view

Independent voice for community/voluntary sectorWebsite: viewdigital.org

Issue seven, 2012

VIEW‘Society isjudged byhow it treatsits mostvulnerablemembers’

pages 4-7

A woman suffering from multiple sclerosishits out at Atos system and welfare cutbacks

VIEW, Issue seven, 2012 Website: viewdigital.org

VIEW

Ifirst heard of Cecilia Burns when the news wasannounced by the BBC on its website that shehad died. She was 51 years of age when she

passed away. She lived in Strabane, Co Tyrone.What brought her story to public attention

that she suffered from cancer and that she hadbeen declared fit for work by Atos – the privatecompany who carry out Work Capability Assessments.

Ms Burns was not prepared to keep quietabout what had happened to her and voiced heranger at her treatment and the decision to reduceher benefits by £30 a week..

Before her death, Ms Burns said that dealingwith the side effects of the treatment were badenough, but she had been angered by the cut in

benefit after she went for a medical.“I know there's other people out there and

they’re all scared to come forward,” she said.“I was treated badly. I've been working since

I was 17, I’ve paid all my stamps, all my NationalInsurance. The only time I was ever sick waswhen I was pregnant with my two sons.

“It has had a financial effect on me but it’smore (that) they're getting away with it. They arejust treating you like a second class citizen. That'show I feel – that I don't count, I don’t matter,”she said.

Shortly before she died Ms Burns won herappeal and her benefits were reinstated.

The lives of the disabled and those sufferingillnesses have been made much worse by the

actions of Atos and the government.VIEW decided in this issue to give four

pages over to those who have decided to speakout about this policy.

Christine McDonnell, who suffers frommultiple sclerosis, spoke to me about the real fearsshe is suffering that her benefits may be taken awayand that she could also be declared fit to work –even though she is obviously not ready to go backto work.

During my interview with her in her home,Christine became visibly upset many times. Herown words that “a society should be judged by howit treats its most vulnerable members” shouldserve as a wake-up call to what is happening to disabled people and the sick.

Editorial VIEW, the online publicationfor the community/voluntarysector in Northern Ireland.

By Brian Pelan, editor

CONTENTSCONTENTSUrban village

Pages 8-9 Journalist LucyGollogly reports on anew housing/office centre – set to open itsdoors in east Belfast

Pussy Riot

Pages 10-11 A number ofstatues in Belfast (one ofthem pictured right)were adorned withPussy Riot masks in s upport of the jailed trio

Health survey

Page 12 We report on anew survey – launchedby the Public Health Authority – tofind out the health needsof people in Belfast

Social media

Page 14 Why it’s time tomake Facebook a vitalpart of media strategyfor your community-voluntary organisation

Thumbs up

Page 18 The Mela cultural festival attractedhuge crowds to theBotanic Gardens inBelfast. It’s also the BigPicture winner

Getting it right

Page 22 Eileen Mullancomments on the issueof governance problemsin the boardroom andhow they should not be ignored

VIEW TO GET SMART WITH NEW MOBILE PHONE APP.

ON THE WAY SOON TO A MOBILE/IPAD NEAR YOU ...

Website: viewdigital.orgVIEW, Issue seven, 2012

1, Describe the nature of yourrole.

I’ve been in this position for about fouryears. My role within the organisation is toprovide leadership and to identify any opportunities where counselling is neededand to see how we can creatively financethese to make those services available freeof charge to those people that urgentlyneed our help.

2, What are the mainchallenges facing you?

The challenge is always knowing that thereis a huge need for the service but such alack of funding to meet everyone’s needs.The key to it is trying to be really specificabout what needs we can meet and whatwe can finance and the need to recognise that we must act in colloboration withother agencies.

3, Is it difficult to get your message out?

It had been until fairly recently but in thelast couple of years there has been moreinterest in counselling and more attentiongiven to addressing mental health issues.So there has been more information in thePress and the ongoing work in schoolsand youth and community groups hashelped to reduce the stigma that mighthave been associated with counselling. Thearea of mental health and counselling ismore forefront in people’s minds.

4, What differentiates yourorganisation from othercounselling services?

One of our key features is that weprovide a counselling service right acrossthe age spectrum – from very youngchildren to much older adults andfamilies – for a range of issues, includingstress, anxiety, depression, relationshipbreakdown, self-harm and suicide. Thismakes us distinct as many organisationsfocus on a specific age group or themethat they can provide counselling for.We’re unique in providing a broad rangeof services.

5, How do you measure the ‘success’ of your organisation?

“Success” for us is evidenced in raising theprofile of mental health issues and reducing the stigma surrounding mentalhealth. We measure this by looking at thenumber of people who are willing to askfor support and in the personal storiesfrom clients who use our services andhearing how it has helped and improvedtheir lives.

6, What do you expect theWell-being Survey, recentlylaunched by the Public HealthAuthority, will reveal?

It will be interesting to see how people areperceiving mental health issues or will the survey reveal that people are stillmore focused on physical health well-being. Mental health issues still tend to comedown the agenda as it’s not so obvious to people.

7, Do you provide counselling topeople who are suffering trauma asa result of the Troubles?

The origins of this organisation came out ofthe trauma associated with the conflict. Theorganisation was set up to counsel andsupport families who were living throughthe trauma in this very specific part of Ar-doyne. Our services have developed geo-graphically from that base. Originally, wewere only servicing the Ardoyne commu-nity but now it is very much a cross-com-munity initiative for a wide range of issues.We have also an office which is based inthe Duncairn area of Belfast. We also do agood deal of our work through schoolsand community centres right acrossNorthern Ireland.

8, How is the organisationfunded and how secure is it?

Among our key funders are the Department for Social Development,the Community Relations Council andthe Public Health Agency. We are alsoinvolved in tendering for work so wewould be paid for delivering services; forexample for the Department of Educa-tion and for several of the education andlibrary boards and health trusts. Butthere is never enough money to fundeverything. We do rely on donationsfrom the public, from grants, from trusts,the Big Lottery, and Children in Need. We are secure at the moment but thereis a need for this service to expand tomeet the need that is there. At the mo-ment there are about 400 people needingto access this service that we don’t havethe resources to provide them with.

9, What is the best part of thejob?

The best part of my job is knowing thatmy skills are really in looking after themanagement and finance behind thescene. And that by doing that it enablesthe counsellors to get on with what theyare good at and to see the difference thatmakes in people’s lives.

10, What is the most difficult partof the job?

The most difficult part is knowing thatthere is such a huge demand for the service and that we can’t meet everyone’s needs.

11, Who or what has been thegreatest inspiration in your career to date?

The team that I work with here at NewLife Counselling have been a huge inspiration. They are all so dedicated totheir job and seeing the difference thatmakes to people’s lives. The wider team inthis organisation have been a substantialinspiration to me

12, How do you relax when youare away from the job?

