Latest Updates

In the wake of some startling statistics about reoffending and youth justice, Scope looks at whether prisons represent the best way of reducing criminal behaviour.

Homelessness and evictions are set for a sharp rise as welfare reform is implemented in Northern Ireland, according to a stark report. 

The DUP’s money from Westminster could provide a softer landing for September’s changes to social security – but decisions like this will need to be made by a functioning Executive and Assembly.

Charity fund raising entered a new era this week with the establishment of the Funding Preference Service. 

The Conservative/DUP deal has been much dissected and analysed. Yet the one clause with the most transformative potential has been largely ignored. 

The Tory-DUP deal at Westminster will remove some of the many layers of uncertainty plaguing local politics and policy – overall, good news for the third sector.

The current political impasse at both Stormont and Westminster raises important issues for the Voluntary and Community Sector, not least whether the Civic Forum should be restored. Nick Garbutt explores the issues. 

Progress on the Dormant Accounts Scheme has indeed been dormant. Stormont has sat on over £7m of funding, earmarked for the third sector, for nearly ten years. Scope takes a look.

Scope talks to the Stroke Association about why a restructuring in services could provide both improvements in acute care and – crucially – huge benefits in long-term care. 

Lottery operator Camelot has just ordered a review of its operations after ticket sales slumped by 8.8% in the last financial year. 

Scope asks why 98% of employees in Early Years education are female, and whether that gender balance needs to be addressed. 

The third sector has expertise that cannot be found elsewhere – if your aim is a better society then silencing organisations with know how is counterproductive.

Scope talks with the Northern Ireland Environment Link about their plans to improve awareness and understanding of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The biggest growth area for the Third Sector over the past few years has been food banks. A report published this week shows the extent of this. 

The children’s care system has always faced an uphill battle but nowadays there is plenty of cause for positivity. Scope talks to the Fostering Network about ongoing reform and successful initiatives.

The secret electoral ballot is a right some exercise zealously and others waive – but a few people don’t have a choice. Joe Kenny explains.

Older and vulnerable people at risk of becoming isolated from their community and its services can see improved provision.

The Third Sector is widely misunderstood and the value that it brings to society massively understated by politicians and policy makers. At Scope we want to address that. 

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.

Scope talks to Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful about the rising tide of damage caused by discarded single use plastic bottles and asks what can be done to combat the scourge.