Lyons launches new policy framework to strengthen voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has launched a new approach which will strengthen the capacity, resilience and effectiveness of the local voluntary and community sector.

The Voluntary and Community Infrastructure Support Policy Framework provides a strategic approach to the Department's annual investment of approximately £4.5 million in voluntary and community sector infrastructure support. It aims to strengthen the capacity, resilience and effectiveness of the wider sector through organisations that provide leadership, support, networking, volunteering development and capacity-building services.

Minister Lyons said: Voluntary and community organisations are at the heart of our communities and their contribution is significant. Alongside social benefits, they create jobs, support volunteering, and provide valuable development opportunities.

To maximise value for local communities, this new collaborative framework provides a clear direction for how this investment will strengthen the sector, improve delivery of shared objectives and outcomes, and support sustainable investment.

The new policy framework focuses on four key areas of leadership; capacity and resilience; volunteering; and collaboration and partnership. Delivery will be taken forward in a phased approach by four consortia which will provide support to the wider sector and deliver against the outcomes set out in the framework.

Minister Lyons added: This new framework represents a renewed shared commitment to working with, and for, the sector, and reflects the important role that infrastructure organisations play in helping the wider sector thrive.

By working collaboratively with our partners, we can help ensure the sector remains resilient, effective and well-placed to support communities across Northern Ireland.

Placing a strong emphasis on collaboration and partnership working, in line with the principles and values set out in the recent Partnership Agreement between government and the sector, the new policy framework reflects a shared commitment to building respectful, open and transparent relationships, whilst recognising the respective roles of government and the sector in improving outcomes for communities.

Welcoming the new policy framework, Chief Executive Officer at NICVA, Celine McStravick added: Across Northern Ireland, voluntary and community organisations support people, tackle inequality and address some of society's most pressing challenges. Whether rooted in local communities or focused on particular needs and causes, they need the right support to sustain their work and maximise their impact. This policy is an opportunity to strengthen the sector's capacity and ensure organisations of all kinds can continue to make a real difference to people's lives. 

Notes to editors:

1. The Voluntary Community Sector Infrastructure Support Policy Framework can be viewed here.
2. The Partnership Agreement between the Government and the Voluntary and Community Sector in Northern Ireland can be viewed here.
3. The new delivery model of the VCS Infrastructure Support Policy Framework will be phased in, with the Core Infrastructure Support Consortium commencing in April 2027, the Volunteering Infrastructure Support Consortium in October 2027, and the Women's Infrastructure Support Consortium and Local Infrastructure Support Consortia becoming operational from April 2028.