Blog: How taking part in public consultations can make a difference
By Erin Gordon
Policy and Research Officer, with responsibility for co-ordinating the responses to the Commission’s current joint consultation.
As you may be aware, the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland is currently running a public consultation on its draft Strategic Plan 2023-26 and its Engagement Strategy. Or, in other words, yet another public consultation by a public body. So maybe, just maybe, you’re asking – ‘why should I care, let alone take the time to read the proposals and share my comments? Will I even be listened to?’
As the charity regulator, we want to support and guide Northern Ireland’s charities to achieve the best they can. However, first we must ensure we have the right strategies and action plans in place to do that.
Our strategic plan outlines what the Commission’s proposed priorities will be over the next three years. The engagement strategy suggests how the Commission can become more outward facing and actively engage with charities and the public. But have we got the balance right? How will our priorities and actions impact on charities, or those who work for, use and support those charities? That’s where you come in. You are the ones who have the on-the-ground experience and perspective and, by sharing your views, you can support us to develop our plans for the future.
Yes, we know that public consultations can be tiresome. However, they are also your opportunity to be heard, to make a difference and help public bodies like the Commission to work for you. We value your opinion and, most importantly, we will consider your views when revising the drafts and creating our final plans. The final plans will be shared on our website for all to see. If we don’t use your suggestion we will also try to explain why.
There are several ways you can get involved in the consultation. The draft Strategic Plan and the Engagement strategy is available to read or download on the Commission’s website here and then you can
- take part in an online consultation event on Wednesday 1 March 2023, from 10am – Noon. If you would like to book a place for this event, please contact consult@charitycommissionni.org.uk, letting us know whether you have any special requirements.
- complete an online SurveyMonkeyquestionnaire, or
- complete the questions in the document and email it to consult@charitycommissionni.org.uk or post it to The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, Marlborough House, Central Way, Craigavon, BT64 1AD.
We look forward to hearing from you.