The Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) is a prominent national infrastructure body representing the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland. Founded originally in 1938 as the Northern Ireland Council for Social Service (NICSS) to address social challenges during times of high unemployment, NICVA evolved into its current form in 1986 to reflect the expanding voluntary and community sector. NICVA acts as an umbrella membership organization with over a thousand members ranging from well-known charities to grassroots community groups. Its core mission is to support, influence, and develop the voluntary and community sector and advance the interests of the people and communities represented by its members.
NICVA offers a wide array of practical services including governance advice, fundraising support, HR guidance, research, policy development, training, and hosting sector-related resources. The organization works extensively on policy advocacy and lobbying to influence government and other partnerships in Northern Ireland, particularly on issues of justice, equality, governance, the economy, and skills development. NICVA’s strategic goals emphasize supporting innovation and improvement in the voluntary sector, boosting policy influence, developing the use of data and technology, and continual investment in service quality.
With governance provided by an Executive Committee elected by its membership, NICVA is led operationally by a Chief Executive accountable to the Committee. NICVA plays a vital role in promoting social justice and community participation in decision-making and is linked with sister organizations across the UK and Ireland. Funded through a mix of core grants, contracts, and service delivery, NICVA embodies a critical voice for voluntary organizations, engaging in lobbying activities including policy campaigns and sector representation at various government and EU levels.
