International investors set to do business with local documentary talent

As originally appeared in the Irish News, 20 June

Michele Devlin, Director of Docs Ireland

This week will see more than 30 key documentary industry players from across the world arrive in Belfast for the annual Docs Ireland film festival. Prominent international organisations attending will include POV/American Documentary, CAA, Field of Vision, Met Film Sales, Hidden Light, the new company headed-up by Hilary and Chelsea Clinton, and Lightbox, helmed by Academy Award-winner Simon Chinn.

Docs Ireland, now in its fifth year, is the only film festival on the island dedicated solely to the non-fiction form, concentrating on all thing’s documentary - exhibition, business and talent development.

The cohort of delegates will participate in the Documentary Project Marketplace, where they will shop for ideas and talent from both established and emerging filmmakers. The marketplace is networking and pitch event, a hub for funding, sales and distribution and an incubator for nurturing domestic talent to ensure the industry will continue to thrive.

Documentaries are a vital part of our local screen industry and local documentary film companies continue to punch far above their weight. Alison Millar’s award-winning Lyra; Kathryn Fergusons critically acclaimed Nothing Compares; and more recently Cyprus Avenue’s In The Shadow of Beirut, which won the coveted prize for Best International Documentary at DocEdge Festival in New Zealand. These are just three examples, amongst many, of the significant success and growth potential of the industry.

The local screen sector generates approximately £82.5 million per year for the economy. Between 2018 and 2022 £330 million was generated to support jobs and important supply chain parties.

The creative screen industry is one of five areas of focus for the Department for the Economy’s 10X Strategy. We must continue to support its rapid growth through skills development and support from external broadcasters and distributors.

With coverage in international industry publications and representation at Berlin Film Festival, the EastDoc Platform in Prague, Cannes Doc Corner, Docs Ireland is now firmly on the map of the international circuit for key decision makers. They will come to Belfast, hear from local UK and Irish film makers, explore the financing of ideas, and invest in current and future production talent.

This week will give the local industry the opportunity to sell their work to international distributors right here on their doorstep. In business it’s rare that the market comes to you. The Docs Ireland team have pulled out all the stops to make this happen right here in Belfast.

Documentary filmmaking is making big business across the world and Docs Ireland provides a prime opportunity for our local talent to get a piece of that action.

Book on the go with the new Aircoach app

Dervla McKay, Managing Director of Aircoach

Aircoach, Ireland’s leading private bus and coach operator, has launched a new mobile app that will make its booking service quicker and easier for passengers.

The new mobile app will significantly improve customer experience by giving passengers the ability to plan, book, amend and store tickets on their mobile as well as providing coach journey tracking.

Today’s new mobile app announcement follows the launch of the new 705X Derry/Londonderry Service hitting the road and the expansion of the Free Travel Pass to their Cork (704X) and Galway (706/706X) routes.

The full range of benefits the new app will give to customers include:

·        Favourite locations and previous bookings are saved making it easier to book again.

·        Buy and store tickets on your phone so you will never have to worry about losing your ticket or having enough cash to pay on board.

·        Best priced fares will be easily identifiable as well as services that have limited capacity.

·        Check out more quickly using debit/credit card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay.

·        Additional features allow for the purchase of add-ons such as Flexibook and DoDublin tickets, apply discount codes and redemption of loyalty points.

The app is available for download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.  

Dervla McKay, Managing Director of Aircoach said:

“Our new mobile app means it’s now even easier to book Aircoach tickets and reinforces our service as one that is convenient, innovative and customer centric. It will be a game changer for our loyal customers and how we interact with them across locations throughout Ireland.”

“Making journeys and bookings easier for customers is central to our planned growth in the future. We were the first national bus operator to accept contactless card payments across all our services and we are thoroughly committed to innovation. Today’s mobile app announcement is clear evidence of that.”

The award-winning company, Aircoach is a subsidiary of First Group plc which is one of the UK and Ireland’s largest transport companies. 

Top film executives and production houses to descend on Belfast next week for documentary film festival

Roisin Geraghty, Head of Industry and Marketplace at Docs Ireland

Leading names in documentary filmmaking including Dogwoof, Hidden Light, Hot Docs, Breakout Pictures and CAA will visit Belfast later this month to attend the Docs Ireland documentary film festival.

