FAQs
What is the Civic Forum
The Civic Forum is a consultative mechanism on social, economic and culture issues envisaged by the Belfast Agreement (Paragraph 34, Strand 1). The Forum, which met for the first time in October 2000, comprised 60 members plus a chairman. The members were drawn from 10 sectors of civic society, namely Voluntary & Community, Business, Trade Union, Churches, Arts & Sports, Culture, Agriculture & Fisheries, Community Relations, Education and Victims. The First Minister and the deputy First Minister at the time were also each responsible for three personal nomination.
The Civic Forum adopted, as its mission, that it would "exercise effective community leadership and directly influence the building of a peaceful, prosperous, just, cohesive, healthy and plural society."
On restoration of devolution in Northern Ireland on 8th May 2007, the First Minister and deputy First Minister decided to commission a comprehensive review of the Civic Forum taking account of the considerable changes in civic society during the intervening years and to make recommendations on the most appropriate mechanisms and arrangements for engaging with and obtaining the views of civic society.
What is the relationship between the Civic Forum and the Assembly?
Section 56 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 provides for the First Minister and deputy First Minister to make arrangements for obtaining the views of the Civic Forum on social, economic and cultural matters. These arrangements must have the approval of the Assembly.
On 6 February 2001, the Assembly agreed that:
“The Civic Forum shall offer its views on such social, economic and cultural matters as are from time to time agreed between the Chairperson of the Forum and the First Minister and Deputy First Minister
In addition, the Civic Forum shall be invited to offer its views on specific social, economic and cultural matters where the Assembly has by motion so requested.”
Why is the Civic being reviewed now?
Early review of the original arrangements for the Civic Forum had been envisaged from the start. However the devolved institutions were suspended in 2002 and the Forum was unable to continue its activities. Original membership of the Forum has now lapsed.
As civic society in Northern Ireland has changed considerably since the Civic Forum first met in October 2000, the First Minister and deputy First Minister decided that a comprehensive review should be carried out to make recommendations on the most appropriate mechanism and arrangements for engaging with, and obtaining the views of, civic society.
Who is carrying out the review and when will it be completed?
The review is being carried out by a team of OFMDFM officials, led by a senior civil servant, Tony Canavan. We plan to report to Ministers by the end of this year.
What will the review be examining?
Taking into account the provisions of Paragraph 34 Strand 1 of the Agreement relating to the Civic Forum, the review will:
- examine objectively the effectiveness and appropriateness of the current structure, operation and membership of the Civic Forum in consultation as necessary with a wide range of interests representative of society as a whole;
- draw on the experiences elsewhere in determining the most appropriate mechanism for engaging with civic society;
- make clear recommendations on the most appropriate mechanism and arrangements for engaging with and obtaining the views of civic society on social, economic and cultural matters and in ensuring accountable and inclusive participation by civic society; and
- make clear recommendations on how this mechanism would operate in practice, including governance, legal and financial matters and the secretariat arrangements that would best support such a mechanism..
Can anyone take part in the review?
Yes, any individual or organisation is welcome to contribute to the review. Please see our How to get involved section.
