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The new Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie, has given her support to leaders from the voluntary and community sector in their quest for business excellence.
Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie at the event
Directors from almost 100 charities, social enterprises and voluntary organisations, together with leaders from business and the public sector, gathered recently to see the organisation CO3 (Chief Officers Third Sector) launched. CO3 was previously known as ACOVO (Association of Chief Officers of Voluntary Organisations).
Minister Ritchie attended a pre-launch meeting with the board of CO3 to hear about the issues affecting its membership and showed her support saying:
"I welcome the opportunity to meet with the board of CO3 to hear more about the excellent work their organisation is doing to support leaders in the voluntary and community sector. It is vital that leaders in the sector are supported and encouraged in managing the extremely valuable work of the sector."
CO3 has 175 members working across a broad spectrum of areas and employing an estimated 20,000 people in Northern Ireland.
The organisation aims to promote and develop leadership excellence in the third sector. It also lobbies Government and highlights the importance of the sector in the implementation of the Review of Public Administration (RPA). CO3 provides training for leaders and encourages the introduction of quality standards within its membership, such as Investors in People, and facilitates networking between its members and leaders in other fields, including business.
Director of CO3 Majella McCloskey commented:
"CO3 exists to support leaders in the third sector, to push for change and to promote the amazing things being achieved by charities, voluntary and community groups.
"The third sector in Northern Ireland makes up a sizeable portion of NI Plc, with an annual turnover in excess of £600million. We must acknowledge the important role our members play in areas as diverse as health, community development, criminal justice, the environment and housing. CO3 will strive to inspire our leaders and gain recognition for the huge impact they are having on civil society."
CO3 also launched a three year corporate plan at the event. You can get a copy of the plan by contacting Majella McCloskey on 028 9024 5356.
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Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action is registered as a company limited by guarantee in Northern Ireland (No 1792) and is registered as a charity for tax purposes with the Inland Revenue