Cross Border Workers Coalition leadership says that solid progress being made with tax impact campaign

The Cross-Border Workers Coalition has been set up to tackle remote working tax rules for cross border workers. Pictured is Paul Quinn, Sinead Logue and Conor Dowds.

The recently established Cross Border Workers Coalition set up to to place pressure on the Irish Government to make changes to personal tax liability rules for employees resident in the Republic of Ireland, but who work in Northern Ireland, has stated it is “making good progress” in building support for the campaign.

The group has said the response has been significant after a heavy round of engagements with elected representatives and employees of companies right across the North West.

Facilitated by Senator Elisha McCallion, the group recently met with NI Finance Minister, Conor Murphy who committed to examining the issue and raising it with his opposite number Finance Minister Paschal Donohue in the coming weeks. 

The backing for the campaign has brought interest from right across the border necklace region with representatives from the likes of Newry now involved with the push to tackle the legislation which currently doesn’t reflect current working practices.

The issue raised by the campaign group came into sharp focus when the Covid-19 pandemic took hold meaning thousands of employees were forced to work from home. With Donegal now moved to Level 3 of the Irish Government’s five-level alert plan and a high number of cases in other border areas, the fluid nature of the virus and the impact it has on individuals and business in border constituencies is clear to see. 

The coalition has said there is a real fear among thousands of employees that if this burden is not dealt with now, the opportunity for a pragmatic solution to be found will have been lost.

In a joint statement, Conor Dowds, Paul Quinn and Aidan O’Kane from the Cross Border Workers Coalition steering group said:

“The support we have received over a short period of time has been really encouraging and we truly appreciate the backing and messages of goodwill received from elected representatives, the local councils and business groups. As this issue gains momentum and looks to the corridors of power in Dublin, we would encourage as many of those impacted to get involved.”

“We welcomed the recent engagement with the Finance Minister in Northern Ireland, Conor Murphy and his commitment to continue to push this with his counterpart in the south. There has been an acknowledgement from the Irish Revenue Commission that this is an issue they are aware of and we know that some companies who have employees that are subject to this tax have been sent letters of comfort that their liability will be temporarily waived during the pandemic.”

“As we face another potential six months of restrictions and instructions to work from home, the need for a permanent and pragmatic solution to this issue is clear to see. Now is the opportune moment to resolve this issue once and for all.”

“We are now calling on the Irish Finance Minister and his officials to meet with us directly and to bring a swift resolve to these matters.”

Financial Results: Foyle Port reports pre-Covid turnover of £10.4million but acknowledges that 2020 challenges likely to have future impact

Results: Foyle Port

Foyle Port has said a solid financial performance has placed the organisation on a ‘sound footing’ in light of economic challenges as it announces £10.4million turnover for the financial year ending 31st March 2020.

The figures published today captures a strong year for the Port and shows a reinvestment of £4.4million prior to the major economic upset presented by the Covid pandemic and lockdown. The operating profit for the year was £1.7million.

Continued diversification at the Port saw success in the Marine Services Division which made a particularly impressive contribution to the overall figures. Foyle Consulting Engineers and the internal Engineering Divisions also provided excellent support to the Foyle Port operation, and to external customers. 

The current trading performance has remained resilient since the end of March this year, but that the challenges thrown up by both Coronavirus and Brexit should not be underestimated.

Bonnie Anley, Chair, Foyle Port said today:

“The growth in activity at the Port is to be commended, which has been down to the hard work and determination of the entire team. The focus to deliver the ambitious strategy that we set has not been without its challenges in terms of Brexit throughout the trading year and the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, but we have stayed the course and delivered a resilient set of results.”

Bonnie Anley, Chair at Foyle Port

“Taking the last five years into consideration, the Port has now reinvested over £15 million and developed a fixed asset base of £44million. As new Commissioners come on board there is fragility in the economy, but we are live to that and acknowledge that we will need to work to maintain strong ongoing performance.”

“Throughout the year we have maintained our commitment to our corporate social responsibility, supporting local charities and community groups and continue to do so in this unsettling period.”

