John Barrett, Vivian McConvey, Majella McCloskey

For Northern Ireland to truly emerge with a stronger and more robust economy after the biggest global recession since the 2nd world war it will require all sectors that contribute to GDP to be innovative and bold in how they re-invigorate the local economic landscape. 

GDP shrunk significantly throughout 2008 and in 2009 and with last month’s budget set to further squeeze the economy, businesses and organisations across Northern Ireland will have to be creative in ensuring they remain competitive and deliver the same level and quality of service or products.  

CO3, which represents Northern Ireland’s third sector leaders, is an example of an organisation that is looking to the future by delivering programmes to develop leadership and management skills, creativity and efficiency for those that are providing vital services to the most vulnerable in society. 

When it comes to the economy, the contribution that the community and voluntary sector makes is often overlooked but with 4,500 organisations employing 30,000 people and creating a turnover in excess of £600m (NICVA’s State of the Sector Report) it represents a significant portion of our overall GDP. 

According to Majella McCloskey, Director CO3, everyone within the community and voluntary sector will play their part to ensure that, as much as possible, the same level of service is provided in these austere times as well as helping to develop a leadership skill set that will drive the sector forward in the next decade.

  Anne O'Reilly, Chief Executive of Age NI  and CO3 Board Member

In a recent Interview for the Business Insight section of the Irish News, one of CO3's Board Members, Anne O'Reilly, answered questions on her career to date: 

What was your first job?

My first job after I left university was as a care worker in a residential home. 

What qualifications do you have?

I’m a trained teacher and social worker.  I also have an MSC in Leadership and Management.   It’s so far back I can hardly remember! What’s been the highlight of your career to date?Undoubtedly it has been the creation of the new organisation Age NI through the amalgamation of Age Concern NI and Help the Aged.  It really was a career highlight after more than 20 years working in the age sector.  

What do you attribute your success to?

I try to abide by the three p’s – passion, principle and pragmatism.  I call on them at different times and these have certainly helped to shape my success to date.  I also think no matter what job you are in holding your nerve and believing in yourself is key, particularly when the going gets tough. 

If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?

I feel very strongly that the social economy should have more recognition from government – the sector needs to be seen as an equal partner.  Government  view’s us differently but we need the same value and respect that is given to the private sector.  There also needs to be a different discourse regarding the provision of public services and support to deliver principles of participation, engagement and citizenship.  I see the sector as providing the Heneiken effect, touching the part others cannot reach but more support is needed. No lasting change has been successful without large numbers of people acting consciously and collectively around human values of solidarity and social justice, not market values.

STATEMENT FROM CO3 – CHIEF OFFICERS THIRD SECTOR

Monday 1 June 2009 

CO3 – the organisation for the leaders of Northern Ireland charities has today welcomed the launch of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland and congratulated the six Charity Commissioners on their appointment.   However, its Director has also called for the new Commission to enable and value the work of charities in Northern Ireland and not add additional layers of bureaucracy and cost to already overstretched voluntary sector organisations.

CO3’s Director Majella McCloskey said, “We look forward to the development of clearer standards and greater transparency for charities, which should come about as a result of the new Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.  The establishment of the Commission will allow not-for-profit organisations to demonstrate their legitimacy and effectiveness. However, CO3 wants to ensure that with the launch of the body, Goverment and the third sector can work together to maximise the positive aspects of the Commission’s work, while minimising any additional bureaucracy or expenditure.  CO3 hopes that lessons learned by the Charity Commissions for England and Wales and more recently OSCR (Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator) will be taken onboard by the Northern Ireland Charity." Commission in a bid to reduce any negative impact.