Viewfinder is a report, compiled by NICVA, on the current opinions of the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland. The questions asked are topical, sometimes with a strategic bent with a concentration on the issues affecting charities and groups here.
There's a very wide question base, a large audience, and a comparatively high response rate.
This page is the new home of the Viewfinder, and it hosts the reports of all previous editions of the research. We hope you find it somewhat useful. Should you have any questions about the research, or be interested in including new questions you'd like to see considered for testing, contact 
leeann.brady@nicva.org.
The latest Viewfinder covers issues such as the smoking ban, devolution in Northern Ireland, the issue of a draft Code of Governance for the voluntary and community sector, as well as the idea of mergers.
The latest Viewfinder plays it safe, dealing with such uncontroversial issues as the summer marching season, the end of academic selection and training of board members.
Viewfinder 5 investigated the sector's opinion on a proposed smoking ban, gauged the opinion of the sector on the importance of the Review of Public Administration, and a stab at the thorny issue of childcare.
Viewfinder 4 showed the sector cautious and pessimistic in its capacity to influence policy, with a corresponding despondency at the prospect of continued Direct Rule.
Viewfinder 3 showed underutilisation of Gift Aid schemes, annoyance at the difficulty faced when attempting to secure media coverage of issues and events, and a sector unsure of its future role in the delivery of public services.
Viewfinder 2 dealt with Community Relations and Civil Society, yielding some interesting and thought provoking, not to say baffling results.
Viewfinder 1 investigated the political situation in Northern Ireland, and, unsurprisingly, showed signs of a sector crying out for a return to local democracy. The thorny issue of the Euro reared its head, with significantly more people somewhat concerned than disinterested.
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