Brian McGrath, Chief Executive, Foyle Port added:

“This set of financial results represents the completion of our five-year strategy which has seen a year on year growth on our turnover. This has been a challenging 18 months, but we have expanded the harbour estate, purchased a new harbour crane, and helped secure planning permission for a new international data centre to be located on the Port’s lands.”

Brian McGrath, CEO at Foyle Port

“We will continue to engage with Ministers, officials and stakeholders to ensure that Foyle Port is at the heart of economic revival. We are also exploring the potential for the free port initiative to support growth in the North West.”

2020 represents the 166th year of operation of Foyle Port which was established in 1854 as an independent statutory corporation. The average number of employees is over 100 representing payroll contribution of over £4.1million per year.

Dilemma Facing Cross Border Workers Group: Conor Dowds writes for Derry News on Double Tax Issue

Conor Dowds, co-chair of the Cross-Border Workers Coalition

For a number of years now, a growing number of fellow cross border workers have been raising concerns about the difficulties faced simply because we are resident in the Republic of Ireland but work in Northern Ireland.

In particular, we are largely prohibited from remote working and are subject to a ‘double tax’ on income should it be determined that we have performed any of our work duties within the Republic of Ireland.

The inability to take a work-related call at my kitchen table or even attend events in Dundalk, Dungloe or Dublin just because I work in Derry has always baffled me. This did not make sense before the Coronavirus pandemic and it certainly does not make sense today with many people working from home in some capacity across the island of Ireland.

Indeed, with Donegal moving to Level 3 of the Irish Government’s five-level alert plan and talk of people being discouraged from crossing the ‘border’, it is obvious to see that long-term issues around cross-border workers need to be addressed urgently.

Despite the challenges of the past six months, it has illuminated the issues facing cross-border workers like myself in a way no one could have foreseen. As John Adams said, “every problem is an opportunity in disguise” and now is certainly the ideal opportunity to address the long term issues. It is important to note that Revenue Commissioner temporarily waived the tax liability during the coronavirus pandemic, but this could ultimately come to a halt at any time.

The Revenue Commissioner has shown this change is possible with the temporary reprieve. It is incumbent upon them and the Irish Government to find a permanent solution which can once and for all alleviate this pressure on many anxious cross-border workers.

New Group: the Cross-Border Workers Coalition

Having met with fellow workers, political representatives and business groups on both sides of the border, it is clear the time is now right to introduce modern fit for purpose legislation which is reflective of the current working practices, the wider economy and also the environment.

It is important that the stress and strain the current regime places upon the health and well-being of thousands of workers is recognised. Technology is so advanced that workplace connectivity is now commonplace and has proven to allow workers to spend more time with their families when they are not commuting. It has also cut down substantially on pollution and traffic due to the over reliance on cars getting workers across the border to their physical office space. These are just some of the many benefits.

With Brexit high on the agenda again we need to ensure that we do all we can to mitigate the worst impacts of the UK leaving the European Union. That means reminding our politicians about the guarantees contained in the Good Friday Agreement and the flow of people, talent and skills across the island of Ireland which has a significant impact on our collective prosperity brought about by wealth creation, jobs, economic growth and social mobility.

The need for change could not be any more apparent and we’ll continue to push those in the corridors of power to recognise this and implement this.

NI firms urged to take advantage of recently approved Government Trade Credit Insurance Scheme

Nigel Birney, Head of Trade Credit at Willis Towers Watson in Belfast

Ireland’s largest Trade Credit Insurance Broker has urged local firms in Northern Ireland to maximise the potential of a competitive advantage afforded to them by the UK Government’s £10bn guarantee scheme designed to protect businesses negatively affected by Covid-19.

The UK Government became the latest European country to stabilise its internal credit insurance market when it announced it would temporarily act as the reinsurer to guarantee business to business transactions currently supported by Trade Credit Insurance. In doing so, it has possibly presented some competitive advantage to NI businesses who can now consider looking to develop or increase sales into the ROI market.

