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
How to strengthen democracy in Northern Ireland through people power
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.
Stroke services require reform
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.
Is democracy working for Northern Ireland? Not really ....
The publication of a ground-breaking report into the state of democracy in Northern Ireland this week could not have been better timed.
Irish: how can an endangered language be a threat?
It is time we had a mature debate about the Irish language. To do so we need to get a much broader context for our discussions.
It's not just politics but government itself that's not working
The prime purpose of government is to devise and implement public policy.
God, Nolan ... and wood pellets
There are many reasons why people choose to be interviewed by Nolan: an instruction from God will be a new one to most of us.
What am I?
by Joe Kenny
It must have been when I was still at primary school. There was a game show on the TV, round about lunch time, called ‘Going for Gold’.
At last! The disability research project led by people with disabilities
One of the most telling indictments of society’s attitudes to people with disabilities is that it has taken until now for research into how to help disabled people live independent lives to be led by those affected
From Oscar Wilde to Asher's Bakery, LGBT rights and the law
Consider these two legal judgements.
Do we really need a Secretary of State for Northern Ireland?
Scope editor Nick Garbutt asks if we really need a Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
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Team
| Kathy Maguire | Policy Development Officer |
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| Suzie Cahn | Shared Island Project Director |
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