Good Relations Strategy Belfast City Council. Deadline 11 April.
City Centre Masterplan Review, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council. Deadline 12 April.
Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland e-Safety and Three-Year Action Plan for Northern Ireland 2019-2022 Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland. Deadline 24 April.
Belfast City Council Improvement Objectives 2019-20 Belfast City Council. Deadline 24 April.
Green Infrastructure Plan 2019-2023 Derry City and Strabane District Council. Deadline 3 May.
The sale and supply of alcoholic drinks at ‘special events’ in Northern Ireland Department for Communities. Deadline 3 May.
Reforming the UK packaging producer responsibility system Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Deadline 13 May.
A5 Western Transport Corridor Environmental Statement Addendum: Notice of Publication Department for Infrastructure. Deadline 17 May.
Belfast PCSP Strategic Assessment and Action plan 2019/20 Belfast City Council. Deadline 29 May.
Reshaping Stroke Care Department of Health. Deadline 18 June.
Timetable and Work Programme for the Preparation of the Northern Ireland Flood Risk Management Plan 2021-2027 Department for Infrastructure. Deadline 28 June.
Connect, Invest, Transform Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council 10 year investment plan. Deadline 30 June.
Northern Ireland raises over £450,000 for DEC Cyclone Idai appeal
The public in Northern Ireland have raised over £450,000 for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal to help people affected by Cyclone Idai since launching on Thursday 21 March.
Cyclone Idai swept through Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe more than a week ago, leaving behind a trail of destruction, and killing more than 700 people. The area affected is approximately 3,000 square km, over three times the size of the Belfast Metropolitan area.
Strong winds and widespread flooding ripped apart roads, bridges, houses, schools and health facilities and submerged vast swathes of agricultural land. Idai is possibly the worst weather-related disaster to ever hit the southern hemisphere.
A total of over £23 million has been raised across the UK, including £4 million from the UK Government through UK Aid Match.
Charlotte King, Senior Community and Legacy Fundraiser at Red Cross NI, one of the DEC charities, said:
“As always, the public in Northern Ireland has been hugely generous, and we are so very grateful for their donations. The full scale of the disaster in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe has yet to become clear but we do know that this is developing into one of the most pressing humanitarian emergencies in the world at the moment.”
“More help is needed. DEC member charities are working closely with national partners to support the rescue and relief effort, delivering clean water, emergency shelter materials and blankets, food such as pulses and maize flour, and urgent health assistance. Stagnant water has nowhere to drain away to, which means there is a very real and very high risk of cholera and malaria.”
“Whilst conditions remain challenging, aid is getting through and DEC members are working hard to reach those who so desperately need help, but we need the support of the people of Northern Ireland. If you can, please go to www.dec.org.uk to give what you can.”
Stay up to date with developments in the affected areas, the emergency response and the fundraising efforts with the DEC on twitter: www.twitter.com/decappeal or on Facebook via www.facebook.com/DisastersEmergencyCommittee
Brown O'Connor Communications Political and Business Diary May 2019
1 May, EURES Cross Border Tax Breakfast Briefing in partnership with the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce
2 May, NI Chamber Connecting for Growth Cross Border Networking
2 May, Northern Ireland Local Government Elections
2 May, Belfast Telegraph Business Gala and Awards
7 May, Smart Social Media for Travel Professionals
8 May, NICVA Trustee responsibilities under GDPR
9 May, Getting to know NI Chamber
10 May, Belfast Business Awards 2019
16 May, Danske Bank Export First Private Dinner
16 May, CIPD Northern Ireland HR Awards 2019
17 May, IoD Northern Ireland Director of the Year Awards 2019
17 May, Institute of Hospitality Awards for Professionalism
21 May, Northern Ireland Meet the Buyer 2019
22 May, Meet Belfast Chamber Event
22 May, Queen’s University, Working with teams under pressure
23 May, CBI Annual Dinner Northern Ireland
23 May, IoD NI New and Renew Member Lunch
23 May, Women in Business Influence the Decision Makers
23 May, European Parliament Elections
28 May, University of Ulster Northern Ireland Graduate Recruitment Fair
29 May, Belfast Chamber Meet the Supplier Seminar
30 May, NI Chamber Developing Your Growth Potential – High Performance Networking
30 May, Northern Ireland Tourism Awards 2019
30 May, Responsible Business Awards Gala Dinner 2019
New campaign launched to encourage voting in the local government elections
A new campaign launches today to explain the vital role of our 11 councils and to encourage people to vote in the local government elections on Thursday 2 May.
