Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie MLA today launched the final report on ‘Positive Steps’ for improving the sustainability of the voluntary and community sector.
The report details progress against a number of recommendations made in ‘Positive Steps’, published in March 2005.
Margaret Ritchie said: “The progress made in implementing ‘Positive Steps’ has resulted in significant change and stronger relationships between Government and the voluntary and community sector. It has contributed to the delivery of better public services to those who need them most.
“I am determined to see that relationships strengthen even further as we seek to implement the few recommendations made in ‘Positive Steps’ that remain outstanding.”
Key recommendations implemented include:
- the provision of the £5million Community Investment Fund, providing a more strategic support for community development;
- the provision of the Modernisation Programmes to help facilitate and support modernisation and change within the voluntary and community sector, delivering £18 million of funding support;
- the establishment of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland; and
- strategic developments in key policy areas for Disability, Youth, Women and Rural Services.
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 for Social Development 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.
