Overdue: 502 days
Public benefits
The benefits flowing from the purposes of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Council are that individuals, farmers, farm families, communities, community organisations and associated statutory organisations are able to call on the resources of the organisation to promote good practice, to exchange information, to access training and advice on
practical actions and solutions to community rural development. Other benefits flowing from the purpose is that individuals or organisations can access funding from NIRDC under those projects which the group manages on behalf of a variety of major funding agencies. Rural communities benefit because they can access advice, training, conferences, workshops on any appropriate topic related to integrated rural development. Farmers and farm families benefit from being able to access all resources relating to agriculture, rural regeneration or the environment appropriate to their needs. The overall rural community of Northern Ireland benefits from having their voice brought to the attention of those individuals or statutory agencies responsible for making decisions about the lives and livelihoods of people living in rural Northern Ireland. They also benefit from being included in the various consultation responses and strategic documents brought forward by the RDC. Everyone in Northern Ireland benefits from RDC focus on building good relations and from the networks of links they have built up with a variety of statutory agencies, local government and social partners. Many of these agencies have a transnational impact and so those wishing to link into programmes like the rural development programme can benefit from such links. Communities needing help with research, data analysis or finding rural solutions to a rural problem will all benefit from the expertise which has been developed by RDC. There is no harm flowing from any of the purposes and no private benefit apart from salaries paid to the employees of RDC which is an integral part of the work of the organisation. Benefits are measured by evaluation documentation which is carried out at the end of every activity promoted by the RDC. It is also measured by the numbers of community projects supported, the number of community relations plans agreed, the number of village halls accessing the funding from Maximising Community Space Programmes, from the development of programmes for skills, training, for farm families. The benefits are also evaluated by the partners who are linked to NIRDC and are made available to the public through our publications such as “Making a Difference” summary of achievements of NIRDC.
... [more] [less]What your organisation does
RDC, the rural development organisation for Northern Ireland, provides a range of development, support, research, training and delivery services for individuals, farmers, farm families, groups, communities, social economy enterprises, public and private sector organisations. RDC has managed and administered over £80 million in funding to over
7,000 rural projects during its 22 years of working in rural development. This has included, among other activities, support and help to people in rural areas to develop and maximise the use of community facilities, undertake village renewal and regeneration actions, create workspace, gain employment, sustain transport networks, build play parks, deliver training, protect their environment, promote good relations, access essential services and maintain their local shop. Set up by Government in 1991, RDC now operates within the social enterprise sector as an independent organisation. Building partnerships and working collectively to bring about positive change is at the heart of its business strategy. RDC is presently managed by a 9 member Council comprised of representatives drawn from a wide range of rural interests. The Board is supported by an enthusiastic and passionate staff team and collectively they work to secure a vision of 'a living, working, sustainable and shared countryside'.
... [more] [less]The charity’s classifications
- The advancement of citizenship or community development
- Other charitable purposes
Who the charity helps
- Voluntary and community sector
How the charity works
- Advice/advocacy/information
- Community development
- Education/training
- Rural development
