2 July 2003
TASK FORCE WEBSITE LAUNCHED
The Task Force on Resourcing the Voluntary and Community Sector launched its website today in a bid to inform and consult on its progress. The website address is: www.taskforcevcsni.gov.uk
The Task Force was established earlier this year by the Department for Social Development, to identify action to be taken to ensure that the voluntary and community sector can continue to make a substantial contribution to the achievement of Government objectives and to the well-being of the Northern Ireland community.
The Task Force has already met on a number of occasions and four established Working Groups are now in place to consider key priority areas: Government Policy for Support and Funding of the Voluntary and Community Sector; Accountability and Organisational Systems of Governance; Infrastructure; and Sustainability.
The launch of the website is just one way in which the Task Force is aiming to raise awareness about its work, by providing an access point to information on how the Task Force and the Working Groups are progressing. Other ways of engaging with the wider community are currently being considered.
Welcoming the new website, John McGrath, Deputy Secretary at the Department for Social Development and Chair of the Task Force said: "The voluntary and community sector touches the lives of many in our communities. Given the
important work of the Task Force, it is essential that everyone has the opportunity to follow progress and engage with the Task Force. The website will therefore be an important resource, providing up to date information about the Task Force and its work.
"The new website will also facilitate direct engagement with the Task Force and the Working Groups. This will be via online submissions or contributions to ongoing discussions relating to key issues under consideration by the Task Force.
"The Task Force has an important role in determining the future sustainability of the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland. Given the importance of its work, I hope that many will take the opportunity to access the website and follow progress of the Task Force over the coming months."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The Task Force was established in February 2003 and is due to report to the Minister with responsibility for Social Development by March 2004.
- Terms of Reference of the Task Force and membership are available on the website. For further information on the Task Force, contact the secretariat on 028 9091 0090.
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