Addressing the meeting the Minister for Social Development applauded another productive year of partnership.
She said: “The past year has seen the Joint Forum continue to discuss key issues such as Charities Legislation, Neighbourhood Renewal, and the Comprehensive Spending Review.
“Theses are matters of common concern that affect everyone and impact the relationship between the voluntary & community sector and government departments.”
The Minister concluded: “I recognise that building and maintaining good relationships are key to effective partnership working between Government and the Sector. I am committed to delivering a positive environment that will allow for a meaningful and productive relationship. Working together we can seek to address the needs of those who are most disadvantaged in our communities.”
The Joint Chairs of the Forum are Wendy Osborne OBE of the Volunteer Development Agency (VDA) and Seamus Murray from the Voluntary and Community Unit in DSD.
Mrs Osborne said: “The Forum continues to provide a unique opportunity for Government and the Voluntary and Community sector to work together on areas of common concern, whilst also allowing a strengthening and maturing of the relationship between them.
“We recognise the strength in working together and are keen to take forward effective partnerships that will help to build participative, peaceful, equitable and inclusive communities.”
Notes to Editors:
- The Joint Government and Voluntary and Community Sector Forum was established in 1998. It comprises representatives from all government departments and from a broad cross section of representatives from the Voluntary and Community sector.
- The Annual Report of the Joint Forum which contains background information on the Forum, its membership, procedures and Terms of Reference, and details the work carried out during the year is available by visiting the Community NI website
. - Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