Unlike many sovereign governments across Europe who have now implemented a credit insurance reinsurance schemes to support their indigenous economies, it seems unlikely that the Republic of Ireland government will implement a similar scheme for its own credit insurance market. If it doesn’t,  NI businesses may be able to fill the void by being able to offer extended credit terms to ROI businesses who can’t get credit from local suppliers because insurers have been forced to cancel cover and, without a state aid scheme, they could be forced to settle invoices on a pro-forma basis. This would put an enormous strain on their cashflow.

Without trade credit insurance in place, companies expose themselves to the potentially catastrophic credit risk of their customers defaulting in paying invoices, either because they ceased to trade during the credit period or because of an inability to discharge debts owed to their supplier as they fall due - either of these scenarios could prove fatal. As a direct result of Covid-19 the instances of payment default and insolvencies are expected to increase very significantly.

In many cases, credit insurance is also taken as collateral by banks and commercial funders to facilitate the provision of working capital facilities. For many businesses access to such facilities is going to be critical as we look to rebuild our economy and the Government’s reinsurance scheme is expected to inject confidence into the wider supply chain as well as banks and financiers.

Nigel Birney, Head of Trade Credit at Willis Towers Watson in Belfast, said:

“The UK Government’s sensible decision to temporarily act as the reinsurer to guarantee business to business transactions usually supported by Trade Credit Insurance has provided confidence and relief to many Northern Ireland firms who were very concerned that the coronavirus crisis could cripple their efforts to trade on credit terms with suppliers and customers both at home and abroad.”

“Despite extensive lobbying and advocacy from colleagues in the Republic of Ireland, the government there has yet to implement a similar scheme to those now operational in most European countries.

“Now that the UK’s scheme has been signed off and approved by the European Union, and a similar support scheme for the Republic of Ireland’s Credit Insurance market looks unlikely to be forthcoming, local firms should be acting swiftly and searching for business and export opportunities across the border as soon as possible.

“The UK Government’s scheme will provide NI companies with an added layer of security and confidence to trade domestically and abroad. With the Covid-19 crisis seriously impacting how firms do businesses, they should be searching for any and all advantages to help them to succeed and operate as normally as possible. The crisis has significantly impacted the local economy and businesses of all sizes, but the UK government’s scheme presents local firms with some competitive advantage and incentive to seek out and explore opportunities to increase their sales into the Republic of Ireland and beyond.”

Countdown is on as TEDxStormont brings climate change agenda centre stage in October

(L-R) The Scott Sisters, Sophia, Nina and Georgia, globally recognised climate change film makers and entrepreneurs. The Sisters will partake in a Q&A on their journey as climate activists at TEDxStormont Countdown on Saturday 10 October

TEDxStormont is set to host ‘Countdown’ - a global initiative to champion and accelerate solutions to the climate crisis, turning ideas into action.

The online event, broadcast from Belfast, is set to take place on Saturday 10 October and will be part of the global launch. Around 500 other TEDx events, taking place around the world, will highlight the need for greater action on the climate emergency.

TEDxStormont Countdown will hear from leading thinkers and doers about what a cleaner, zero-emission future can be; through inspiring examples of current progress underway, and compelling reasons why now, as the world recovers from a different global shock, is the time to act.

Local voices such as Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA; Steven Agnew, Head of NI Renewables Industry Group; Dr David McGowan, climate and energy engineer at SONI; and Professor John Barry, Director of the Centre for Sustainability, Equality and Climate Action at Queens University Belfast are expected to take part alongside contributions from RSPB NI and Business in the Community NI.

Globally recognised filmmakers and entrepreneurs, The Scott Sisters will also make an appearance. The sisters are expected to delve into how they used their experience of travel and research into climate change to design problem-solving travel goods to drive positive change, reduce plastic pollution and improve people’s lives.

The event will also have a host of international and well-known faces beamed in as part of the global push for greater understanding of climate emergency activism and to shine a light on the need for fresh thinking. They include: 

• The Duke of Cambridge, HRH Prince William;

• EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen;

• Australian born, Hollywood actor, Chris Hemsworth.

A special appearance is expected from Irish Ambassador to the US, Daniel Mulhall, who has discovered newfound fame with his Covid-19 lockdown poetry and literature recitals via social media. Ambassador Mulhall will read a selected poem to celebrate nature for the virtual audience.

