Minister Sugden launches consultation on proposals to modernise funding model

Justice Minister Claire Sugden today published proposals to modernise the system used to award funding to third sector organisations delivering justice outcomes.

The Minister said:  “The Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector provides a valuable service to our society.  They bring essential skills and expertise to supporting and delivering a range of programmes which support victims and witnesses of crime, as well as reducing offending.

I appreciate their dedication and I am committed to building on the good working relationship that my Department has with the sector to forge a stronger partnership approach to designing and delivering services.

Given the challenging financial circumstances that we face it is important that we ensure that all of our resources are targeted to deliver the greatest benefits to our community.” 

The consultation document details the proposed changes which place emphasis on  greater transparency of funding, fair and equitable access to funding, securing bespoke services and best value, and development of better partnership arrangements.

The consultation will run for 12 weeks and close on 23 September 2016.  Key sector representative organisations, NICVA and CO3 have assisted the Department in developing the proposals and will also publish the consultation document on their websites.  The Department will be undertaking a number of engagement events throughout the consultation period.

Continuing the Minister said, “I wish to extend my thanks to this sector for its continued support in developing our proposals.  I would encourage interested parties to ensure they contribute their important views.”

Notes to editors: 

1.  View the consultation here or alternatively at;

• http://www.nicva.org/news
• http://www.co3.bz/news

2.  The Department has an annual VCSE budget of approximately £5million (Note a further £3million is distributed through Policing and Community Safety Partnerships to deliver locally determined services).These funds are disbursed amongst various VCSE organisations to deliver a wide range of services that provide support to victims and witness of crime and deliver programmes aimed at reducing offending.

3.  Consultation period will run for 12 weeks, 4 July 2016 to 23 September 2016.

4.  All media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office on 028 9052 6444.Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned

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