NICVA is currently calling on the Northern Ireland Executive to agree to develop a White Paper on the relationship between government and voluntary and community organisations and to begin a deliberative process on what this might mean.

White Papers are issued by government and lay out policy, or proposed action, on a topic of current concern. NICVA feels that something stronger than the current Compact mechanism is required between government and the sector and a White Paper is one possible option.

Some of the reasons for the proposed White Paper

First and foremost discussion about a White Paper would be a beneficial process. It would give Government and the community/voluntary sector in Northern Ireland, time and a place to discuss the working relationship and issues regarding that.

Questions that might be involved in the process could be wide ranging and include:

• What does government want and expect from the sector?
• How does government intend to support the sector in these various roles?
• What structures would need to be in place?  

Benefits of a White Paper

The benefits of having A White paper were discussed at a recent meeting in NICVA. The ‘specific purpose’ of the White Paper was outlined. It was stated that the proposed paper would:  ‘deal with the formal interaction between the State and Community and Voluntary sector’.

Some of the main features of the proposed paper include:

• Formal recognition of the role of the Community and Voluntary sector
• Formal Mechanisms in relevant public service areas for consultation with Community and Voluntary 
• Commitment to funding /agreed priorities/community development activities.
• Creation of Voluntary Activity Units in relevant Government Departments to support the relationship with the Community and Voluntary sector
• Establishing regular policy for and with relevant Departments and agencies
• Wider consultation and participation by the Community and Voluntary sector in the policy-making process
• Establishing 'Best practice' guidelines in relation to consultation/funding and communication systems between Government and the sector statutory agencies will be expected to adhere