I love spending time with friends andenjoying good food and conversation.

Profile We talk to Karen Collins, the Chief Executive of New LifeCounselling, about the challenges facing her organisation


‘I would feel that justice was

On a typical wet, blustery day in Belfast, Christine McDonnell spoke to VIEW at lengthin her home in west Belfast about her medical

condition and the deep stress she is experiencing overwelfare benefit changes.

Christine said: “I came to Belfast in 2000. I havehad part-time jobs at the Royal Victoria Hospital andthe Community Restorative Justice organisation.

“In 1995, I had an episode of optic neuritis,where your vision is affected. This can be an early indicator of the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS). But,apart from that, I was in great shape.

“I was later examined by a neurologist in Belfastwho diagnosed me as suffering from MS. I was putonto a drug called beta interferon. It was developed inthe 1980s for cancer treatment because it kills yourimmune system. GlaxoSmithKline, a leading pharmaceutical company, developed it to be used fortreating MS. I lasted for about 16 months on it, but my condition deteriorated rapidly. There is no cure forMS. At present, I manage my symptoms with a lot of alternative therapies.

“In terms of disability benefits, I started at thebottom of the ladder with partial disability. Even thenthey put you through the hoops. A doctor came to thehouse and letters had to be submitted. Agnes Fraser ofwelfare advisory body Tar Isteach helped me to fill outthe forms. I finally reached a point where I was in avery bad way. The people that I was dealing with couldsee my symptoms and they eventually moved me ontofull benefit.

“By following news reports, I started to learnabout Atos and what might be coming my way. Ifigure that I may be called in next year to undergo awork capabilty examination.

At present, Atos Healthcare operates the Med-ical Referee Service. This service was previouslydelivered by the public sector but was privatised in2010. Since the service was privatised many disabledclients have not been able to be examined at RoystonHouse.

According to Christine’s husband Gerry, manypeople who have been called for an assessment arebeing sent to Atos Healthcare centres in Ballymena orPortadown. “You are asked if you can independentlyevacuate the building in Belfast in case of an emer-gency. If you say no, then you are sent to Ballymena or Portadown.

“According to interviews in recent TVprogrammes about Atos, if I can press a button I canwork,” said Christine. “What kills me is that I wouldlove to work. I would give anything to be able to workbut MS is not a consistent illness – it’s day out and dayin how you are feeling. A society is judged by how theytreat their must vulnerable members. What does thisAtos process say about this society?

“The coalition government had the chance to saythat this assessment process is not fit for purpose. Atpresent, they are burning up money in the administration of it.

“The amount of money being spent on the appeal process is unbelievable.”

Christine’s condition has also been exacerbatedby her need for a knee replacement . “She has beenwaiting for seven years now,” said Gerry. “She hasbeen designated as an urgent case.”

Christine said: “I have been feeling very stressedsince I heard out about the Atos assessment tests.

“It’s in the back of your mind all the time. Some-one may examine me who is very indifferent about mycondition and doesn’t know anything about me. I’m

horrified at hearing the stories about people with cancer who have been declared fit for work.

“I have also noticed in the last few years, since allthis stuff about Atos and disability benefits was raised,a serious hostility to people with disabilities. Disabilityabuse now seems to be the new OK.

“A certain mentality has been fostered that weare all scroungers with fake illnesses, have 20 kids andlive in fabulous council homes.

“The government and some of the media keepsfeeding this perception to the general public. I’m convinced that this sort of spin has had an effect.

“If I woke up in the morning and heard that Atoshad been scrapped, I’d feel that justice had been done.The benefits system may need some

readjustment but not the slash and burn approach oAtos. It’s an awful system.

“More people need to come out and protestabout this. The people administering the Atos systemneed to have a heart instead of this vicious approacto people who are already carrying an awful lot of pain.”

Gerry: “This Welfare Reform Bill still has to gothrough the Assembly. What I would say to the partis that if they have a social conscience at all they neto look at this and show their social conscience.

“There should be unanimity across the board recognise that Atos is simply a cost-cutting, slashing exercise and it has nothing to with the needs andrights of the disabled.”

Many people with disabilities in Northern Ireland are facing stressful times astheir benefits are hit by changes in the welfare system. Christine McDonnell,orginally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the US, but who has lived inNorthern Ireland for more than 12 years, suffers from multiple sclerosis. Shetold VIEW editor Brian Pelan of her deep concerns about welfare changes anthe role of private company Atos Healthcare

Under stress: Christine McDonnell at her home in west Belfast and (right) at a recentprotest outside Royston House in Belfast, where medical assessments are carried out byAtos Healthcare.


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KEY FACTSIn Britain, Atos Healthcare has nettedover £1 billion to dateand is running at a costto the Department forWork and Pensions of£100 million a year.More and more appealsare being lodgedbecause of the flaws in the work capability assessment.

Employment and SupportAllowance provides financialhelp to people who are unableto work because of illness ordisability. You have to undergoa medical assessment which iscarried out by Atos Healthcare.

The Personal Independ-ence Payment willreplace Disability LivingAllowance (DLA) fromnext year for eligiblepeople of working age(16 to 64 years old). Existing working ageDLA customers will alsobe reassessed for thenew benefit during theperiod October 2013 toMarch 2016.

The performance of AtosHealthcare in the UK in re-spect of medical assessmentshas been criticised by theCommons Select Committeefor Work and Pensions and by individual MPs. It has also beencriticised by by advocacygroups such as the CitizensAdvice Bureau, disabledpeople's organisations and individual disabled people.

The Department for So-cial Developmentcommissioned ProfessorMalcolm Harrington toundertake his thirdIndependent Review ofthe Work Capability As-sessment, as requiredby section 10 of theWelfare Reform Act(Northern Ireland) 2007.The call for evidenceasks customers to re-flect back on a WorkCapability Assessmentthey may have had inthe past and compare itto their most recent ex-perience.

Northern Ireland’sDepartment for SocialDevelopment last yearawarded Atos Origin a con-tract to provide supportservices for benefitsprocessing. The deal was valued at £82.2m.

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Speaking out in su

As the rest of the United Kingdom waited for the Paralympic Games opening ceremony in London to begin, activists from Disabled PeoAgainst Cuts (DPAC), Women with Visible and Invisible Disabilities (WinVisible) and the Direct Action Network (DAN) delivered a coffi the doors of Atos Origin's Headquarters in London, with messages from the relatives and loved ones of sick and disabled people who habeen through the French IT company's Work Capability Assessment and who were all taken off the benefits which made their lives bothpossible and bearable. Many of these people have since died or committed suicide shortly afterwards Image: © 2012 Pete R

Death of cancer sufferer who was declared fit to wor

Acancer sufferer who had her benefitscut by government officials who saidshe was fit to work has died.

Cecilia Burns (51) from Strabane, CoTyrone, had started a campaign in Februaryto have the decision overturned.

