Scope Articles

The justice system needs to change – like it has many times before

23 Nov 2018

Key principles of our justice system could be bent or broken in cases of sexual violence. Perhaps they need to be – and, really, that’s nothing new.

Charities: running out of cash

16 Nov 2018

Loose change is the lifeblood of charitable giving. So how will charities adapt to a cashless society?

Justice is rare for victims of rape

15 Nov 2018

The criminal justice system is failing rape victims in Northern Ireland. The third sector provides good support for anyone affected – but structural reform is necessary. Scope speaks with Victim Support NI.

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.

Public transport is about access – we need to measure it that way

9 Nov 2018

NI’s official annual transport statistics were refined earlier this year. However, from the public perspective, they do not tell us enough.

How bringing back the wilderness can save the planet

2 Nov 2018

There was widespread shock at a World Wildlife Fund report published this week that revealed that mankind had wiped out 60% of all the animals on the planet since 1970.

Improving mental health outcomes will tell us a lot about society

31 Oct 2018

This could prove to be a good week for mental health provision in Northern Ireland. Maybe. Not just because of more money for services - the City Deal could help, too. And it might have to.

Big Lottery's £15 million Digital Fund for charities

26 Oct 2018

The Big Lottery launched a £15 million fund this week to help charities make the most of digital technology, offering grants of up to £500,000.

Smacking children leads to a more violent society

25 Oct 2018

In Northern Ireland, parents are still allowed to use corporal punishment as long as it is "reasonable chastisement". New research suggests this leads to more violence among young people than if it was banned outright.

How technology will revolutionise the health service

19 Oct 2018

A fascinating survey published by PwC this week shows that people in Northern Ireland are more receptive to Artificial Intelligence in health care than any other part of the UK.

Education in NI is ready to snap

19 Oct 2018

Schools are saving money by cutting teaching hours - in other words, by providing less education. Urgent change is required.

Twelve myths about immigration

12 Oct 2018

One of the most toxic debates of recent times is that around immigration. It was a central issue in the Brexit referendum.

Social value could regenerate local economies for the benefit of their people

11 Oct 2018

Protectionism is back. Neoliberal orthodoxy is under question. Perhaps social value, rather than suffocating trade, can layer some new thinking on top of it.

Over-medication is a symptom of our failing children's mental health service

5 Oct 2018

Other services have huge waiting lists but prescribing drugs to treat mental health problems takes very little time. Given the sector's fundamental lack of resources, an over-reliance on medication is unsurprising - but it needs to stop.

Brexit: the facts