Spearheaded by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA), informative, short animation pieces focus on the real-life experiences of four individuals, why they believe that voting in the council elections is important and what they hope to see as a result of using their vote.
Among the participants sharing their views and experiences are the Founder and Director of ArtsEkta, Nisha Tandon OBE, a NOW Group participant, a young voter and a parent.
The campaign emphasises that voting is accessible for everyone who is eligible and addresses some barriers surrounding the voting process that might have previously discouraged people from exercising their right.
The local government elections, taking place on Thursday 2 May, are the first standalone council elections since 1993 and the first election to councils for a full term since the reform of local government in 2015.
The campaign videos can be viewed here.
Derek McCallan, Chief Executive of NILGA said:
Derek McCallan, Chief Executive of NILGA
“Your votes will return 462 councillors for a four-year term across all of the 11 council areas in Northern Ireland.
“The last local government election, which took place in May 2014, saw only 51% of the electorate use their vote. Councils across Northern Ireland oversee and deliver leisure, waste management, arts, employment and skills, community investment and local development plans – services for today and future generations. It is imperative that we all use our vote and participate in what’s to come for the places in which we work, live and play.
“Councils are currently the only democratically elected functioning body in Northern Ireland, so taking the opportunity to vote for their existing and future services, like City Deals, is very important for democracy and local communities.
“Voting must be a positive experience for everyone. This campaign is about encouraging people to know that voting is accessible for all and that help is available for those who need it.
“Let’s use these elections to give choice, voice and control to communities, through councils.”
Nisha Tandon OBE, Founder and Director of ArtsEkta and participant in the campaign commented:
Nisha Tandon OBE, Founder and Director of ArtsEkta
“Councils are helping to support the integration of ethnic groups into the community and there are a number of important events which Councils support throughout the year. However, more needs to be done to ensure that there is full inclusion and support available.
“This is why it is important for people to vote in the upcoming local government elections on Thursday 2 May. People should use this as an opportunity to challenge their local council and councillors and make their voice heard.
“Especially if it is your first time voting in Northern Ireland, it is important to know that it does not have to be a daunting experience. There are staff on hand to help guide you on the day and they can help to explain the process.”
Keith and Kristyn Getty Announce Largest Ever Conference in Belfast
Keith and Kristyn Getty, award-winning modern hymn writers from Northern Ireland, have announced their largest ever Conference in Belfast.
Internationally renowned pastor and author, John Piper, has also been confirmed as the special guest for the Sing! Conference when it comes to Belfast.
Taking place on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 June, the Sing! Conference will be hosted by the Gettys, who are known globally for revolutionizing modern hymn development and who recently performed for the Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence.
The Conference is being held in the Assembly Buildings in the heart of Belfast and will be followed by a huge concert in the SSE Arena, featuring a 1,000 voice choir in partnership with New Irish Arts and special guests.
John Piper was pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minnesota for 33 years and is the founder and teacher of desiringGod.org, an international web ministry which has over 3.5 million monthly users. He is the author of more than 50 books, including the bestselling Don’t Waste Your Life and Desiring God.
Legendary Pastor and Author, John Piper
The 2018 Nashville Sing! Conference had more than 7,500 attendees from more than 30 countries in attendance.
Being held in association with New Irish Arts, the Sing! Conference in Belfast is to encourage churches towards a deeper, more dynamic view of theology, artistry, and mission in congregational singing and will be focused on equipping, educating and encouraging church leaders.
The Conference will be focused on the teaching in Keith and Kristyn’s book Sing! How Worship Transforms Your Life, Family, and Church, which was published internationally in 2017 and has gone on to receive critical acclaim.
At the Arena concert, Keith Getty, who was awarded an OBE for his services and contribution to Music and Modern Hymn Writing, will together with Kristyn perform much of their best-known music, including ‘In Christ Alone,’ which was the number one most-frequently-sung hymn in UK churches for a record-setting nine consecutive years.
Tickets for both the Sing! Belfast Conference and Concert are on sale now.
Award-winning Northern Ireland modern hymn writers, Keith and Kristyn Getty
Speaking regarding the announcement of the Sing! Conference in Belfast, Keith Getty OBE said:
“The Sing! Conferences that we have hosted in Nashville have gone from strength to strength and we are thrilled to have this opportunity to return home and host such an exciting event.
“Our return to Belfast is something that we as a family are really looking forward to. We live in the most exciting generation in history to be a Christian and it is fantastic to be able to bring portions of the Sing! Conference to Northern Ireland.
