Voluntary and Community Sector Infrastructure Support Policy Framework

The Framework

The Policy Framework has been informed by extensive engagement and consultation with sector organisations, exploring the range of future infrastructure needs and priorities and places a strong emphasis on collaboration and partnership working. 

• Voluntary and Community Sector Infrastructure Support Policy Framework

Implementation

Implementation of the VCS Infrastructure Support Policy Framework will be phased to support an orderly transition from existing arrangements and the effective development of delivery partnerships. It is planned that the delivery model for the refreshed policy framework will be implemented in a phased approach. 

Phase One: Arrangements will be in place by April 2027 for:

• Core Infrastructure Support Consortium 

Phase Two: Arrangements will be in place by October 2027 for:

• Volunteering Infrastructure Support Consortium 

Phase Three: Arrangements will be in place by April 2028 for

• Women’s Infrastructure Support Consortium
• Local Infrastructure Support Consortia

The Department remains committed to ongoing engagement and will continue to provide updates and opportunities for communication as the Framework is implemented.

Supporting information

To support understanding of the Policy Framework and its implementation, we have produced an information page which covers a range of topics including infrastructure support, implementation arrangements, funding opportunities and next steps for organisations interested in becoming involved.

• Voluntary and Community Sector Infrastructure Support Policy Framework - supporting information

Further information, application processes and eligibility criteria will be published as these strands are developed. Stakeholders are encouraged to check this page regularly for updates. Organisations can register their interest in engagement events by emailing InfrastructureSupportEngagement@communities-ni.gov.uk.