Ms Burns had her benefits cut after shewas assessed by government contractorAtos Healthcare.

She had her benefits reinstated just afew weeks ago, but died on Monday, August27,

During her campaign Cecilia said thatshe was "disgusted" after the governmentcut her sickness benefit and told her she

was fit to work. Cecilia had her EmploymentSupport Allowance reduced by £30 a weekeven though she was still undergoing treat-ment for breast cancer.

Ms Burns had described the medicaltest as a “joke”.

The government is seeking to reassessall 2.6 million people on incapacity benefit –and its successor employment support al-lowance (ESA) – by 2014 .

Before her death, Cecilia said that deal-ing with the side effects of the treatmentwere bad enough, but she had been angeredby the cut in benefit after she went for amedical.

"I know there's other people out thand they're all scared to come forward," said.

"I was treated badly. I've been worksince I was 17.

“I've paid all my stamps, all my Na-tional Insurance.

“The only time I was ever sick waswhen I was pregnant with my two sons.

“It has had a financial effect on me it’s more (that) they're getting away wit They are just treating you like a second citizen.

“That's how I feel – that I don't cou don’t matter,” she said.


Work Capability Assessment: Ali’s story

I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in September 1999, and continued to work up untilApril 2011. I then had to visit the local social security office where I was interviewed on howmy condition was affecting me both mentally andphysically, and how it may affect me in the future.

I received a letter at the end of 2011 requesting me to appear at a medical in order tosee if I was fit for work.

Although I received the letter at the beginning of November, my appointment wasn’tuntil the end of January, giving me three months ofstress and worry. Even though I had a fair idea Iwas unfit for work, especially with having poormobility, but you still hear so many horror stories.

I was really anxious about it all. A lot of the

questions seemed irrelevant.I went to the Employ-ment and SupportAssessment at the end of Janu-ary 2012 at 3.30pm – even though I explained thatdue to my MS I get very fatigued mentally by midafternoon.

When I arrived I was seen by a local GP, whoasked me a list of questions which I found difficultto answer because of my fatigue. I found myselfstill answering one question while he had alreadymoved to the next, which meant after a very shorttime I wasn’t giving full and precise answers.

A lot of the questions he asked seemed irrelevant, like – how long did it take you to arriveat the social security offices from your home? Andcan you stretch your arms out in front of you?

Then he asked me to lie down on an examination couch, which I did with somedifficulty. While examining my legs he even passedcomment on a definite weakness down my left

hand side.After about 20 minutes or so the ques-tions and examination were over.

I got a letter three weeks later telling methat I received zero points.

The letter was sent out on a Saturday morning, meaning I worried all weekend aboutwhat was going to happen to me, my wife (who isalso disabled) and our home.

I contacted the local Citizens Advice Bureau(CAB) first thing on Monday after a very stressfulweekend.

After a face to face meeting, I was asked byone of their volunteers to go and get letters frommy GP, OT, physiotherapist and reflexologist.

Once I got the letters together I went backto the CAB and they appealed against the decisionwhich was overturned.

I cannot thank the CAB enough for theirvery efficient advice and help they provided.

The current Work Capability Assessment is not fit for purpose and does not take into account the reality of manydisabled people's lives.

We strongly believe that the descriptors (which are setby the Department for Work and Pensions) need to bechanged to ensure that they better reflect the reality formany disabled people, particularly those people with mental health and learning disability.

The revision of the descriptors should then lead to achange in the questions that are used by Atos for theMedical Assessment. The health care professionals that arecurrently delivering the medical assessments on behalf ofthe Department need to have better training and thereneeds to be significant improvements to access at medicalassessment centres.

As many people will be aware, the Department has currently announced details of a call for evidence for theWCA. Disability Action would encourage as many people aspossible to respond – there is a questionnaire which can bedownloaded from the DSD website. We will be using our experiences of working with disabled people to inform ourresponse to the call for evidence.

upport of disabledThe Multiple Sclerosis Society

‘I received a letter three weeks later telling me that I received zero points’

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition which affects around4,000 people in Northern Ireland.

While many people with MS want to and are able to work, it’s vitalthat those who are no longer able to work get the support they need. TheMS Society believes that the current test for Employment and Support Al-lowance (ESA) is flawed, and wrongly finding too many people with MS ‘fitto work’.

We are also concerned that the introduction of a one year time-limiton contributory Employment Support Allowance for those in the Work-Related Activity Group by the Welfare Reform Act on April 30 willunfairly and severely disadvantage people with complex and fluctuating conditions like MS.

We believe that the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) does notfully recognise the barriers that disabilities and long-term conditions pres-ent to employment, and as a result, too many ill and disabled people arebeing wrongly classified as ‘fit to work’: this is evident in the high successrate of ESA appeals. The Citizens Advice Bureau in Northern Ireland reports that around 40 percent of appeals are successful).

The WCA is particularly poor at assessing people with complex andfluctuating conditions, like relapsing-remitting MS, and at recognising barri-ers caused by less visible symptoms, such as fatigue, generalised pain, andcognitive difficulties.

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Unions join protest against Atos

TRADE unions, including representatives from UNISON andNIPSA, have joined demonstrations against the Atos system byholding a series of protests outside Royston House in UpperQueen Street in Belfast.

Pamela Dooley from UNISON asked why people with disabilities should have to fill in self-assessment forms.

Ms Dooley said: “If you have a disability you have a right to abenefit.

“People in Northern Ireland have to oppose these cuts andUNISON will be supporting further protest actions.”

Maria Morgan, from NIPSA, said: “It is apparent that theWork Capability Assessment is a punitive regime set up to get disabled and sick customers off the benefits that they require tolive with some level of dignity. Our communities do not need social security cuts they need jobs and security. but when they arenot available then the security net of the Welfare State should bewhat every community deserves, so we must protect it.”

• The Irish Congress of Trade Unions are holding aprotest against welfare cuts at Stormont onSeptember 10. Support: Maria Morgan of NIPSA Call: Pamela Dooley of UNISON


On a mission to

In a rundown part of east Belfast, an innovative‘urban village’ is rising out of a cityscape of two-up, two-down council houses, boarded-up shopsand takeaways.

The Skainos project on the NewtownardsRoad has been commissioned by the East BelfastMission, and when it opens on September 17 it willprovide a place to live, work, study and worship forthousands of people. But it’s the green wall – orvertical garden – soaring 500 metres over theneighbourhood that’s got most of the attention.

The spectacular three-sided edifice is madeup of more than 6,500 evergreen and deciduousnative plants including ivy and geranium, and is de-signed to change colour with the seasons. Like therest of the two-acre development, it’s eco-friendly. Nutrient-enriched rain water and grey water –from laundry, dishwashing and bathing – will beused to water the plants and the garden will be a‘green lung’ in this built-up environment.

