PAC voluntary sector report
The Public Accounts Committee have published a new report on Creating Effective Partnerships between Government and the Voluntary and Community Sector.
While highlighting the good practice guides and statements of principles which have been put in place, the Committee acknowledged that these had not been always been applied consistently by public bodies or the Sector. It also noted that a recent 2011 agreement between the Sector and Government provided an opportunity to improve working arrangements and outcomes.
Committee Chairperson Paul Maskey said “On the ground, it is clear that the Sector is making a huge contribution in improving the day to day life within our communities. This should rightly be recognised and applauded. However, more still needs to be done. We believe that it is important that our recommendations are adopted not only by the Department for Social Development as a lead Department, but by all who work with the Voluntary and Community Sector.”
Commenting on the report’s recommendations, NICVA Chief Executive Seamus McAleavey said: “It’s rare that we are in a position to welcome every recommendation in a report but the 11 recommendations from the PAC have the potential to deal with this issue once and for all and ensure money is spent on the service delivered rather than on overly bureaucratic reporting mechanisms.”
Read the NICVA press release here. The Committee’s report is available to download here.
