Latest Updates

A major piece of research on the future of the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland is shortly to get underway. 

A minority government – as Dublin is set to find out – is different from one in control of its own destiny. This has knock-on effects for anyone wanting to engage, especially those interested in new legislation or policy.

The first in a new series – we run the rule over one discussion from Stormont’s plenary sessions while the Assembly is in session. First up: housing selection.

Scope is planning a series of articles on any and all aspects of our education system - and we want to hear from you.

Some Northern Ireland politicians dispute the cause of global warming. Some even have unconventional views about the age and history of the earth. But you can’t argue with facts. 

Proposals for new electoral boundaries in Northern Ireland are out for consultation. So far, so calm - but expect more fiery opposition, and support, when the effects on party representation in Stormont are seen more clearly. 

How can politicians expect everyone else to take our political institutions seriously when they show such contempt for them themselves?

In Northern Ireland, many people have not made a will, increasing the risk of intestacy to individuals and their families - while the lack of discussion about this issue also affects charities' funding.

Twitter is the social channel of choice in politics. Scope undertakes a serious analysis of how the new NI Executive departments distribute information to the adoring masses.

In the second of our series exploring big economic ideas coming out of the Centre for Economic Empowerment's Festival of Economics we look at community energy schemes

In the first of a series Scope will unpick some of the big ideas raised in the Centre for Economic Empowerment’s Festival of Economics. 

Children who find themselves in the most difficult situations are being let down by failures in partnership working – growing evidence suggests local agencies struggle to deal with complex problems

Sinn Fein MLA Daithí McKay has resigned following an Irish News scoop about Nama evidence concerning Peter Robinson – allegations of corruption within an investigation into corruption. Scope looks at the context.

The letter from the First (and deputy First) Minister to new PM Theresa May is staggering – NI wants to be part of the EU in all but name, even if “Brexit means Brexit”

NICVA has just published its State of the Sector report: the most accurate and comprehensive survey of the Community and Voluntary Sector in Northern Ireland.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation released a report this week on the extra costs to the public purse as a consequence of poverty. Understanding some of their methodology helps put the figures in context.

Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK not to have a Climate Change Act. 

The closer you look at Jeremy Corbyn, the more the depth of his failings become apparent. His ability to gather new supporters by tapping into a particular vein of frustration should not be ignored - but leadership requires more.

Scope meets Eddie Lynch, the new Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland. 

It will not be long before we find out what new Justice Minister Claire Sugden meant when she said she would adopt a “subtle” approach to abortion.