But it’s what will happen inside the £21mbuilding, designed by architects Donnelly O’Neill,which will potentially have the most impact on anarea marred by high unemployment and socialproblems. As well as offices, shops and a new worship space for the Methodist congregation ofthe East Belfast Mission, the development will include a mix of owner-occupied, privately rentedand social housing. Hostel accommodation for thehomeless will also be on-site, with support to easethe transition to independent living.

The development – financed by the EU PeaceIII programme, Department for Social Develop-ment, International Fund for Ireland, East BelfastMission and private funders – will include a com-munity hall, café and services such as counselling,education and childcare. These will be provided bythe Mission and other tenants, including BelfastMet, the Northern Ireland Association for MentalHealth, Age NI and Tearfund.

It builds on the work the East Belfast Missionalready does – from training former prisoners torevamp donated furniture for resale in its Re-Storeshops to delivering meals on wheels to the elderly.Rev Dr Gary Mason from the Mission said theMethodist faith is central to those activities and thewhole Skainos project.

“In Methodism, we would have a very strongsocial conscience. So it’s not just about going tochurch; it’s also about engaging with the poor andmarginalised. So really, Skainos was born out ofthat. Skainos means tent (from the ancient Greek),so we visualise that under this tent there’s a multi-plicity of different caring agencies engaging with thepoor and marginalised in the inner city. We’reguessing that when it’s open at least 3,000 people per week will go through all the different ministries.”

The East Belfast Mission was established in itscurrent form on the Newtownards Road in themid-1980s, although it can trace its roots in thearea back to the early 19th century.

Rev Dr Mason said the help they provide isdesperately needed – the area is the fifth most de-prived of Northern Ireland’s 566 electoral wards.When I visited, the Mission’s Stepping Stone office,across the road from Skainos, was busy with peo-ple accessing services that help get the unem-

ployed into work. “We’re working across home-lessness, social economy, peace-making, community,family and employability – it’s just a wide range of different ministries. Skainos was born out of the vi-sion of the East Belfast Mission. In the early days, Iwould have called it creating an urban village in theinner city – that was the context – the birth-to-death approach to life.”

Rev Dr Mason said the support offered bythe Mission isn’t restricted to one ‘side’ or theother – the Skainos Board has members fromacross the sectarian divide and the Mission is heav-ily involved in cross-community work. An Irish lan-guage co-ordinator has just been appointed andIrish language classes are already on offer. Rev DrMason himself has been involved in peace-buildingin Northern Ireland for 25 years.

The director of Skainos, Glenn Jordan, shares

Rev Dr Mason’s emphasis on the importance ofcross-community engagement. However, he saidthe sectarian divide obscured other social and eco-nomic problems.

“We built (Skainos) around this whole notionof shared space, but also recognising that the tradi-tional views of shared space are too limited – thatis, shared space between the traditional, Protestantand Catholic political communities,” he said.

“We’ve tried to push the notion as wide aswe possibly can, recognising that there are all sortsof groups that are excluded or marginalised andunder the cover of the Troubles over the years,these things haven’t been noticed.”

Mr Jordan said the development’s civic squareis central to this ethos. Intended as a neutral space,and free from the painted kerbstones and paramilitary murals of some of the surroundingstreets, it will be used for events such as concertsand markets. He hopes events like these will bringpeople together. “Rather than people existing inseparate bubbles, we want to be able to attractpeople into this area who under other circumstances would never come near this com-munity. We want people to come off the Sydenhambypass and come into inner east Belfast becausethere’s something happening in Skainos.”

Journalist Lucy Golloglyreports on a massive newhousing/office project in eastBelfast which is set to openits doors on September 17

Clockwise, from above: Reporter Lucy Gollogly wi Peter Tomlinson, and Kirk on top of the complex

‘In Methodism, wewould have a verystrong social conscience. It’snot just aboutgoing to church,it’s also about engaging with the poor andmarginalised’


transform lives

th the Rev Dr Gary Mason and facilities technician Kirk Mason; mission superintendent Rev Dr Mason; Social Economy Manager overlooking a view of the streets of east Belfast , Images: Kevin


Pussy Riot com

Amnesty International recently recruited some of Belfast'sbest-known statues to stage a virtual demonstration insolidarity with jailed punk group Pussy Riot.

Statues and sculptures around the city staged the demonstration complete with colourful crocheted balaclavasand ‘Free Pussy Riot’ placards.

The demonstration was one of many staged by AmnestyInternational in cities around the world in defence of freespeech in Russia.

Local Amnesty activists teamed up with the guerrilla knit-

ters of S.O.C.K (Secret Outside Crocheters and Knitters) toorganise the colourful protest in solidarity with jailed punkgroup Pussy Riot, who were sentenced to two years in prisonby a Moscow court.

Patrick Corrigan, Northern Ireland Programme Directorat Amnesty International, said: “The jailed Pussy Riot membersare feeling the brute force of a state intent on throttling freespeech.

“The trial of these women was politically motivated andwe are calling on the Russian authorities to overturn the guilty

verdict and two-year jail sentence. A bers in Northern Ireland and throu tinue to demonstrate their support right to freedom of expression.

“Thousands of people have al support to Maria, Ekaterina and Na incarcerated by the Russian authori www.amnesty.org.uk/pussyriot.

Amnesty International is hold solidarity gig in the Black Box, Belfa


mes to Belfast

Amnesty International mem- ughout the world will con- t for Pussy Riot and for the

ready sent messages of adezhda the band members

ities, at

ing a Pussy Riot ast, on Friday, September 7.

Images: Michaël [email protected]

Above: Well-known statues in Belfast adorned with Pussy Riot masks ina show of solidarity with the three women imprisoned in Moscow recently. The demonstration was organised by Amnesty International


Emotional well-being and resilience are whatmost people strive for but they can be elusivequalities with all the stresses and strains of

modern life.The community and voluntary sector in

Belfast is joining with statutory agencies in the cityto draw up a plan of action – spearheaded by thePublic Health Agency – to find out what changescould be made to improve emotional health andwell-being.

A survey to find out people’s views is avail-able online: www.haveyoursaybelfast.com and apaper copy is being sent out to homes in the cityas part of a public consultation on a 10-year visionto improve the health and emotional resilience ofBelfast people. The deadline for taking part in thesurvey is September 21 and public informationevents are being held across the city to encouragelocal communities to get involved.

Séamus Mullen, the Public Health Agency’sHead of Health and Wellbeing Improvement forBelfast, said that the regeneration of the city, life-long learning, physical activity, tackling drug and al-cohol dependency as well as emotional health andwell-being are all part of the mix needed to im-prove the health of Belfast’s citizens.

“There has been a good buy-in by the statu-tory organisations, the community and voluntarysector as well as politicians – MPs, MLAs and citycouncillors. There is a range of people in place toprovide this framework – we are looking at a 10-year vision,” Mr Mullan said.

