly

23 Nov 2018

Earlier this week an important experiment in the exercise of democracy took place in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland government: time to fix the system

9 Nov 2018

The crisis in Northern Ireland has spread from frustration at the political impasse to disillusionment and anger at the entire system of government.

Give Stormont more powers to fix economy, says think tank

7 Sep 2018

A landmark report into the economy by an influential think tank argues that more devolution is a key element in boosting prosperity.

How to prepare for climate change

27 Jul 2018

A glorious summer has been soured by recent apocalyptic headlines about multiple future deaths as summer temperatures rise.

Wellbeing - sounds great but what does it mean?

25 Apr 2018

The Carnegie Trust has recently announced a £350,000 fund for “embedding wellbeing” in Northern Ireland. This sounds great. But what does it mean?

Older people: much achieved, so much more to do

6 Apr 2018

Eileen Mullan, outgoing chair of AgeNI reflects on her nine years on the board, and outlines the remaining challenges for older people.

The Punishment Paradox

23 Mar 2018

One of the most damaging public misconceptions in dealing with the perpetrators of crime is the notion that the more severe the punishment, the less likely the criminal is to offend.

Time to debate our treatment of Travellers

9 Mar 2018

This week saw the publication of a report into discrimination against Travellers published by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

The rudderless ship heading for the rocks

16 Feb 2018

Most pundits are concerned about the political fall-out from the failed talks process. But what does it mean for government itself, and civil society?

Belfast's city deal explained

23 Nov 2017

It was widely predicted by commentators that there would be no extra money for Northern Ireland in the budget. For once, and thankfully, they were wrong.

Life in the shadow of the peace walls

27 Oct 2017

To many Belfast’s peace walls are either an embarrassment or else a macabre visitor attraction. Those who live in their shadows are routinely patronised and often demonised.

Ending paramilitarism: the blueprint

29 Sep 2017

Bringing paramilitarism to an end is the biggest single task facing Northern Ireland society. Scope explores what is being done about it.

Gambling on the DUP

1 Sep 2017

When Parliament reassembles on Tuesday 5 September the DUP will have its first opportunity to flex its muscles by forcing through an important measure to help combat the scourge of gambling addiction.

Grassroots are top of the tree

No-one expects utopia, but NI can be a brighter place

12 May 2017

The latest thinking in social innovation involves ideas that are led by the local community - i.e. those set to benefit - on every level, with support organisations like Amplify NI and even major funders like the Big Lottery Fund fully bought in.

Why NI's budget crisis could easily have been avoided

Our last budget was signed off in January 2016 - but could have made provision for this period of uncertainty

5 May 2017

By mirroring other jurisdictions and including multi-year spending plans in our annual budgets, Stormont could have avoided the tension and uncertainty that is plaguing Northern Ireland in 2017.

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