Policy Manifesto timetable 2006

If government asked the voluntary and community sector tomorrow 'what do you want us to do?' what would we say? The NICVA Policy Manifesto is an attempt to answer that question.

NICVA, together with the sector, has already produced two manifestos, the last one in 2003. These were intended to influence the manifestos of the political parties in Northern Ireland and the development of the Executive's Programme for Government. They set out the policy priorities of the sector across a range of areas.

In the absence of devolution the document has been used to influence policymakers.

PRIORITIES

Ideally the manifesto would be produced to coincide with elections, but this is difficult to predict at the moment, so the process to create the next manifesto will begin in 2006 as planned.

This is an opportunity for the sector to publish a proactive set of priorities, already discussed and agreed, instead of constantly responding to government's agenda in consultations on topics not of our choosing.

DOCUMENT'S STRUCTURE

The Policy Manifesto 2006 will have much the same structure as the last manifesto, that is, a detailed introductory section covering cross-cutting issues for the whole sector followed by a series of individual policy areas. Each of these will have a short overview of the current needs plus five to six short, focused and realistic policy recommendations for action.

PROCESS 2006

The process for producing the manifesto.

1. Agree the categories for inclusion: END JAN.
   Members have been asked to suggest any additional categories that should be included.
2. Circulate categories and ask members to sign up to those in which they have an interest: FEB/MAR.
3. Convene discussion groups: END MAR/APR.
   As before all those interested in a category will be asked to attend a meeting where five to six top policy demands are hammered out and agreed. It is important that this is done with everyone interested in the same room as negotiation and prioritisation are part of the process. NICVA staff will facilitate the sessions and draft the text. Policy demands/recommendations need to be concrete, realistic and measurable. Two or three participants will be asked to form a small drafting group to check the text of each section once it is written.
4. Draft of full document: MAY.
   The full draft will be placed on NICVA's website and members alerted to it (it can be posted if necessary).
5. Hold members' event to discuss draft: JUN.
   As with last time, those who participated and interested members will be invited to a seminar to comment on the full draft and propose changes.
6. Agree final draft: AUG/SEP

The document will be launched in the autumn.

REGISTER ONLINE

Sign up to participate in any of the categories of the manifesto that interest your organisation by registering online before 17 March. Discussion groups will then be convened to agree the priorities for each category.

REGISTER TO ATTEND THE DISCUSSIONS

Postal Strike. NICVA has also posted the information on these pages to NICVA members, however, due to the postal strike in Belfast, delivery may be delayed. Instead, please register online to attend the policy manifesto events.

For more information please contact:

Cathy Breslin
028 9087 7777