A specially composed mini opera “Final Act: Unexpected Changes” will be premiered at the event. This unique production brings together technologists from NASA, MIT and Google in collaboration with globally renowned musicians to explore the human emotional cost of the interaction of technology and climate change.

The TEDxStormont Countdown event is being held in partnership with SONI the Electricity System Operator for Northern Ireland. SONI runs the NI electricity system and is committed to transforming the power sector from fossil fuels to a clean energy system, as a direct response to the climate crisis.

Eva Grosman, Curator of TEDxStormont said:

“The Climate Emergency is a live issue that remains to be appropriately addressed. The Countdown initiative is the perfect opportunity for Northern Ireland’s climate change and environmental leaders to discuss ideas for change.

“The global Countdown initiative by TED brings together a powerful collaboration of partners from all sectors of society including EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, actor, Chris Hemsworth, and HRH Prince William. The collaboration of multi-sector speakers highlights the intense need globally for change and new thinking to help save the planet from environmental destruction.

“TEDxStormont Countdown will see some of Northern Ireland’s best climate activists including Steven Agnew and Professor John Barry. We are also thrilled to have the Scott Sisters join us, who are paving the way as doers in the world of climate activism, spreading the word and giving people real options to combat the climate crisis.

“Countdown will also hear from politicians on what they are doing to better our environment, especially on the aim of having net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon MLA will be joining us live on 10 October to discuss what her Department’s plans are for ensuring this can be done in Northern Ireland and how we can work to save our small portion of the planet.

“No other voice is more important in the climate crisis than that of our young people. Unfortunately, they will inherit this emergency and it is important that they have a platform. Our youth panel is expected to throw up some insights into the actions they believe to be essential and what must be done to create a sustainable way of living.”

Jo Aston, Managing Director of SONI (Electricity System Operator for Northern Ireland) said:

“The climate crisis is well understood and the impact of climate change globally is undeniable. The real question is how fast society can respond to limit the damage.  We need big ideas, debate and motivation and TEDxStormont Countdown is an ideal opportunity to focus minds and to showcase purposeful action.

“As the Electricity System Operator for Northern Ireland, SONI has a key role to play in shaping Northern Ireland’s climate future. We run the electricity grid, matching supply and demand every second of every day, because of this we are in a position to work with government, industry and communities to deliver a clean energy system for Northern Ireland.

“What we do from our control centre in East Belfast is world-leading, the NI power system is able to run with 65% renewable electricity, but it is our ambition to get that to 95% or greater. We want Northern Ireland’s electricity system to be a pioneer in the fight against climate change. We are stepping up to do this and through our partnership with TEDxStormont we will call on everyone in Northern Ireland to step up to do what they can and more. The planet cannot wait.”

To register for TEDxStormont Countdown:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NeokYQACSLGHbWhU2ol2DA

Irish Government urged to protect North West as business groups meet Minister Simon Coveney

Paul Clancy, Chief Executive, Derry Chamber

The Irish Government has been urged to do everything it can to support the North West and border communities as the Brexit transition period comes to an end.

In a joint meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney TD, the Londonderry and Letterkenny Chambers of Commerce relayed the serious concerns of local businesses as negotiations between the UK and the EU have stalled in recent weeks.

The UK Government’s recently published Internal Market Bill attempts to sidestep the NI Protocol, agreed within the Withdrawal Agreement last October, in the event that the UK and EU fail to reach a trade agreement before 31 December 2020.

Paul Clancy, Chief Executive, Derry Chamber said:

“We welcomed today’s meeting with Minister Coveney and urged the Irish government to continue defending the interests of businesses and communities across the island. The entire North West region – on both sides of the border – is at particular risk from the worst excesses of an unmanaged and reckless Brexit, and targeted support will be necessary to weather the storm which a no-deal exit will bring.