The Public Health Agency is tasked with tack-ling health inequality but the Agency needs to workin partnership with statutory agencies, the commu-nity and voluntary sector and politicians in orderto achieve this goal, Mr Mullan added.

Improving the physical infrastructure withwalking paths and cycle lanes to encourage physicalactivity as well as extending the Healthwise Pro-gramme between GPs and Belfast City Council’sleisure centres to help people suffering with de-pression are some of the proposals being looked atas part of an action plan to improve emotionalhealth and well-being for the people of Belfast, MrMullan said.

“My role is to bring a range of different or-ganisations together to identify poor health in theBelfast area and put plans in place to address it.”

The Public Health Agency, Belfast Health andSocial Care Trust and Belfast City Council havebeen working together in the Belfast Strategic

Partnership for the past year to deal with healthinequality across the city including mental healthand emotional well-being. Chief Executives fromstatutory agencies including the Housing Executive,Police Service, Department of Justice, University ofUlster and Belfast Metropolitan College are among30 organisations in the city supporting a plan of ac-tion.

The thousands of responses expected fromthe online and paper survey will lead to statisticallysignificant sample of Belfast people’s views on whatis needed to improve their emotional health andwell-being, Mr Mullan said.

The survey involves a questionnaire whichtakes about five minutes to fill in and includesquestions such as: ‘Thinking about where you liveplease choose five items from the list below thatyou believe would be most important in improvingyour quality of life.’

The tick box responses include ‘Better rela-tions between different religious groups and racialgroups’ and ‘more cafes (non-alcohol alternatives)’.

The Belfast Strategic Partnership EmotionalHealth and Wellbeing group joint chairs IreneSherry and John McGeown have urged Belfast peo-ple to take the opportunity to give their views.

“Securing as much participation in this surveyrepresents an important element for the BSP andthat is why we want to go to every quarter of thecity and talk to people,” they said.

Dr Eddie Rooney, Public Health Agency ChiefExecutive and chair of Belfast Strategic Partnership,said: “It is vital that the experiences of local peopleare fed into any plans that are developed to im-prove their emotional health and well-being.”

Further information can been obtained fromthe Public Health Agency telephone on 02890279388 or [email protected].

IF you’re thinking of going back to study – youmight consider a range of community educationcourses.

These are programmes and activities devel-oped in dialogue with communities. The purpose isto help people to build the capacity of communi-ties to improve their quality of life – central to thisis their ability to participate in the democraticprocess.

Organisations such as the EGSA (EducationalGuidance Service for Adults); WEA (Workers’ Edu-cational Association ); NICVA (Northern IrelandCouncil for Voluntary Action); WRDA (Women’sResource and Development Agency); Irish Con-gress of Trade Unions; University and CollegeUnion (UCU); Rural Community Network, TheOpen University; Colleges NI; Open College Net-work NI and Age NI are members of the Forumfor Adult Learning NI (FALNI) which believes thatlearning is a basic right and enables people to takecontrol of their lives.

The key objectives of of FALNI are growing adynamic, innovative economy and promoting toler-ance, inclusion, health and well-being. The Forumbelieves that improving, increasing andextending opportunities for adults to learnthroughout their lives, has real public as well aspersonal benefits.

The longest established organisation – theWEA – has been in the business of delivering adultcommunity education for 100 years.

The WEA offers courses from creative craftsto business enterprise courses for dozens of com-munity groups, voluntary organisations, unions andemployers.

Also look out for courses by Women’s Tec inBelfast – which helps women get into non-tradi-tional employment, Conway Education which hasbeen offering community education courses in thecity since 1982 and the more recently launchedJust Learning http://www.justlearningni.com/cur-riculum

If you are interested in the study and promo-tion of dialogue, conflict resolution, peace and rec-onciliation in Ireland and world-wide, look into thecourses offered by The Irish School of Ecumenics -a graduate institute in Trinity College Dublin, lo-cated in both Dublin and a campus on Belfast’sAntrim Road.

ISE currently runs three M.Phil. taught pro-grammes, two in Dublin and one in Belfast (thesemay be taken alternatively at diploma level) avail-able to study full-time or part-time: M. Phil. in Inter-cultural Theology and Interreligious Studies, M. Phil.in International Peace Studies and M.Phil. in Con-flict Resolution and Reconciliation Courses in M.Phil. in Conflict Resolution and Rec-onciliation are offered at Trinity’s specialist cross-border ISE campus in Belfast, or through week-longresidential courses, in partnership with the Glen-cree Centre for Reconciliation in County Wicklowand through TIDES: Training and Consultancy, atCorrymeela, Co Antrim.

Launching the Belfast Strategic Partnership’s ‘Have your say Belfast’ survey, were(left to right): Irene Sherry, Anne Bill, Dr George O’Neill, Peter McNaney, Dr EddieRooney and Colm Donaghy

Views of Belfast citizens sought assurvey is launched on health needsBy Una Murphy

Spoilt for choices in study courses

Website: viewdigital.orgAdvertising feature Page 15

The third sector has been undergoing dra-matic changes in recent years as those incharge are increasingly called to account and

there has been a radical overhaul of how charitiesare run and monitored here in Northern Ireland.

One of the most important duties is themanagement of charitable funds, the basic principleof which is that they must take a prudent ap-proach.

It is important to set out aims and objectivesfor such funds, which, after all, usually come aboutas a result of the generosity of the public, and themost effective way of doing this is by setting out aninvestment policy statement.

This enables the trustees to set out the char-ity’s aim when investing funds, including the posi-tion on risk, an indication of the asset allocationstrategy, performance benchmarks and targets, thestance on ethical investment, the balance betweencapital growth and income generation and thescope of the investment powers.

Gone are the days of relative informality: thisis a professional approach which is increasingly call-ing for a professional investment service. Thisshould be welcomed by all concerned.

Both those who donate and those who ad-minister such funds will in future be assured thatthere is no room for mismanagement or neglect.

There are several factors that should be consid-ered by charity trustees: the level of risk that is ac-ceptable; investment objectives and the timescaleof the investment.

Leading on from this is the question as towhere to invest such funds in the current low in-terest environment at a time when questions arebeing asked about equities which have performedrelatively poorly in capital terms over the pastdecade or so.

It is unusual to see such a reversal of for-tunes: a time when bonds have shown gains but eq-uities have gone backwards.

This is the first time since the 1930s that thishas happened and it is not limited to the UK, thepicture is similar in both the US and Europe.

It is also strange to see the yields on equitiesfar outstrip those on gilts: the current 10 year giltyield of under 2% compares unfavourably with theyield on the equity market of 3.6%.

In these difficult and interesting times it is in-creasingly capital preservation that is the main pri-ority and return is considered in terms of totalreturn, that is capital growth and income produced,rather than being regarded as separate entities.