“We are also delighted to have John Piper join us as our special guest for the Conference in Belfast. He has shaped a generation and helped countless thousands to develop deep roots in their faith.”
Charity helps charity as Belfast makes a bigger splash for Swimathon 2019
Swimathon, the world’s biggest fundraising swim will take place to raise funds for Cancer Research UK and Maire Curie, from Friday March 29 to Sunday March 31 2019.
Swimmers of all abilities across Belfast are signing up to take part in Swimathon 2019, with events taking place in Better pools, raising money for Cancer Research UK and Marie Curie.
For over 30 years, Swimathon has been encouraging swimmers the length and breadth of the UK to swim a distance challenge. Now the world’s biggest fundraising swim, Swimathon has united over half a million swimmers to take part, raising more than £50 million for charitable causes.
Better, the UK’s largest provider of public swimming operating 10% of public swimming space - and official partner of Cancer Research UK, is once again teaming up with Swimathon to support this year’s event at more than 90 Better facilities across the UK, including Whiterock Leisure Centre and Olympia Leisure Centre and Spa, from Friday March 29 to Sunday March 31 2019.
Participants can take on distances from 400m to 5k, as well as team and family challenges, where teams of 2-5 people can swim 1.5k or 5k.
For swimmers looking to push themselves even further, this year’s event also introduces the new Triple 5k challenge, where participants can complete the 5k distance three times across three different sessions during the Swimathon weekend.
Emma Lewis, National Swimming Development Manager at Better, said:
“We are delighted our social enterprise charity is once again supporting Swimathon and to encourage people across the UK to get into the water to help raise vital funds for fantastic causes. Participants at Better pools contributed £278,000 to the cause last year, and we’re aiming to help raise even more this year!”
“The response so far has been outstanding, but there are still chances to sign up at Better pools such as Whiterock Leisure Centre and Olympia Leisure Centre and Spa. We encourage everyone to sign up, get active and raise some money!”
Stephen Rea and Pat McCabe to present ‘Irish Border’ film premieres
To mark the day that the UK was scheduled to leave the European Union, Belfast Film Festival is co-hosting a special cross border event, “The Border and Beyond” in Castleblaney near the Irish border on 29 March.
In a unique initiative between Belfast Film Festival, Clones Film Festival and Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival, the event will feature short film screenings and panel discussions including a screening of “Europe Endless” about the celebrated Irish writer Patrick McCabe who will be there to take part in a Q and A with the film’s director Colin MacCabe immediately after the screening.
There will also be a screening of the critically acclaimed short film “Brexit: A Cry From the Irish Border”, featuring Oscar nominated actor Stephen Rea in an exploration of the impact of Brexit and the uncertainty of the future of the Irish border. Stephen Rea will participate in a Q and A after the screening with the director Clare Dywer Hogg.
Oscar nominated actor Stephen Rea who will attend the “The Border and Beyond” event on 29 March.
Belfast Film Festival will provide a free bus to the first 70 ticket holders travelling from Belfast to the screening.
Michele Devlin, Chair of the Belfast Film Festival said:
“The March 29 date has been talked about as ‘Brexit Day’ for a long time now, talked about by some with hope and by others with dread. The eyes of the world have been on us, and whatever your views on Brexit, we on this island can’t ignore the many questions being raised about the future of the border “.
“We decided that on the fateful day that the UK was supposed to leave the EU, the best thing to do was organise a bus run to the border! So on Friday it’s destination ‘sticking point’ for citizens from the north, south and the border area, to watch some brilliant films and participate in some lively panel discussions on the issues of the border and identity.”
“Brexit now won’t happen on 29 March 2019, but the entire process of the last two years has started unprecedented conversations about what the border means and about its impact on our lives. We’re hosting this event with our colleagues in Dublin and Clones to contribute to, and enhance these important conversations.”
Festival Pass and Tickets can be purchased at: www.belfastfilmfestival.org
Indicative votes: What’s going to happen today?
On Wednesday 27 March, backbench MPs will take control of parliamentary business after they passed the Letwin amendment on Monday evening.
The Letwin amendment allows MPs to hold a series of “indicative votes” this evening to discover what kind of Brexit deal can command a majority in the House of Commons.
Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, will choose which of the various Brexit options MPs will vote on. After a three- or four-hour debate, MPs will then vote at around 7pm using special ballot papers.
They will have 30 minutes to vote, in private, supporting as many of the options as they like. The results will be announced sometime after 9pm and how MPs voted will be made public later this evening.
