Scope Articles

Time to crack down on the gambling industry

21 Feb 2020

A consultation on reforming Northern Ireland’s hopelessly outdated gambling laws has just closed.

Tackling modern slavery is a job for everyone

20 Feb 2020

It’s not very often that the public is at the forefront of dealing with serious crime. But, when it comes to slavery, we should all be vigilant.

Northern Ireland has the lowest poverty rates in the UK

13 Feb 2020

The latest annual poverty report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation shows the importance of affordable housing.

Only the lonely

13 Feb 2020

In most respects our health is better than our ancestors and we can thank technology for that. But in one important health indicator, loneliness, it is not.

Climate Change: How charities can help

7 Feb 2020

Climate change is not just the greatest threat we collectively face. It is an existential threat. Combating it is a task for all of us: every government, every organisation, and every individual.

Reducing net emissions requires many changes

Northern Ireland emissions (graph from Pivotal PPF)

6 Feb 2020

The Assembly has declared a climate emergency. There is no one way to fix this global issue – but it is great to see us take a seat at the table to take on this existential problem.

Restoring Ireland's forests, one tree at a time

31 Jan 2020

County Down man James McConville is an architect based in Sweden. He saw the rise of Greta Thunberg first hand and was inspired to make a difference himself back home.

We don’t know enough about academic selection

30 Jan 2020

A comprehensive study on the effects of academic selection in Northern Ireland is needed. A new report from Stranmillis University College's Centre for Research in Educational Underachievement shows why.

Better together: the case for government reform

24 Jan 2020

The Northern Ireland government is divided into nine departments, each with clear responsibilities, separate budgets and ministerial leadership.

NI Health Survey points to difficult conversations

Dr Michael McBride - crafting his message with care

22 Jan 2020

If we save our health service, one key strut will be more personal responsibility for individuals. The latest annual Health Survey shows why encouraging healthier lifestyles can be tricky.

Stormont: Better outcomes demand better government

17 Jan 2020

If the revived Executive and Assembly is to be a success how it works will be just as important as what it does.

Stormont’s back – and everyone’s inbox is full

Stormont’s return has left the NIHRC annual statement out of date, sort of - but it’s also more relevant than when it was published.

16 Jan 2020

The Assembly’s return is a big deal and surely better than the past three years. However, the list of issues MLAs face is enormous. Scope looks at human rights in NI.

More than a good start

9 Jan 2020

Sure Start is two decades old but still going strong. Scope takes a look at a long-running programme that has managed to stay fresh.

Suicides in NI: causes and prevention