“The message from businesses in the North West has remained consistent since 2016 – any barriers to trade north-south, as well as east-west, are unfathomable for our regional economy. We welcomed Minister Coveney’s reiteration today that the Irish Government is committed to ensuring unfettered trade across our islands and working collaboratively with the UK Government. The Minister shared our concerns about the UK Government’s recently published Internal Market Bill and its potential to disrupt the negotiations between the EU and the UK. Certainty and clarity for business has been in short supply over the past four years but, for all its faults, the NI Protocol provides a degree of certainty for businesses and a fallback in the event that a trade agreement is not reached.

“Our collaboration with the Letterkenny Chamber today is indicative of the importance of this issue for the entire region. Covid-19 has battered our economy on both sides of the border, and a damaging Brexit could finish off scores of already struggling businesses. As the Minister said today, while Covid-19 is a temporary disruptor for our economy, a damaging Brexit will be a permanent one. The future prosperity of our region is therefore reliant on a successful outcome to these negotiations and a productive relationship between the EU and the UK.

“We are again calling for urgent clarity over what the 1 January 2021 will bring for our businesses and we are urging all parties to work tirelessly to ensure there are no barriers to trade, business, or movement as the transition period ends. With less than 100 days until the new year, all sides must now focus minds on getting the best possible outcome for our businesses and communities.”

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 28 September 2020

Forward Look

• The Executive Office are to appoint an Interim Head of the Civil Service while this position is readvertised. According to the Newsletter the three candidates who reached the final interview stage on Wednesday but were unsuccessful were Department of Finance Permanent Secretary, Sue Gray, Department of Justice Permanent Secretary, Peter May and Department of Health Permanent Secretary, Richard Pengelly.   

• US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland, Mick Mulvaney will visit Northern Ireland for a series of engagements next week.

• Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA announced an additional £165 million of funding for business, infrastructure, culture, schools and local councils. This includes £40 million towards local councils and £14.8 million for the A6 project.

• Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA also welcomed the Chancellor’s Winter Economic Plan but called for clarity on the new ‘Job Support Scheme’. He also raised concerns about the cancelation of the Autumn Budget which could impact on the Executive’s ability to make economic plans. 

• Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín MLA has announced work is to commence on the development of Anti-Poverty, Disability, Gender Equality and Sexual Orientation Strategies which will be published by the end of 2021. Work will also take place in relation to dealing with Child Poverty and the Active Ageing Strategy.

• Communities Minister is also set to consider proposals in respect of gambling legislation in Northern Ireland before announcing her next steps in the “coming weeks”. Initial findings from the consultation show strong support for the creation of an independent gambling regulator in NI.

• Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA has said the first sectoral meeting of the North South Ministerial Council is expected to take place on Friday 6 November.

• Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA is expected to announce her plans for a voucher scheme to support the tourism sector in NI. £9.9 million has been allocated by the Finance Minister for this initiative.

• Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA is expected to introduce several Bills to the Assembly in the coming months. These include a Criminal Justice (Committal Reform) Bill in October/November and a Protection from Stalking Bill before the end of the year.

• The Department of Health is drafting legislation to restrict the sale of e-cigarettes to over 18s.

• Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA is expected to meet with representatives from the haulage, taxi, private hire, and bus and coach sectors next week. Work on a support scheme has begun.

• The Department for Communities is working with Belfast City Council to deliver public realm enhancements in Belfast City Centre. This consultation is set to open on Wednesday 30 September. 

• The Standards Committee in Westminster has launched an inquiry into the Code of Conduct for MPs. The deadline for written submission is 22 October. More information here.

• A ‘Dying with Dignity Bill’ will be debated by TD’s in the Republic of Ireland on Thursday.

• The EU-UK Joint Committee will meet again on Monday 28 September. NI Executive Ministers have been invited to take part.

• Question Time to the Executive Office and Communities Minister will take place on Monday 28 September from 2pm. The Economy Minister and Education Minister will be questioned on Tuesday 29 September.

• The Assembly will consider a Legislative Consent Motion brought forward by the Communities Minister on ‘The Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill’ on Monday 28 September.

• A Private Members Motion related to children with hearing difficulties and deafness will be debated in the Assembly on Monday 28 September.

• Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín MLA will brief the Communities Committee on Wednesday 30 September on her upcoming priorities.

