The minister noted that the report shows government has made good progress on key issues. The implementation of the ‘Positive Steps’ initiative has resulted in significant change and greater consistency of practice in its dealings with the sector.
Commenting on the report she said: “Significant progress made in implementing Positive Steps to date will have a long term, practical impact on the voluntary and community sector. More importantly, it will benefit the community it serves.
"Government and the sector, working together in partnership, can deliver the small number of Positive Steps commitments that remain to be fully implemented.
"I look forward to continued partnership on various initiatives with my colleagues across government and with the voluntary and community sector for the benefit of all our communities.”
Positive Steps, published in March 2005, made a number of recommendations for improving the sustainability of the voluntary and community sector. The Minister for Social Development chairs a cross-departmental implementation group to oversee implementation of these recommendations.
Notes to Editors:
- Positive Steps, published in March 2005, was Government’s response to Investing Together, the report of the Task Force on Resourcing the Voluntary and Community Sector. The Positive Steps Implementation Group, consisting of senior officials within each department with responsibility for oversight of relationships with the voluntary and community sector, was established in November 2005. The Implementation Group is chaired by the minister and oversees implementation of the commitments made in Positive Steps.
- Copies of Positive Steps and the evaluation report are available from www.dsdni.gov.uk
or from DSD’s Voluntary and Community Unit (telephone: 028 9082 9441, email: pfc@dsdni.gov.uk). - 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.
