Agenda item

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       To bring forward for Members consideration a recent request received seeking financial support for the NICVA Future Thinking Summit 2024 (22 October 2024).

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to consider a request received to provide financial support for the NICVA Future Thinking Summit 2024, which took place on 22 October 2024. 

3.0       Main report

            Background

3.1       As Members will be aware, Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) is a membership and representative umbrella body for the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland.  With over a thousand members - ranging from household name charities to grass roots community groups - NICVA lobbies and campaigns to advance the interests of the people and communities that their members support. NICVA offers a wide range of practical services, products and support to their members to help them find innovative solutions for social challenges.

3.2       NICVA’s strategic goals are as follows:

1.      Support -  Helping the VCS to innovate, develop and improve to meet the needs of the communities it serves;

2.      ?Influence - Helping the VCS to influence policy;

3.      Develop - Helping the VCS consolidate and develop the use of data, digital and technology; and

4.      Invest - Ensuring continuous improvement to provide the best service to our members.

3.3       Officers have received a request for Council to provide financial support for the NICVA Future Thinking Summit 2024, which was held on 22 October 2024 in W5 and W5 Life, Belfast.  Unfortunately, due to the timing of this request, it was not possible to bring the request to SP and R Committee ahead of the NICVA Summit taking place.

3.4       The Future Thinking Summit was modelled after the successful Scottish Gathering and the renowned annual Wheel Conference.  The summit was designed to bring together leaders, influencers, and changemakers to address key issues, share best practices, and drive meaningful social change.

3.5       The Key Outcomes from the Summit were as follows:

·        Value : demonstrate the breadth and depth of the voluntary and community sector and the significant impact it makes.

·        Inspire: Gain insights from innovators and industry leaders who are shaping the future of the voluntary sector, as well as influencing policymakers with insights and evidence from the sector.

·        Connect: Network with peers, build new relationships, strengthen existing ones within the community, and foster partnerships that will drive real and meaningful social change.

·        Strengthen: Equip the VCSE with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate effectively and build a stronger, more connected sector.

3.6       The Summit was developed with and for the Voluntary and Community sector, covering themes including digital transformation, green economy, mental health, poverty, place- based collaboration. The summit used a variety of formats including:

·        Keynote Sessions: Inspiring talks from leading influencers and policymakers.

·        Parallel Sessions: Member-led discussions showcasing best practices and innovative approaches.

·        Networking Opportunities: Facilitated sessions for building meaningful connections.

·        Resource Hub: Access to vital information and learning materials.

3.7       To ensure this event was accessible to all, NICVA made the Summit free for attendees, including;

·        Sector Leaders: voluntary and community organisations.

·        Policymakers: Government officials and policymakers focused on civic issues.

·        Practitioners: On-the-ground staff and volunteers driving change.

·        Stakeholders: Businesses and organisations invested in community well-being.

3.8       Further details on the summit can be found at:  NICVA Summit 2024 Programme — NICVA Summit.

            Request for Financial Support

3.9       NICVA has requested that Elected Members consider how this summit provided opportunities for capacity building, connections and confidence within the sector and is asked to consider providing financial support the following aspects of the summit:

·        Venue and Logistics: Contribute to costs of the venue, equipment, and other logistics.

·        Speakers and Sessions: Contribute towards the cost of travel and honoraria for key speakers and session facilitators.

·        Materials and Resources: Contribute towards providing attendees with high-quality materials and access to resources.

            Financial and Resource Implications

3.10      It is proposed that this request is supported via £10,000 from the in-year City and Organisational Strategy budget, which is in line with level of support provided to similar events in the recent past.  There are no additional finance or resource implications contained within this report.

            Equality or Good Relations Implications/ Rural Needs Assessment

3.11      There are no equality or good relations implications associated with this report.”

            The Committee approved the request received to provide financial support for the NICVA Future Thinking Summit 2024 in the sum of £10,000, which had taken place on 22nd October 2024.