STEVEN AGNEW MLA WELCOMES CO3 AWARDS AND CONFERENCE

Steven Agnew, leader of the Green Party in Northern Ireland and member of the All-Party Group on the Voluntary and Community sector today welcomed the work of CO3 and the Leadership Awards and Conference taking place in the City Hotel in Derry~Londonderry on the 23^rd – 24^th February.

“At the moment, organisations operating in the voluntary and community sector are experiencing a squeeze on their finances from both ends: in terms of what they receive from government and what individuals can donate. As a result, it is more important than ever that the sector has strong leadership to ensure the most efficient use of these scarce resources.

“I firmly believe that the voluntary and community sector doesn’t often get the credit it deserves for the help it offers the most vulnerable in our society. Individuals can sometimes fall through the cracks of statutory provision and the safety net that charitable institutions provide is vital. CO3 has members from an incredibly diverse range of third sector bodies and that is a testament to the strength in depth of the sector here in Northern Ireland. The CO3 Leadership Awards and Conference present a wonderful opportunity for the sharing of best practice, but also to appreciate the fine work carried out by many exceptional leaders.

“What we often see is the voluntary and community sector operating as a real driver of innovation; be that in service delivery or financing arrangements. The sector has the potential to generate ideas that reshape the way public and private organisations do business and when we reflect on the pressing need to grow the knowledge economy in Northern Ireland, it’s vital to recognise the impact of a sector that is generating so many valuable ideas.

“There are around 27,000 people involved in the third sector in Northern Ireland and the increase in awareness and participation is a testament to the quality of leadership on offer. This kind of social entrepreneurship, where individuals are seeking to benefit the public, rather than themselves, is to be wholeheartedly commended.”

MLA backs CO3 awards & conference to succeed

Conall McDevitt MLA recently met with CO3 and backed the conference and awards taking place in Feb 2012:

 The South Belfast MLA gave his support to the work that the third sector leadership organisation was providing, offering a focal point for chief officers in the sector in order to ensure best practice: “It is encouraging to see the third sector get together in this fashion and focus on the challenges and opportunities facing chief executives  and chief officers in the voluntary and community sector.

 “CO3 and a good number of the membership of the organisation are based in my constituency and I am aware of the work that they have been carrying out since the last conference and awards held in Derry in 2010.

 “There are many elements impacting on the sector so it is vital that CO3 can facilitate the bringing together of so many leaders to thrash out the big issues and work out the skills that are required to meet those challenges.

I hope to be able to make some element of the events over the two days to add my support and engage with the delegates”.