Policy & Public Affairs
As well as providing information, skills, and opportunities to engage directly with policymakers and influence policy, the Policy and Public Affairs Team also directly represents the sector’s interests on a wide range of external forums and groups. In addition, our team includes NICVA’s research function, which undertakes ongoing research to increase understanding of the sector, its views, and its value to society. We also offer advice on undertaking research, and work with our universities and other research bodies to encourage research partnerships with our sector.
As part of our work we offer the opportunity to join meetings and events held by our Public Affairs Forum which provides regular opportunities for those working in policy and public affairs to come together and exchange knowledge with others in the sector, and a space to meet invited policymakers and influencers.
We regularly consult our members and the wider sector to gather your thoughts on what issues need to be lobbied on or brought to the attention of policy and decision makers. This consultation has enabled us to develop our Manifesto for Change and our ongoing consultations and seminars help ensure that your views, concerns and proposals on specific current issues are reflected and represented to policymakers.
Updates
People power: how communities can take over public buildings
Stevie McGirr of Development Trusts NI explains how community asset transfers work in advance of its conference on 19 September
The Roughest Form of Justice
Twenty years after the Good Friday Agreement so-called punishment beatings are on the rise.
Fighting back against violence
A new report from the Big Lottery Fund makes a good effort at illustrating what prevention and early intervention actually mean, when it comes to reducing youth violence.
Northern Ireland: a peace process in crisis
A coalition of peace builders in Northern Ireland is reaching out to the community and voluntary sector to help inject new life into a faltering process.
Justice is expensive
Local legal aid costs are very high. However, reforms in England and Wales highlight real problems of trying to reduce them effectively.
Democracy is changing
Politics feels increasingly fractious, perhaps irrevocably broken. That is a blinkered view. The only thing that is certain is change, not ruin.
Modern media and self esteem
More young people are calling Childline due to eating disorders. Media can affect self esteem - but while it is fair to ask for certain standards from providers, it is more important to prepare young people for life in the digital age.
A lifetime of Early Years
Siobhan Fitzpatrick CBE, CEO of Early Years - the organisation for young people, was awarded an honorary doctorate by QUB last week. Scope talks with her about four decades of pioneering child development.
Just what the doctor ordered?
Big Lottery has just announced a £3 million grant to a social prescribing project covering Northern Ireland and Scotland, Scope asks if its money well spent.
Dunmurry Manor: what next?
The media has been all over Home Truths, the Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland’s investigation into Dunmurry Manor care home this week.
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Team
| Kathy Maguire | Policy Development Officer |
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| Suzie Cahn | Shared Island Project Director |
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