NICVA's response to Civic Forum review

The Forum was set up under the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, comprising representatives of the business, trade union and voluntary sectors, to act as a consultative mechanism on social, economic and cultural issues.

It was originally set up in 2001 but was suspended along with the rest of the institutions in October 2002. With the restoration of devolution the Northern Ireland Executive has commissioned a review to “make recommendations on the most appropriate mechanism and arrangements for engaging with and obtaining the views of civic society on social, economic and cultural matters and in ensuring accountable and inclusive participation by civic society.”

NICVA's response recognises that voluntary and community organisations are keen to contribute to the governance of Northern Ireland through their substantial experience and knowledge. A new body offers the opportunity for a more deliberative forum in which different actors in civil society can collectively address difficult issues of relevance to Northern Ireland, which is complementary to, and can potentially enhance, the role and decisions of elected politicians.

It recommends that the Civic Forum be constituted as a social partnership body which can give advice to government on social, economic and cultural matters with a clear vision, plan and the capacity to fulfil this. It should have representatives from voluntary and community sector, business, trade unions, rural interests and should be no larger than 25 or 30 people.