Responsible business network Business in the Community (BITC), in partnership with the NI Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA), has hosted a half-day conference bringing businesses and the voluntary and community sector together to explore the pivotal role that effective partnerships play in addressing critical societal challenges.
Supported by the Halifax Foundation Northern Ireland, the Community Connections Conference took place at Allstate NI, Belfast, with more than 20 exhibitors and five detailed partnership case studies presented to help delegates learn and be inspired by partnerships that have been formed between businesses and community organisations across Northern Ireland.
Keynote speaker, Charlotte Healy, Head of Social Business and Innovation from The Young Foundation helped that audience explore the S in ESG before Lisa Beers, Head of Social Value Unit from the Strategic Investment Board, highlighted how social value is harnessing Northern Ireland’s spending power for the benefit of people, communities and planet, and how it is positively impacting a more diverse workforce, providing environmental improvements and community benefits.
Economy Minister, Conor Murphy emphasised the key role that partnerships play in helping to improve the economy in Northern Ireland. He said: “The principle of bringing different sectors together to tackle society’s problems is one that I firmly believe in. During my time as Economy Minister, I have instilled a partnership approach in my Department, with the Social Enterprise Action Plan I launched last month being an excellent example of co-design with practitioners and experts from the sector.
“This Community Connections conference exemplified the type of collaboration which is at the heart of my economic plans. I encourage everyone who took part to remain open to input, seek to understand, and embrace every new opportunity to listen to those who can help you deliver better for people right across the north.”
Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, shared her views on social value, saying: “Maximising social value in public sector contracts is a key policy priority for me. It can make a real difference to the lives of some of the most disadvantaged people in society while meaningfully contributing to economic, environmental and social outcomes. Since 2022 government contracts have been mandated the scoring of social value placing social value at the heart of public procurement, setting new standards, rewarding companies for doing the right thing and ensuring government uses its spending power for the common good.”
Dr Lisa McIlvenna, Deputy Managing Director, BITC commented: “We were delighted that so many people attended our Community Connections conference, offering attendees from both sectors the opportunity, insights and tools to help them to forge high-value, collaborative partnerships. We also shared the challenges and opportunities of implementing social value for the most effective outcomes to build a sustainable Northern Ireland.”
Sandra Bailie, Head of Organisational Development, NICVA, added: “It was great to work with BITC bringing the Voluntary and Community sector and businesses together to continue collaborating, building connections and developing effective partnerships. It was a valuable opportunity to learn more about social value and how opportunities can be maximised to benefit society, communities and the economy. We look forward to continuing to work with BITC to enhance these partnerships.”
To find out more about upcoming Community Connections workshops and events, please visit www.bitcni.org.uk/communityconnections