One other salient point is the risk attachedto the banks – the days when money on deposit inthe bank was virtually no-risk have long gone: the

problems besetting our financial institutions rum-ble on, reflected in the huge fall in share prices ofthe banks.

The question remains as to whether oneshould one commit funds to the market duringsuch a turbulent time.

The difficulties of balancing all the considera-tions is best undertaken with professional guidanceand a policy of a well-diversified portfolio which issubject to constant monitoring has much to rec-ommend it.

This does not constitute a recommendationto buy or sell investments and the value of anyshares may fall as well as rise. Investments carryrisk and investors may not receive back theamount invested.

The views expressed are those of theauthor and not necessarily ofCunningham Coates Stockbrokers.

Cunningham Coates Stockbrokers is atrading name of Smith & Williamson In-vestment Management Limited. Autho-rised and regulated by the FinancialServices Authority. Registered number131816.

Cunningham Coates Stockbrokers has had a presence in Belfast for over 150 years, providing bespoke investment solutions tailored to clients’ specific requirements. We offer a comprehensive range of advice and services to help navigate the road to successful investment.

Cunningham Coates Stockbrokers. Advice for life.

not get back the original amount invested.

www.ccstockbrokers.com

Cunningham Coates Stockbrokers is a trading name of Smith & Williamson Investment Management Limited. Registered in England at 25 Moorgate, London EC2R 6AY No. 976145. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

our history, your future

The Charity investment landscape

VIEW, Issue seven, 2012

By Louise Friel

TODAY’S Facebook statistics tell us that there arecurrently more than 900 million Facebook users,approximately four per cent of which are based inthe UK and 66% of which are in the 20 to 49-year-old age group.

More than 58% of Facebook users aredescribed as daily active users, with 2.7 billionLikes, 2.5 billion posts and 70,000 queries madedaily world-wide.

The community and voluntary sector is allabout providing social and community support, lis-tening to people, and addressing community needs.So with so many of the public on Facebook, itmakes sense for organisations in this sector tohave a presence there too.

Currently in the UK and Ireland, although so-cial media is a relatively new phenomenon, the sector appreciates the benefits that social media

can bring, such as extending communications channels with existing supporters and reaching potentially new supporters. Approximately 90% ofthe sector currently has a social media presence,with Facebook being the most widely implementedplatform.

So, if it is widely recognised that social mediahas a positive impact in the sector, what are thebarriers preventing the remaining 10% setting up aFacebook presence?

The main concerns appear to be:1. A perceived lack of time and resources neededto develop social media strategies, and maintain so-cial media sites. However, if social media is ap-proached as an integral part of an organisation’sbusiness plan, social media can be managed in avery efficient and effective manner.2. Struggling with technology. However, the inter-net provides a vast source of online tips and sup-port, while most training organisations now offer

affordable social media workshops, in response tothe growing trends in social media use.3. A fear that Facebook users may make negativecomments online, available for everyone to see.Facebook includes a number of permission con-trols that dictates who can make posts, whethervideos and pictures can be included in posts, andcan even moderate the wording of posts, to blockprofanities.

Next time we will examine why the majorityof organisations that have a Facebook presenceonly have a very modest fan base.

For more information on using socialmedia, contact Louise on 07739575204,or email [email protected].

Check out Desktop Genies blog,www.desktopgenie.wordpress.com forregular IT articles.

Website: viewdigital.org

A spot

of kite

flying far

above

Belfast

Hills ...

Nine-year-old Beth McCourt from west Belfast proudly displays her homemade kite on Divis Mountain as part of a Belfast HillsPartnership kite making and flying event at the National Trust site in west Belfast. The event was aimed at enjoying the out-doors and being creative

It’s time to make Facebook a part of your strategy

Edwards & Co. solicitors advises charities and the voluntary sector in Northern Ireland

on a wide range of legal issues including charity creation, charitable status and

constitutional matters, trading and commercial arrangements, employment law,

finance, fundraising and property law, as well as dealing with the Charity Commission

for Northern Ireland.

Our team offers a full range of legal services including mediation, criminal law, clinical

negligence and personal injury claims, as well as family/matrimonial work.

Practical advice and a sensitivepersonal approach. We prideourselves on our unrivalledcommitment to clients’ needs.

Contact Jenny and Teresa: Edwards & Co. Solicitors, 28 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LA.

Tel: (028) 9032 1863 Email: [email protected]

Web: edwardsandcompany.co.uk

SUPPORTING OURMEMBERS

DEFENDING JOBSAND SERVICES

TO JOIN UNISON TEL. 0845 355 0845OR JOIN ONLINE

https://join.unison.org.uk/joinus.php

Community & Voluntary Branch

401 Castlereagh Road, Belfast BT5 6QP

Tel: (028) 9070 5205 Email: [email protected]

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The Big PictureSome of the performers at this year’sannual multi-cultural Mela festival, whichwas held at Botanic Gardens, Belfast. Thefestival was hosted by ethnic arts organisation ArtsEkta

Image: Michaël Marie. [email protected]

If you want your community/voluntaryorganisation to be selected for The Big Picture in the next issue, sendimages to [email protected]



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By Una Murphy

Good governance is a hot topic north andsouth of the border. In the Republic ofIreland, the Carmichael Centre in Dublin

has developed new courses and seminars to help community and voluntary organisations to achieveand maintain good governance.

The organisation is a member of the workinggroup that developed the Governance Code: aCode of Practice for Good Governance of Com-munity, Voluntary and Charitable Organisations inIreland – www.governancecode.ie

“We are strongly encouraging boards of allcommunity and voluntary organisations to use thispractical guide to help them to run their organisa-tions well and demonstrate their high standards ofgovernance to all stakeholders,” Derek O’Reilly, theCarmichael Centre’s Training and Support ServicesManager, said.

A new course called ‘Implementing the Governance Code’ is on the Carmichael Centre’sautumn programme.

Full details on all training and seminars areon: http://www.carmichaelcentre.ie/training-pro-gram

Mr O’Reilly said that the Training and Devel-opment Programme was constantly adapting tosuit the needs of community and voluntary groups.It was designed to increase the effectiveness of thesector in the Republic of Ireland.

He said the courses are practically focusedand use participative methods to give those takingpart the opportunity to learn from others workingin the sector.

The Carmichael Centre in Dublin is the firstand largest shared services centre for the commu-

nity and voluntary sector in the Republic.It pro-vides training, information, support and meeting fa-cilities to thousands of volunteers, board members,managers and staff at two listed buildings in

Dublin’s city centre.Almost 50 charities also havepremises at the Carmichael Centre.

For more information, visit the website at:www.carmichaelcentre.ie

Adapting to suit needs of vibrant sector

Seminars: The Carmichael Centre in Dublin


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What are the next five years going to belike for the Third Sector? The organisersof Active in the Community – a two-day

event for the community and voluntary sector inBelfast – have set out their stall by promising prac-tical help and encouragement, and even a littlecrystal ball-gazing.

