Summary of key past events
11 September 2009
Junior Minister Newton hosted a meeting of the Gender Advisory Panel in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings
The Minister listened to the views of the Gender Advisory Panel in advance of the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) Committee Hearing on 23 September 2009. There was a constructive discussion about implementing the Gender Equality Strategy and the Cross-departmental Gender Equality Action Plans.
For further information contact: eileen.sung@ofmdfmni.gov.uk
1 October 2009
OFMDFM has been responsible for sponsoring the Equality Commission as one of its Non Departmental Public Bodies since its inception in 1999. For its recent 10th Anniversary Conference the Chief Commissioner invited HOCS to make the opening remarks.
The Head of the NICS spoke at this event and he touched on a number of themes:
- Achievements of the Commission over the past the past 10 years.
- Need for continued support from independent organisations to set the agenda and provide challenge.
- Importance of continued partnership working with the department.
- Tough financial environment and the need for the Commission to deliver value for money and to sustain its momentum to ensure that legislation and policy continue to be translated into positive outcomes.
For further information contact: dale.heaney@ofmdfmni.gov.uk
20 October 2009
Developing Northern Ireland’s Waste Infrastructure
Second annual conference addressing issues arising in establishing the network of waste facilities required to enable NI to comply with EU Landfill Directive recycling and landfill diversion targets. Keynote address by the Department of Environment for Northern Ireland (DOE) Minister.
For further information contact: oonagh.warke@doeni.gov.uk
22 October 2009
NI launch of the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) First Report
Venue: Stormont Hotel, Belfast
The independent Committee on Climate Change (CCC) launched at the Stormont Hotel, Belfast, its first report on the measures required to achieve a step change in greenhouse gas emissions reductions to meet the targets set out in the UK’s Climate Change Act 2008.
For further information contact: chris.mcwilliams@doeni.gov.uk
3 November 2009
Hosted by ARK
Venue: Malone House, Barnett Demesne, Belfast BT9 5PB
ARK launched at the Policy Forum a policy publication - ‘Figuring it Out: Looking behind social statistics in Northern Ireland’ (PDF 856.10 KB)
by Ann Marie Gray and Goretti Horgan.
The publication, produced with the assistance of the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, is the outcome of an ARK project which aims to inform and promote debate on social policy issues; and covers commentary on transport, the environment, health and social care, education, employment and culture, arts and sport which highlights trends and identifies priority issues for social policy.
25 November 2009
Regions Shaping the Future - Foresight Horizon Scanning Centre meeting of the Futures Analysts’ Network
Venue: Holiday Inn, Belfast
This was the first time a full meeting of the Horizon Scanning Centre’s Futures Analysts’ Network was held in Northern Ireland. The network is a forum where those with an interest in horizon scanning and futures analysis can meet to exchange new ideas, innovative thinking and good practice.
The theme of this meeting focused on how regions can use strategic futures thinking to inform and shape policy development. Presentations were provided on the application, either actual or potential, of strategic futures thinking across all three devolved administrations.
Further information will be available on the Horizon Scanning Centre’s website
10 December 2009
Venue: The Mount Conference Centre, Belfast
This seminar, organised by agendaNi, examined some of the key issues around policy-making in the Northern Ireland context through an expert panel of local and visiting speakers. It offered participants insight into the policy-making process and guidance on key issues such as mainstreaming equality in public policy-making and the role of evidence in policy formulation. There was a high level of interaction between speakers and participants and maximum opportunity for learning and sharing best practice.
For further information contact: info@bmfconferences.com or telephone: 028 9261 9933