• The Infrastructure Committee will be briefed by Departmental Officials on the Planning Act 2011 (Review) Regulations on Wednesday 30 September.

• The All-Party Group on Domestic and Sexual Violence will meet virtually on Tuesday 29 September. The All-Party Group on Suicide Prevention will meet on Wednesday 30 September.

• Northern Ireland Oral Questions will take place in the House of Commons on Wednesday 30 September.

• TEDxStormont will host ‘Countdown’ on Saturday 10 October. The global initiative will champion and accelerate solutions to the global climate crisis. Speakers include Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA, SONI Managing Director Jo Aston and Irish Ambassador to the US, Dan Mulhall. Further information here.

Other Stories this week

• Education Minister Peter Weir MLA launched the £11.2 million Engage programme which is aimed at addressing the impact of Covid-19 on children’s learning.

• Health Minister Robin Swann MLA announced that Dr Guduru Gopal Rao, microbiologist in London North West University will lead the independent investigation into the SAI review involving deaths of patients in the Southern Trust.

• The leaders from the four pro-Remain parties in NI held a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney TD in Dublin to discuss concerns about the UK Government’s Internal Market Bill.

• DAERA Permanent Secretary Denis McMahon said if the UK/EU Joint Committee on the NI Protocol doesn’t reach agreement on minimising the animal-based product checks required at NI Ports, the average supermarket lorry entering from GB would require 400 separate certificates.

• Community Pharmacists in NI took part in the first conference to share their experiences throughout Covid-19.

• Restrictions were announced by the Health Minister Robin Swann MLA in respect of visits to hospitals and care homes across NI.

• Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA announced additional skills and innovation support for social enterprises in NI.

• Labour MP Nadia Whittome was sacked from her junior role in the Shadow Cabinet for voting against the Overseas Operations Bill.

• The Central Bank in Ireland has fined KBC Bank Ireland more than €18.3m over its role in the tracker mortgage controversy.

• US Insurance company, Office of America announced plans to expand its operations in Northern Ireland. 40 additional roles are expected by 2022.

Upcoming key political and business events

• 29 September, Northern Ireland Energy Forum, Agenda NI

• 1 October, Exploring Northern Ireland's Fintech Diversity, Invest NI

• 1 – 2 October, Belfast International Homecoming, Aisling Events

• 8 – 9 October, NICON20, NHS Confederation

• 10 October, Countdown, TEDxStormont

• 23 October, The Future of Skills, NI Chamber of Commerce

• 5 November, Voices of Leadership, Women in Business

Consultations

• Trade Union Freedom Bill NI Assembly. Deadline TBC.

• Autism Private Members Bill NI Assembly. Deadline TBC.

• Draft Organised Crime Strategy 2020-2023 Department of Justice. Deadline 2 October.

• Second Independent Review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Assessment Process in NI Department for Communities. Deadline 16 October.

• Expert Panel on Educational Underachievement Online Survey Department of Education. Deadline 16 October.

• Online Political Transparency The Cabinet Office. Deadline 4 November.

Chancellor's Winter Economic Plan: Brown O'Connor Communications Forward Look Special

The Chancellor Rishi Sunak MP has announced the next phase of economic support – the primary goal of which is to protect those in “viable” employment. The new ‘Jobs Support Scheme’ will replace the furlough scheme from 1 November.

• Under the new Jobs Support Scheme, the Government will top up wages for workers for up to two-thirds of their hours worked for the next six months. Employers will pay the other third.

• There are 3 principles behind Scheme: (1) supporting viable jobs, employees must work at least a two-thirds of their hours; (2) support will be targeted at small and medium enterprises; and (3) it will be open for businesses across the UK.

• The scheme will open in November and run for six months.

• All small and medium sized businesses are eligible as well as businesses who have not previously used the furlough scheme.

• The self-employed scheme will be extended on similar terms to the Jobs Support Scheme.

• The application deadline for all coronavirus loan schemes – including the future fund – has been extended to 30 November ensuring even more businesses can benefit from government-backed support.

• Those who have taken out a government Bounce Back loan will have more time to pay them back.

• VAT bills will be deferred until March and can be paid in 11 instalments.