More than 20 talks and presentations will beheld during the conference and there is also theopportunity to look around 70 stands at the Ra-mada Hotel Shaw's Bridge, Belfast, on October 9and 10.

With space for 70-plus exhibitors, organiserssay that Active in the Community will be a great

place to make contacts, find new resources andcatch up on some of the latest information avail-able to the community/voluntary sector in North-ern Ireland.

Among the exhibitors are Age NI Enter-prises, Charity Bank, CO3 Chief Officers Third Sec-tor, Cookstown and Western Shores Network,Edwards and Co, Family Mediation NI, NorthernIreland Scout Association and the PresbyterianChurch in Ireland

Yorkshireman Steve McDermott will presentthe keynote address ‘When The Going GetsTough!’, and the hard times and the increasing needfor the community and voluntary sector to work

together to make ends meet are reflected in otherpresentations including: - Legal Issues Arising WhenOrganisations Work Collaboratively, Positive Part-nerships for Practical Change, Marketing On AShoestring – For Community Sector Groups andthe Opportunities of Social Enterprise among thetopics to be considered at the conference.

One and two-day conference passes to Activein the Community can be booked online atwww.activeinthecommunity.com or by phone on0044 (0)799 078 0453.

Keep up to date with developments aboutthe Active in the Community event on Facebookhttp://www.facebook.com/aic.ni

Keynote talk: Motivational speaker Steve McDermott will address Active in the Community event

Have you signed up for Active in the Community event?


Strictly Boardroom has consulted with 60 lead-ing board chairs, chief executives and boardmembers across the public, private, voluntary

and community sectors. The purpose of the consultation was, first, to

identify governance challenges faced by these or-ganisations, and second, to gauge their opinion onhow to maintain good practice and avoid failures ofgovernance.

Insufficient skills on the board, micromanage-ment, a lack of defined roles, complacency, arro-gance, risk aversion, poor relationships andcommunication were among the failures identified.

Boards should be professional, committedand dedicated to the work of the organisation.

Too many times I have come across apatheticboards that simply do not know what they are sup-posed to be doing.

Board membership brings with it tremendouspersonal and legal responsibilities. There is a clearlack of investment in governance: to compound theissue – often the executives, not the board, aresent on governance training.

The evidence presented by our study showsthe ease with which those consulted recognisedthe array of potential pitfalls and problems they ex-perienced.

It served to reiterate the breadth and depthof individual and collective responsibility, and theimportance of nurturing a culture of good gover-nance. This overview gives a flavour of the findingsand offers suggested actions that will provide aplatform for positive governance engagement.

Common sense

There were a variety of opinions on whatconstituted ‘good governance’.

Some of those who took part in the consul-tation thought the bureaucracy associated withcompliance and promotion of best practice wassomething that could potentially stifle dynamism.The common theme of good governance thatemerged was that it was based on effective leader-ship supported by a sound relationship, based ontrust and mutual respect, between the executiveand the board.

How do you know if your governance isgood?

Most people consulted felt that they knewwhen this was the case but surprisingly few en-gaged in formal regular governance or board effec-tiveness reviews.

Many, however, did include governance as partof the periodic strategic review, and in most in-stances this was relatively light touch. There wasevidence of internal resistance to board effective-ness reviews by both executives and boards, and insome cases it has required an external driver –such as quality accreditation or a qualified audit –to stimulate action.

Getting the best

Getting the best from a board is highly de-pendent on the nature of the organisation and theexperience of those around the table. A highly-pro-fessional organisation with public appointees ex-pects a well-performing board, whereas the smallerscale voluntary or community group often has tobuild its own board capacity. In every case, how-ever, there remain some critical factors that deter-mine effectiveness, most notably the state ofrelationships and trust around the table and in par-ticular, between the chair, chief executive and theexecutive team.

The role of the chair is of paramount impor-tance in creating an environment conducive toopen, assertive and confident participation, runningmeetings efficiently, and dealing with any tensionthat arises. Positive board development involvesregular observation and analysis of board effective-ness. It is a constant learning process in a dynamicenvironment, requiring timely action to nip prob-lems in the bud. Understanding roles and responsi-bilities is another prerequisite, not merely amongstboard members, but also throughout the organisa-tion. In this way the board can secure appropriaterecognition and deference from the executiveteam.

Board performance

One finding that was disappointing, but notsurprising, was that contributors identified an obvi-ous reluctance to address poor performance, espe-cially from the chair. Boards do not undertakerobust independent board effectiveness reviews;they tend to be more a self-congratulatory processundertaken in the confines of the boardroom withno input from executives and stakeholders. Orworse, nothing is done at all. Why is this case? Arethey afraid of what they might find – or is it a caseof putting their heads in the sand and hoping noone will notice? You would never consider not car-

rying out a financial audit to test processes, proce-dures and give assurance to the board and widerstakeholders. However no one considers that theboard should also be tested and assurances soughton behalf of stakeholders that the board is fit forpurpose.

I am no longer surprised when approachedby chief executives or chairs, who say ‘I have aproblem with my board’. Often a small amount ofinvestigation reveals the reality of the situation: aclear lack of open and honest dialogue within theboard, and between the board and executive. Itwould appear that board members and executivesare still not grasping the idea that the challengefunction is not an issue of personal criticism. Badboard behaviour is not checked, poor performingboard members and chairs are not removed – theculture appears to be one of ‘why do anything –they only have a year left’. A completely inappropri-ate response; a year is a long time for an organisa-tion to have poor leadership and ineffectiveness atthe top.

All of this comes back to the board composi-tion, what criteria are used and how people are ap-pointed. Rarely do attitude, behaviour, commitmentand the question of challenge come into the equa-tion when seeking new board members – butthese are all critical elements that should besought when building a brilliant board.

Stress and adversity

What is now clear is that governance tendsto become an issue only when a problem arisesand boardroom effectiveness is often tested in situ-ations of stress and adversity – there is a need forsupport in prevention rather than cure.

There is a lack of continual investment in de-velopment of capacity for effectiveness and preven-tion of governance failure, yet there is widespreadrecognition of the need to evolve in a dynamic andincreasingly complex and challenging environment.

Training for non-executive directors/boardmembers needs to be on-going and look at behav-iours, attitudes, commitments and the challengerole.

Independent board effectiveness reviewsshould become a mandatory requirement for allboards regardless of sectors – self-assessment isnot good enough.

Poor board performance needs to be ad-dressed. Annual appraisals of members and chairsneeds to be undertaken. Chairs need to stand upto the responsibility and address poor perform-ance. Chairs must also be appraised and be opento constructive criticism on their own perform-ance.

There remains a lack of investment in gover-nance and with budgets under additional pressureit is less likely to be a priority – until, of course, aproblem arises.