There are sixteen options which have been submitted and the Speaker is expected to choose between six and ten.
MPs will also have to vote this evening on whether to change the date that the UK leaves the EU by extending the Article 50 process as agreed at last weeks EU Council meeting. This vote will take place at around 7.30pm.
Timeline for this afternoon and evening:
Between 1 pm & 2 pm: MPs take control of the order paper and decide how tonight’s votes will work.
Approximately 3.30 pm: Commons Speaker John Bercow announces which Brexit options have been selected for votes and the debate begins.
Approximately 7 pm: MPs vote on different Brexit options, in private, on special ballots.
Approximately 7.30 pm: MPs debate whether to extend the Article 50 deadline to April 12, as agreed at last week’s EU Council meeting. Voting at 9 pm.
Approximately 9.15 pm: The Speaker announces the results of the Article 50 extension, and then the result of indicative votes.
Follow @Brown_OConnor on Twitter to keep up to date with the day’s events as they unfold.
NILGA advice on social media use for Councils as 'Purdah' kicks in ahead of 2 May election
For the election in May 2019, it is recommended that council members and officers should commence a Purdah period at the latest, by Tuesday 26th March.
On Thursday 2nd May 2019, elections are due to be held for the 11 district councils in Northern Ireland, contesting all 462 seats.
There is currently no legislation in Northern Ireland like the English Local Government Act 1986, formally governing publicity and council activity during the pre-election (or ‘Purdah’) period for local government elections. Similarly, there is no directly comparable, formal Code of Practice for councils to the Code of Practice published by the English Department of Communities and Local Government in 2011.
Social Media Tips
1. It is strongly recommended that all social media platforms operated by staff are subject to the principles of Purdah.
2. When using Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or Flickr, explain that as a council channel of communication you are adhering to Purdah principles. It may be helpful to tweet a link to an explanation of Purdah for guidance.
3. Do not retweet or share political opinion or content posted by political parties or politicians.
4. Do not tweet, post images or share updates on matters which are politically controversial.
5. Monitor your page and delete any content which is politically controversial.
6. Do not stage a significant social media-based campaign unless it can be demonstrated that it was planned before the election was called.
7. Social media by and about the Mayor or Chairperson may be retweeted, shared or used if it is not of a political nature.
8. Disable the ability to download images of politicians during Purdah.
9. In exceptional circumstances seek permission from your communications, compliance and/or legal colleagues to tweet or retweet a comment by a politician or to use videos and images of a politician during Purdah
10. Third party social media profiles, including business partnership profiles which the council supports, should also be governed by Purdah principles. Council staff who update these profiles can either continue to add content in line with Purdah restrictions or hand over ALL admin to a non-council member of the partnership during Purdah.
Amount raised for DEC Cyclone Idai Appeal climbs to £18 million
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal to help people affected by Cyclone Idai has raised £18 million since launching on Thursday 21 March. £8 million was raised in the appeal’s first 24 hours, with a further £10 million added to the total in the three days since.
The UK Government matched pound for pound the first £4 million donated by the public to the DEC Cyclone Idai Appeal.
Cyclone Idai swept through Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe more than a week ago, leaving behind a trail of destruction, and killing more than 700 people. Strong winds and widespread flooding ripped apart roads, bridges, houses, schools and health facilities and submerged vast swathes of agricultural land.
A child sleeps in a school in Beira, Mozambique where people are sheltering after Cyclone Idai destroyed much of the city.
Peter Bryson, Head of Country at Save the Children NI said:
“As always the public has been hugely generous, and we are so very grateful for their donations. The full scale of the disaster in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe has yet to become clear but we do know that this is developing into one of the most pressing humanitarian emergencies in the world at the moment. Whilst conditions remain challenging, aid is getting through and DEC members are working hard to reach those who so desperately need help.”
DEC member charities are working closely with national partners to support the rescue and relief effort, delivering clean water, emergency shelter materials and blankets, food such as pulses and maize flour, and urgent health assistance.
The appeal has received the backing of a number of high-profile figures on Twitter including Raymond Blanc, Alesha Dixon, JB Gill, Bear Grylls, Shobna Gulati, Myleene Klass, Annie Lennox, Adrian Lester, Simon Pegg, James Purefoy and Emma Watson.
Stay up to date with developments in the affected areas, the emergency response and the fundraising efforts with the DEC on twitter: www.twitter.com/decappeal or on Facebook via www.facebook.com/DisastersEmergencyCommittee