• The temporary VAT reduction for the hospitality and tourism sectors has been extended until 31 March 2021, cancelling the planned increase which was due to come into effect in January. VAT bills will be deferred until March and they can be paid in 11 instalments. Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans will also be extended for up to 10 years. There will be a new loan scheme in January.

2020 has proved the importance of effective leadership - Nora Smith, Chief Executive, CO3

Keynote speaker, Ambassador Samantha Power, with US President Barack Obama

The past six months have been some of the most challenging in a generation for organisations, businesses, and people. Covid-19 and its vast economic and societal effects have impacted our world unlike any other previous crisis in living memory.  

The charity and voluntary sector has been particularly badly hit. Since March, thousands of charities have been forced to halt or significantly alter the vital services they provide, often to the most vulnerable and needy in society. Revenue streams dried up overnight as fundraising activities of all kinds were seriously curtailed.

As we begin to open up again and society begins to inch towards some semblance of normality – albeit with our professional and personal lives looking totally different than they did in February – it feels like a natural time to reflect on the challenges of 2020, what we’ve learned, and what lessons we can apply in a very changed world.

Nora Smith, Chief Executive, CO3

It is no exaggeration to say that the leadership demonstrated by third sector leaders has kept our sector afloat this year. Strategic thinking, bold decision-making, and compassionate and effective management have steered our local charities through the first phase of the pandemic and one of the most difficult periods many of them will ever face. In my role as Chief Executive of CO3, I see day in and day out the talent, level-headedness, and overall quality of our charity chiefs, and I applaud everyone in NI’s charities and voluntary groups for their immense efforts over the past six months.

The value of leadership has never been clearer. Effective leaders instil confidence in their colleagues, inspire when situations look bleak, and help tackle challenges which, at first, look seemingly insurmountable. Sector leaders here have fought hard for vital government support, made swift decisions to protect their service users and staff, and pivoted their organisations to safeguard and ensure continuity of frontline services.

Another consequence of the pandemic has been to force our annual Leadership Conference online, like many other events which would usually be held in hotels and conference centres across Northern Ireland. This year’s conference will centre around the theme of “Leading Forward: Can a better society emerge?”. Out of the coronavirus crisis has come an opportunity to transform how we go about our daily lives and to build a better society. Our keynote speakers come from a range of backgrounds including global politics, the charity sector, the arts, and elite sport. However, their individual experiences and skillsets demonstrate effective leadership and overcoming adversities and serious challenges.

We have also quickly found that hosting an online conference brings new benefits as well. Being more flexible and accessible means we can reach new and wider audiences, allows delegates to work around other commitments they may have, and feedback so far indicates it offers a more convenient approach for many people who would otherwise be unable to attend.

Our response to holding this year’s conference is in many ways reflective of the response from business and third sector leaders to the challenges of 2020 – flexible, creative, imaginative, and swift.

Originally appeared in the Irish News, 22 September 2020

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 21 September

Forward Look

• The Government’s Internal Market Bill passed its Second Reading this week by 340 votes to 263. The Prime Minister has reached an agreement with Conservative MPs who had been unhappy with the Bill and agreed to amend it to give MPs a vote before he could use the powers in it that would breach international law, avoiding a possible backbench rebellion next week in the Commons. Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA and Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA have both separately raised concerns about the Bill’s impact on devolution this week in conjunction with their respective counterparts in Scotland and Wales.

• The NI Executive has agreed that ‘wet’ pubs will be permitted to open on Wednesday 23 September. Pubs will be required to adhere to new regulations to reopen and serve customers. Health Minister Robin Swann MLA has also placed new local restrictions on the postcode area of BT60, which includes the towns of Armagh, Markethill, and Keady. These restrictions will be effective from 5pm this afternoon. 

• Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA is to take responsibility for providing financial support to the haulage, coach and taxi industries, sectors which have so far been excluded from existing Covid-19 support schemes.

• Ulster Bank Chief Economist Richard Ramsey has warned that NI’s unemployment rate could reach as high as 10% before the job market begins to recover.

• Question Time to the Health and Infrastructure Ministers will take place on Monday 21 September, and to the DAERA and Justice Ministers on Tuesday 22 September.

• Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA will brief the Infrastructure Committee on Covid-19 and other current issues on Wednesday 23 September.

• Economy Minister Diane Dodds MLA will brief the Economy Committee on Covid-19 and the economic response on Wednesday 23 September.

• The Finance Committee will hear evidence from the Department of Finance on Wednesday 23 September on public sector reform in NI.

• The DAERA Committee will receive oral evidence from the department on its EU Exit preparations on Thursday 24 September.

• The Health Committee will hear evidence as part of its inquiry into Covid-19 and care homes on Thursday 24 September.

• A number of APG meetings are being held virtually next week. Early Education and Childcare will meet on Monday 21 September; Mental Health will meet on Tuesday 22; Sports and Physical Recreation, and Construction will meet on Wednesday 23; and Climate Action, and Fair Banking and Finance will meet on Friday 25.

• The NI Affairs Committee will receive evidence on its inquiry into Brexit and the NI Protocol on Wednesday 23 September from Dr Katy Hayward, Dr Graham Gudgin, former UK Government SpAd Raoul Ruparel, and Anton Spisak from the Tony Blair Institute.

• John Penrose MP is to lead a review considering how the UK’s competition regime can be enhanced in the context of Covid-19 and the end of the transition period. Mr Penrose will produce a short, independent report on the UK Government’s policy late this year.

• The Labour Party has replaced its annual conference with an online programme of events from 19-22 September. Sinn Féin will be hosting a virtual fringe event on Sunday 20 September, titled ‘Protecting the Good Friday Agreement’. Speakers include John Finucane MP and former Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott MP.

• Third sector membership body CO3 is holding its virtual Leadership Conference on 24 and 25 September. Keynote speakers include former US Ambassador to the UN and key adviser to President Barack Obama, Samantha Power. To register, please visit this link.

• The annual Belfast Homecoming conference will take place virtually on Thursday 1 and Friday 2 October. To register and for more information, please visit this link.

• Fintech Envoy for Northern Ireland, Andrew Jenkins will take part in a webinar hosted by Invest NI exploring the different components of Northern Ireland’s unique fintech eco-system, and incentives available for Australian and New Zealand technology companies seeking to expand. Further information can be found here. 

Other Stories this week

• Democratic Party Presidential candidate Joe Biden and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi have both said this week that any future US-UK free trade deal is “contingent” on respect for the Good Friday Agreement.

• BBC NI reported this week that broadband provider Fibrus is set to be awarded the £165m Project Stratum contract to improve rural internet connectivity in Northern Ireland.

• The North-South Electricity Interconnector has been granted planning permission by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA. The project will create a 400kv overhead electricity line running through Armagh, Tyrone, Monaghan, Cavan, and Meath. The Minister also announced a £2.8m funding investment package towards the development of six greenway projects.

• Nicole Mannion has left her role as Brexit Director of the Irish Embassy in London to take up a new role as Deputy Head of Mission at the Delegation of the EU to the UK.

• The All-Party Group on Lung Health met for the first time on Monday, selecting Pam Cameron MLA as its Chair and Paula Bradshaw MLA as Vice-Chair.

• Former Head of the NI Civil Service David Sterling has been appointed the new Chair of the Chief Executives Forum.

• Sinn Féin senator Elisha McCallion has been appointed Seanad spokesperson on Higher Education and Health.

• Figures released by NISRA show that the NI economy saw an almost 18% fall in services output between April and July this year, and a further 15% fall in output in the production sector.

• Newry representative Helena Young has been appointed the new Alliance Party Chairperson.

Consultations

• Trade Union Freedom Bill NI Assembly. Deadline TBC.

• Autism Private Members Bill NI Assembly. Deadline TBC.

• Draft Organised Crime Strategy 2020-2023 Department of Justice. Deadline 2 October.

• Second Independent Review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Assessment Process in NI Department for Communities. Deadline 16 October.

• Expert Panel on Educational Underachievement Online Survey Department of Education. Deadline 16 October.

• Online Political Transparency The Cabinet Office. Deadline 4 November.