A Look Back at NICVA’s Future Thinking SUMMIT 2024
On 22 October 2024, NICVA brought together 370 representatives from Northern Ireland’s voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector for a day of inspiration, connection, and collaboration at the W5 Belfast.
Under the theme “Future Thinking,” the Summit brought together a diverse lineup of speakers, panel discussions, and engagement hubs aimed at tackling the sector’s pressing issues and preparing it to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. The day was hosted by Tara Mills, who guided attendees through key sessions on challenges such as workforce digitalisation and managing misinformation in the digital age.
Here’s a look back at the key moments and insights that made the Future Thinking Summit such a success.
A Powerful Opening
The day began with an inspiring welcome from NICVA CEO Celine McStravick. Celine underscored the transformative power of the sector, emphasising its indispensable role in Northern Ireland’s social fabric. She highlighted three priorities for the future:
- Embedding partnership across government and funders.
- Securing sustainable funding that recognises the sector’s value.
- Investing in people – paid staff and volunteers – with the skills to meet evolving needs.
Celine’s rallying cry to not wait for a seat at the table but to “build the table” set the tone for the day, affirming the sector’s commitment to collaboration and innovation.
First and Deputy First Minister
The Summit also saw support from the Northern Ireland Executive, with First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly acknowledging the sector’s indispensable contributions. Both highlighted the sector’s critical role as a delivery partner for public services, acknowledged funding challenges, and expressed optimism about addressing societal issues collaboratively.
“The Voluntary and Community Sector has a critically important role in supporting our communities,” noted First Minister O’Neill, reinforcing the Executive’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with the sector to address Northern Ireland’s most pressing needs. Deputy First Minister Little-Pengelly praised the sector for its innovation, creativity, and ability to adapt to meet the needs of communities “to find the right solutions at the right time”.
Opening Plenary: Future-Proof Your Workforce: How to Thrive in the Digital Age
Dr Nicola Millard, a Principal Innovation Partner at BT, and Stephen Dallas, the CEO of The Bytes Project, explored how to improve the use of digital technologies in a voluntary organisation. They shared insights on leveraging digital tools, developing future workforce skills, and rethinking leadership approaches. The discussion explored the cultural and technological shifts necessary to help your organisation thrive in what is a rapidly evolving digital landscape and to pave the way for a future where AI is an integral part of organisational success.
Diverse Engagement Hubs
Delegates had the opportunity to participate in 14 NICVA member-led Engagement Hubs, showcasing the sector’s innovation and resilience. Topics ranged from gender equality and AI-driven transformation to rural development and mental health.
Closing Plenary: Misinformation in the Digital Age – What Can We Do About It?
Tara Mills chaired our closing panel discussion featuring Dr Orna Young, from FactCheck NI, a renowned expert in digital communication and media literacy, and Amanda Ferguson, an acclaimed journalist and advocate for truth in media. They explored the pervasive issue of misinformation, its impact on society, and practical strategies to combat it. The conversation delved into the challenges in navigating the complex landscape of digital information and begin to understand how we can amplify the voice of the sector around the issues that matter.
Celebrating Diversity and Creativity
In the spirit of community and culture, the event featured captivating performances that celebrated Northern Ireland’s diverse artistic landscape. Circusful performers, the Colin Glen Men’s Shed Ukulele Band and the multicultural musicians’ collective Tunes Translated enlivened the day, while the evening reception brought delegates together for a unique experience with Quire, Northern Ireland’s LGBTQ+ singing group, and a DJ set by Seisiún na mBan, a female DJ collective.
Building Momentum for a Thriving Future
Supported by The National Lottery Community Fund, Department for Communities, Social Change Initiative, Halifax Foundation, The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, and the Odyssey Trust, the NICVA Summit served as a vibrant platform for sector leaders to share knowledge, cultivate relationships, and drive innovation.
NICVA is thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive response to this inaugural event, which has confirmed the sector’s appetite for a dedicated space to explore challenges, celebrate achievements, and shape the future.
This enthusiastic reception underscores the vital role of a Summit like this in empowering the voluntary and community sector, providing an essential forum for collaboration and collective action.
