19 July 2005
NEW GRANTS WEBSITE & BEST PRACTICE MANUAL ARE LAUNCHED
Details of money paid by Government to voluntary and community projects can now be found on a new website.
Social Development Minister David Hanson said: "For the first time, people will be able to find out what activities Departments have supported in relation to sports, arts, health, education or training in one single easy to use site. It will also offer information on what Government grants are available and how to apply for them."
The Government Funding Database, www.volcomgrantsni.gov.uk captures information on all applications made by voluntary groups to departments or their intermediaries. Organisations can update their own details on the site and the public. Future development of the system will enable organisations to identify funding opportunities, apply on line, track progress of their application and submit monitoring reports as required.
A Best Practice Manual setting out clear standards in financial control and governance that Government will expect of groups was also launched by the Minister.
Mr Hanson said: "Strong and robust management of public money is essential. I am pleased that we have produced, in partnership with the voluntary and community sector, a best practice manual which sets clear standards of control which Government will look for in organisations. It will be a valuable tool in helping groups improve how they look after their finances and run their organisations."
The Manual will be a ‘living’ document and will be regularly reviewed in light of comment from the sector.
Welcoming the announcements, Seamus McAleavey Director of NICVA said: "This is a very positive step by Government in terms of increasing accessibility by the Sector to information on funding opportunities. We hope it will also reduce some of the repetitive administration that frustrates the voluntary and community sector. We are ready to continue working with Departments on improving the essential management skills which lead to good governance."
The launch at NICVA’s office in Belfast was attended by senior representatives across Government and the voluntary and community sector.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The purpose of the Database is to ensure that interested parties have access to accurate and reliable information on all government payments to the voluntary and community sector. It consists of four key areas:
- core information on voluntary and community organisations;
- information on available government grant programmes;
- details of grant applications from voluntary and community organisations;
- details of grant awards/payments to voluntary and community.
- Where information is considered to be of a commercial or sensitive nature this will be restricted.
- The Database was initially piloted in DSD and DHSSPS and has been available to trained staff in all NICS Departments and the NIO from 1 April 2004.
- Voluntary and community sector organisations entered onto the Database are assigned a unique reference number (URN). This is recognised by all Departments and remains with that organisation. Organisations will also be allocated a password to access the system to update their core information (address, contacts, trustees etc).
- It is planned to roll out access to the Database to other public funders including NDPBs, and District Councils.
- The Manual has been developed jointly with the Department of Finance and Personnel and representatives from voluntary and community sector organisations. It will be adopted by all Government Departments.
- For further information on the database contact Seamus Murray on 028 9082 9437 or e mail seamus.murray@dsdni.gov.uk
- For media enquiries please contact DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078.
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