Latest Updates

It was widely predicted by commentators that there would be no extra money for Northern Ireland in the budget. For once, and thankfully, they were wrong. 

What do we want from technology? Specifically, what do we as individuals and a society want – and not want – from artificial intelligence? These questions need to be answered now.

Technological change poses enormous challenges for the future punishment and rehabilitation of offenders. 

Saroeun Sek is an incredible man. His efforts in tackling modern slavery in Cambodia provide policy lessons for Northern Ireland – and personal inspiration for everyone.

The next industrial revolution is already underway. What used to be in the realm of science fiction is becoming scientific fact. 

When Sir Liam Donaldson reviewed Northern Ireland’s health care system in 2014 he said politicians were incapable of implementing the necessary reforms. 

Without some consideration there could be a difficult Christmas for people relying on Universal Credit. Calls are being made for a truce.

To many Belfast’s peace walls are either an embarrassment or else a macabre visitor attraction. Those who live in their shadows are routinely patronised and often demonised.  

The justice system is adapting relatively quickly to the horror that is modern slavery - but while efforts are stepping up to eradicate the problem, there still needs to be more support for victims.

The debate about how to enhance the independence of charities took a new turn this week with a startling intervention from Fiona Weir, chief executive of the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust. 

Ardoyne Youth Enterprise helps young people in one of Northern Ireland’s most deprived areas. But times are changing, and the group is changing with them.

Northern Ireland needs greater focus on innovative solutions. Substantial and dedicated funding would help – but good ideas are just as necessary.

It has often been claimed that charities fail to speak out on important policy issues for fear of losing funding

Participatory Budgeting (PB) is an idea whose time has come. Scope examines the model giving communities more power over spending.

The Bank of England estimates that two thirds of all jobs are capable of being automated within 20 years. Scope examines the implications for the Third Sector. 

Bringing paramilitarism to an end is the biggest single task facing Northern Ireland society. Scope explores what is being done about it. 

Young people who leave school with no qualifications are often written off by the rest of society. Scope explores a project that reveals amazing untapped potential. 

Next week sees the beginning of the roll out of Universal Credit in Northern Ireland. 

The media struggles to report on battling ideas unless there is a real battle involved. Covering concepts is inherently difficult but it could still be done better – whether you are talking health reform, or identity politics.

Never mind academic selection, the ILiAD report identifies several wider issues that affect academic attainment. These need to be dealt with together.