Voluntary and Community Sector Infrastructure Support Policy Framework - supporting information

What is voluntary and community sector infrastructure support

Infrastructure support involves voluntary and community organisations providing support to other voluntary and community organisations. Some examples of this include: building capacity and skills within the sector through training, advice, information exchange, convening, policy work, consultancy and providing platforms and access to resources (including physical spaces).

What is a VCS infrastructure organisation

An infrastructure organisation is one whose main purpose includes providing support to other voluntary and community organisations.

Examples of support these voluntary and community organisations provide to other voluntary and community organisations includes:

• build capacity – offering training, advice, and resources to help groups grow and operate effectively.
• access funding – supporting with grant applications and fundraising strategies.
• strengthen governance – advising on legal, financial, and operational compliance.
• coordinate volunteering – acting as a hub for volunteer recruitment and management.
• ensuring the voice of the VCS is heard in strategic decision-making and public sector partnerships

This kind of support is a step removed from frontline service delivery.  It’s about strengthening the foundations of the sector so that frontline organisations can do their work more effectively.

What is the anticipated timeline for implementation

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

Can I apply for funding under the new VCS Infrastructure Support policy framework

There will be open calls for applications under the Local Infrastructure Support Consortia strand and the Women's Infrastructure Support Consortium strand. If your organisation’s primary purpose includes the provision of infrastructure support to the voluntary and community sector you may be eligible to participate in an application.

For both strands, applications will be sought on a consortium basis and must be led by an identified Consortium Lead organisation. Further information on eligibility criteria, application processes and consortium requirements will be provided in advance of implementation.

How will funding for the Core Infrastructure and Volunteering strands be delivered

The Department’s new Policy Framework aims to support the delivery of robust sectoral infrastructure which builds on the existing assets in the sector and avoids unnecessary competition for resources. The unique role of the volunteer centres and of NICVA as a regional anchor were tested and endorsed through the policy development process and public consultation. The Core Infrastructure and Volunteering strands will therefore be delivered through invited consortia led by organisations with established regional expertise, ensuring continuity, collaboration and value for money.

What budget/funding is in place for the launch of the new programme

The new programme launches with funding levels aligned to those of the previous programme, ensuring continuity of investment and providing a strong foundation from which programme outcomes can continue to be delivered, subject to budget.

Will collaborations and partnerships be permitted

The new Policy Framework recognises the need for greater collaboration and partnership.  Future delivery of sectoral infrastructure support will be on the basis of consortium delivery which allows partners to work together to achieve greater reach, efficiency, influence, quality and sustainability of services. 

How will consortiums be set up – will the Department lead this process or will consortiums be invited to come forward

Each consortium will be subject to negotiation and agreement between a lead partner and other delivery partners. The Department will advise on governance and expectations for delivery but will not be directly involved in brokering individual consortium partnerships.

The phased implementation of the Framework is intended to provide organisations with time to explore collaborative opportunities, establish governance arrangements and develop consortium partnerships. 

Can organisations participate in more than one consortium

Organisations may participate in more than one consortium where they can demonstrate the capacity to deliver their proposed role and where this does not result in duplication of activity, conflicts of interest or double funding. While organisations may participate across different strands of the Framework where eligible, Local Infrastructure Support Consortia are based on defined council areas and organisations would need to demonstrate regional presence across geographic areas. 

Can a consortium include organisations that are not currently funded by the Department

Yes. The Framework is intended to encourage collaboration and partnership working across the voluntary and community sector. Eligibility requirements for each funding strand will be set out in the relevant guidance and application documentation.

Why is the Framework being implemented in phases

The phased approach recognises that effective infrastructure support depends on strong collaborative partnerships and well-developed consortium arrangements. It is intended to provide sufficient time for organisations to develop partnerships, establish governance arrangements and prepare for implementation of the new delivery model. The phased approach reflects the varying requirements and levels of development across the four strands of the Framework. It is designed to support a fair and orderly transition to the new arrangements, consistent with the Partnership Agreement between the Northern Ireland Government and the Voluntary and Community Sector, including its fair funding principles.

When can I apply for funding under the new VCS Infrastructure Support policy framework

Applications for funding under the Women's Infrastructure Support Consortium and Local Infrastructure Support Consortia strands will be invited as part of the implementation process for the new Framework. Application arrangements and timescales are currently being developed and will be communicated in advance of any application process opening.

The new arrangements for the Women’s and Local strands are expected to be implemented from April 2028, subject to the necessary approvals being in place. We will continue to engage with the sector and provide further information on implementation, commissioning arrangements ad application processes will be communicated as plans progress.

Will there be guidance to assist with applications and qualifying criteria

Yes, the Department will publish guidance to support applicants.   We will also carry out advance engagement in advance of application processes opening to support understanding of the new arrangements and the requirements for participation. 

What geographical areas will Local Infrastructure Support Consortia cover

Local Infrastructure Support Consortia will be based on defined geographical areas, with council areas forming the primary basis for planning and delivery. The Department's intention is to ensure that voluntary and community organisations in every council area have access to local infrastructure support.

I am a local service provider, am I eligible to apply for funding under this programme

The VCS Infrastructure Support Policy Framework focuses on the support needs of VCS organisations.  The Department’s investment under this Policy Framework is intended to fund the work of infrastructure organisations whose main purpose includes providing infrastructure support to other voluntary and community organisations. Rather than delivering services directly, these organisations focus on building the capacity, capability and sustainability of frontline voluntary and community organisations. 

It’s about strengthening the foundations of the sector so that frontline organisations can do their work more effectively.

If your main purpose as an organisation includes infrastructure support, then you may be eligible to apply for funding.

How will we be kept informed about next steps during implementation

Please check the Department’s website for key updates.  In addition, we will notify current delivery partners directly and ensure that they cascade key information within the sector. We will be publishing details of engagement events to support sector organisations through this process. Organisations can register their interest in engagement events by emailing InfrastructureSupportEngagement@communities-ni.gov.uk.

Will existing funding continue until the new arrangements are implemented

It is anticipated that existing funding arrangements for Women’s Regional Infrastructure Support Programme and the Community Investment Fund will continue, subject to budget approval and the terms of Grant Funding Agreements, until March 2028. 

Will organisations currently funded by the Department automatically transition to the new arrangements

No. Existing funding arrangements do not confer an automatic right to future funding under the Framework. Participation in future arrangements will be subject to the requirements set out for each strand of the Framework. Where open calls are planned, organisations will have the opportunity to participate in the application process, subject to the relevant eligibility criteria and consortium requirements. Further information on eligibility, consortium arrangements and application processes will be provided as implementation plans progress.