Eileen Mullan is a Governance Specialist withStrictly Boardroom www.strictlyboardroom.com

Comment

Who are you going tocall when it’s too late?


\

Irish School of Ecumenics

M.Litt. and Ph.D. Degrees – Dublin and BelfastEmail: [email protected] ISE is recognized world-wide for the unique manner in which it brings the fields of politics, sociology,ethics, theology and religion into a disciplined interaction. The School offers supervision of Masters ofLetters (M. Litt.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) work in a range of fields of specializationincluding: Religion and Politics; Interreligious Studies; Politics of Peace and Conflict; InterculturalTheology; International Relations; Ethics in International Affairs; Ecumenical Theologies andTheologies of Reconciliation.

M.Phil. in Intercultural Theology & Interreligious Studies – DublinEmail: [email protected] Intercultural Theology & Interreligious Studies (ITIS) is a new and ground-breaking course thatexplores the complex realities of intercultural and interreligious relationships. Participants are enabledto draw on a wide and interdisciplinary range of scholarship – combining emerging and establishedfields such as comparative theology, intercultural ethics, political science and religious studies. Thereare four module tracks through the course, of which students choose one; Christian EcumenicalTheologies, Comparative Theology and Interreligious Studies, World Christianity and InterculturalTheology, and Religions and Ethics in a Pluralist World. Students also have an opportunity toparticipate in a European Intensive Programme, in which they meet and learn from scholars and otherstudents in a variety of stimulating venues (September 9-25, 2012, the venue is Constanta, Black Sea,Romania).

M.Phil. in International Peace Studies – DublinEmail: [email protected] Peace Studies provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the sources ofarmed conflict and war. It examines the conditions for achieving sustainable peace throughpeacemaking and peacebuilding. The programme draws on the fields of international relations, ethics,development studies and conflict resolution. Our graduates are employed in the diplomatic service, inNGOs and international organizations such as the UN, in media and education. Others continue toPhD programmes.

M.Phil. in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation – BelfastEmail: [email protected] This programme is a unique opportunity to study in a society in transition from conflict. Students canspecialise in Master courses in conflict resolution or reconciliation, or pursue a joint Master courseacross both areas. Conflict Resolution offers specialisation in practical skills, meeting the needs of bothexperienced practitioners and those wishing to enter this field. Reconciliation Studies offers an inter-disciplinary approach to politics, theology and ethics and is excellent preparation for Ph.D. study.The Master in Conflict Resolution will be delivered through short-block intensive modules.M.Phil. students can study full-time for 12 months or part-time for 24 months.

Postgraduate Diploma in Conflict & Dispute Resolution Studies – Dublin Email: [email protected] programme interests those, in both the public and private sectors, who wish to study civilmediation and other non-adversarial dispute and conflict resolution processes (ADRs) which areincreasingly a part of legislative and management structures in the EU and internationally. Through analliance with Mediation Forum-Ireland those who complete the CDRS programme will have anopportunity to have their names included in the relevant specialist panel of Accredited Mediators. Thisone year programme is taught at ISE on two evenings per week over 24 weeks (September to April)with two practical, skill-based mediation training workshops held on Saturdays.For further information about these programmes or all relevant closing dates please refer to thefollowing websites: www.tcd.ie/ise; www.tcd.ie/Graduate_Studies;To apply on line – please refer to: http://www.tcd.ie/ise/_study/apply/.

Applications will be considered after the closing dates only if places remain.

Irish School of Ecumenics, Trinity College Dublin,Tel. +353.1.2601144, Fax: +353.1.2601158

683 Antrim Road, Belfast BT15 4EG,Tel. +44.28.90770087,Fax: +44.28.90373986

T

By Jenny Ebbage

In a previous issue of VIEW we had spoken aboutthe public benefit test. Progress has now beenmade and there is a new Charities Bill working

its way through the Northern Ireland Assemblywhich reached the first stage of the legislativeprocess on July 2, 2012.

This bill proposes to amend the public benefitprovisions of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland)2008. This will mean that when the Charity Com-mission for Northern Ireland is deciding whether acharity carries out a charitable purpose for thepublic benefit this will be determined with refer-ence to the law relating to Northern Ireland whichwill include the cases and judgements of thecourts.

This will be similar to the provisions whichdetermine public benefit and apply in England andWales in relation to the law there. We had previ-ously reported that some types of charitable pur-poses are presumed to be for the public benefit,such as the relief of poverty, or the advancement ofeducation or religion. It is intended that when thisnew bill is passed into law it will apply with retro-spective effect and there will no longer be any pre-sumption of public benefit – all charities will betreated the same way and will need to have a chari-table purpose for the public benefit.

The Charity Commission for Northern Ire-land must produce guidance on the operation ofthe public benefit requirement and it will under-take a consultation exercise on this in due course.

There are some other proposed amendmentsset out in the Charities Bill. For example, a personwho is subject to a bankruptcy restrictions orderor an interim order will be disqualified from being

a charity trustee. There is also a restoration of amechanism which would allow a gift left for mixedpurposes, i.e. charitable and non-charitable, to beregarded as exclusively charitable only.

We will be going into this in more detail atour forthcoming In-Focus Seminar in Belfast inSeptember.

This will also cover the forthcoming powersof the Charity Commission for Northern Irelandto make cy-près schemes. This is where a gift leftto charity cannot be used for its intended purposesand another purpose or recipient needs to befound.

The seminar will also include an update onsome recent charity law developments. If youwould like to attend please contact Jenny Ebbage [email protected].

Progress has been made on the newCharities Bill for Northern Ireland

Seminar: Jenny Ebbage

PhotographerKevin cooper has

more than 25years experience in

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Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Chil-dren (NICFC) fundraiser LornaWatson has welcomed fundraising bystaff at The Cuan in Strangford, Co.Down, who raised thousands of poundsfor the charity through an auction ofpaintings by local artists. Ms Watsonsaid: “The effort put in by The Cuan wasphenomenal and NICFC is very grateful.The auction was a great success. We arelooking forward to The Cuan hosting itsfirst residential weekend for NICFC thisSeptember.” The Cuan’s Sean Pollysuggested the art auction to owners’Peter and Caroline McErlean. Peter(right) is seen outside The Cuan with apainting by Melissa Houston

Under starter’s orders forvolunteer recruitment at theWorld Police and Fire Games2013 are, from left, John Tully(Chief Executive, 2013 WPFG)Deputy Chief Constable JudithGillespie (Chair of 2013WPFG) Games mascot ‘Emer-gency Eddie’, 2013 Games patron Dame Mary Peters andWendy Osborne (ChiefExecutive, Volunteer Now).More than 3,500 volunteerswill help deliver the WorldPolice and Fire Games whichwill take place in NI from Au-gust 1-10 next year

Art auction atThe Cuan aidscancer charity

Police andFire Gameslaunched

view

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