The Task Force on Resourcing the Voluntary and Community Sector was established in February 2003 by the Minister for Social Development to consider what action was required to ensure that the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland continued to make a contribution to society.
After a process lasting almost two years, the Task Force presented its report Investing Together to John Spellar MP, minister with responsibility for social development. The voluntary and community sector are currently waiting for his response to the report's recommendations.
Part of the consultation process involved the position paper Pathways for Change which was released by the Task Force in December 2003 to stimulate discussion about the future support of the voluntary and community sector.
Key issues in the Investing Together report
- Funding approaches.
- Community development.
- Internal governance.
- Management and accountability.
- Change drivers.
- Next steps.
Proposals include a new £25 million fund for community development, a longer term approach to funding and a kitemarking system to remove the need for constant auditing.
To request a copy of the report contact the Task Force Secretariat on 028 9082 9424.
Task Force members
- John McGrath (Chair)
Department for Social Development - Dave Wall (ex officio member).
Voluntary and Community Unit, DSD - Seamus McAleavey (ex officio member),
CEO, NICVA - Mary Bunting,
Deputy Secretary OFMDFM - Paul Cavanagh,
Health Action Zone Manager WHSSB - Avila Kilmurray,
Director Community Foundation NI - Prof John Morrison,
Professor of Jurisprudence, Head of Research Queen's University of Belfast - John McMullan,
Executive Director Bryson House - Peter McNaney,
CEO Belfast City Council - Anne O'Reilly
Help the Aged NI - Alison Wightman,
Head of Agency Community Change
Contact details
Task Force Secretariat
Department for Social Development
3rd Floor Lighthouse Building
1 Cromac Place
Gasworks Business Park
Ormeau Road
BELFAST BT7 2JB
Email: vcu@dsdni.gov.uk
Phone: 028 9082 9415
Fax: 028 9082 9431
Text phone: 028 9082 9446
