Scope Articles

One of the worst consequences of lockdown is an increase in domestic abuse

7 Apr 2020

Frontline charity workers who work to tackle violence and other abusive behaviour in the home have been designated key workers during the coronavirus outbreak.

Covid-19 and the children of the pandemic

3 Apr 2020

A dangerous myth has been spreading that Covid-19 affects everyone in society in the same way, that it’s an equaliser that has no respect for wealth and status.

Government must create a coronavirus package for charities

1 Apr 2020

The COVID-19 crisis means the third sector’s work is more valuable than perhaps ever before. It is also much more difficult. This is a problem that must be fixed. Government help is essential.

When this is over, the world must change

25 Mar 2020

One day, hopefully soon the Covid-19 nightmare will be over. And on that day life will not be and should not be the same again.

Social security should be reasonable and sympathetic - but it is not

24 Mar 2020

Universal Credit administration takes a hard line, even with measures that are supposed to make allowances for people in difficulty. Work from Advice NI has exposed another fault line in the system, leaving vulnerable people in hardship.

RHI: some lessons for the civil service

20 Mar 2020

When the final RHI report was published last Friday it was immediately shoved out of the headlines by the escalating coronavirus crisis.

Coronavirus and the third sector

18 Mar 2020

What should civil society do amidst the Covid-19 pandemic? This is a changing picture, any answers depend on the organisation, but immediate and practical steps are possible.

Northern Irish health staff sign letter demanding tighter coronavirus controls

16 Mar 2020

Hundreds of health officials have already signed up to the open letter calling for Stormont to implement major social distancing measures immediately.

Questions remain on extension of Welfare Reform mitigations

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey, Kevin Higgins from Advice NI, and mitigations expert Prof. Eileen Evason

12 Mar 2020

March 2020 sees the end of Welfare Reform mitigations in NI. The newly-reformed Stormont has promised to extend this important service, yet some uncertainty remains.

Home working may be more than just a short term fix

11 Mar 2020

Scope’s Nick Garbutt has worked from home for close to a decade. Here’s his advice for those facing the prospect as Covid-19 starts to grip.

First I must honour God: the Catholic RE certificate

5 Mar 2020

The return of Stormont gives legislators the opportunity to loosen the grip that religious organisations have on our schools.

Northern Ireland needs a Programme for Government that’s fit for the future

4 Mar 2020

If we want to cut our cloth as best as possible for the short- and long-term, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals might be a good place to start.

Why we need a guardian of the future

28 Feb 2020

One of the most difficult challenges for the restored administration at Stormont will be to address long-term challenges.

A changing world is daunting for parents

26 Feb 2020

We look at Parenting NI’s second annual Big Parenting Survey, which explored concerns about tech – and asked parents about their hopes for their children.

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.

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