The Government’s five-year strategy for the Community and Voluntary sector: Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities 2019-2024 set a general direction of travel for government policy in relation to the community development, local development and the community and voluntary sector in Ireland. It also provided an important strategic framework for engagement, support programmes, policies and research related to the sectors for both central and local government, over the past five years.

The strategy aimed to provide communities with both the means and opportunity to be involved in decisions that affect them. The high-level objectives and actions supported consultation, inclusion and participation of communities, particularly disadvantaged communities, in public policy and decision-making at all levels.

The strategy also copper-fastened the renewed relationship and partnership between government and the community and voluntary sectors which had developed during its preparation.

Implementation of the strategy was overseen by the Cross-Sectoral Group (CSG) on Local and Community Development, which includes representatives of community and voluntary organisations, Local Development Companies, Government Departments, Public Participation Networks (PPNs), local authorities and academics.

The development and implementation of the strategy included agreement and monitoring across Government of a set of clearly defined, shared Values and Principles for collaboration and partnership working with the community and voluntary sector. An annual Civic Forum has been held to enable dialogue between the state and the community and voluntary sector.

Over the lifetime of the strategy a range of support programmes and initiatives, have been put in place along with policies and strategies for volunteering, social enterprises, philanthropy and a roadmap for Public Participation Networks (PPNs). Additional support measures were introduced to compensate for the suspension of fundraising during the Covid Pandemic and to compensate for higher energy prices.

Research and analysis on the commissioning of social, community and personal services was undertaken, along with analysis of the training needs of community and voluntary organisations, charity trustees and Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs).

The strategy has positively impacted on the relationship between the state and the community and voluntary sector, reinforced partnership arrangements and provided a framework for a wide range of structures, policies and support programmes at local and national level.

Towards a new strategy

Minister of State for Community Development and Charities Jerry Buttimer TD, has announced that the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht will lead on the development of a successor to Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities 2019-2024. The Department will work in partnership with the Cross-Sectoral Group (CSG) on Local and Community Development, adhering to the values and principles for collaboration and partnership working. This will build upon the existing structures, strategic objectives and achievements of the previous strategy, while taking account of new contexts, challenges and priorities for the community and voluntary sector.

An important part of the strategy development process will be inclusive consultation with stakeholders across the local development, community and voluntary and charity sectors in relation to the vision, objectives and actions to be included in the new strategy. We will also be consulting with Departments and Agencies across government and with local authorities.

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