Alongside its packed cinema programme, Docs Ireland will host several industry focused events aimed at introducing local filmmakers to some of the world’s most important film financiers and production houses.

Now in its fifth year, Docs Ireland is steadily growing and attracting some of the biggest names in the global documentary film industry to meet local filmmakers and hear their pitch.

Marketplace

Docs Ireland will host its Marketplace day on Friday 23 June at 2 Royal Avenue. The marketplace will bring together documentary makers and funders from around the world and create a space in which they can strike deals to help generate ground-breaking new documentaries.  

Hosted by audience designer Síle Cully, a range of panels and discussions on Engaging Audiences will also take place. Panels include a talk from NOISE Film and TV on documentary film PR and a conversation with leading documentary sales agents.

Additionally, there will be three keynote industry panels including:

·        The Place of Markets Documentary Landscapes with guest speakers from Cannes, IDFA, Documentary Association of Europe and East Doc.

·        A discussion on current trends in the documentary market hosted by BAFTA Award winning filmmaker and documentary trainer Andy Glynne. BBC NI, BBC Storyville, POV, RTÉ, S4C, TG4, YLE and more will be represented.

·        The Festival Programmers Session with Mads Mikkelsen (Head of Programme CPH.DOX) and Heather Haynes (Associate Director of Programming Hot Docs).

Emerging Talent

On Thursday 22 June the Docs Society will host an Emerging Talent Training Day giving new talent an opportunity to gain skills and win contacts.

The Northern Ireland Screen Pitch will also take place on Saturday 24 June for filmmakers to pitch their documentary idea to industry professionals with the possibility of being awarded £7500.

Roisin Geraghty, Head of Industry and Marketplace at Docs Ireland said:

“At Docs Ireland, our key aim is to support the island of Ireland’s documentary filmmaking community. 

“We do this through our core industry initiatives - the Docs Ireland Marketplace, the IGNITE Talent Development Programme and the Northern Ireland Screen Pitch, and through our ancillary industry events and networking opportunities, which cater to filmmakers at all stages of their careers. 

“This year we will host sessions exploring current trends in non-fiction festival curation, meet with international broadcasters to discuss their commissioning practices, and focus on engaging audiences for documentary film, as well as collaborating on events with Screen Producers Ireland and Creative Europe Desk Ireland. We will also continue our long-standing partnership with Doc Society, hosting an Emerging Talent Day with the aim of fostering creativity and conversation, disseminating information and boosting the confidence of new storytellers to develop their creative non-fiction filmmaking practice. 

“I do hope that there is something that piques the interest of every documentary filmmaker within this year’s programme.”

Industry passes are on sale now. The pass is £85 for professionals and £55 for students. There is also the option to pay separately for some events. More information can be read at docsireland.ie

Docs Ireland is funded by Northern Ireland Screen, Belfast City Council, Department of Communities, Film Hub NI, BFI FAN, Screen Ireland and Arts and Business and proudly sponsored by TG4, BBC Northern Ireland, Birra Moretti and Hastings Hotels.

Cancer Focus NI opens new high street store in Lisburn

Tara Lamb, Chartered Architect and owner of LAM Architects,  Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Cllr Andrew Gowan, Angela McGrath, Director of Retail at Cancer Focus NI, Fiona Cullen, Cancer Focus NI Shop Manager (Lisburn)

Northern Ireland’s local cancer charity, Cancer Focus NI, has opened a brand-new store in Lisburn city centre.

The new retail store, based at 41-43 Market Square South in the city centre, comes just days after the charity launched its new five-year strategy which aims to bring cancer care and support into community settings and high streets across the country to better support those affected by cancer.

As well as stocking the latest in high street fashion and providing a sustainable and ethical way for people to dispose of used clothing, the new store will also offer on-site counselling services and facilities for Cancer Focus clients and their families.

The organisation already has 12 stores across Northern Ireland which provide a vital revenue stream for the charity and are staffed by their dedicated team of volunteers from across the country.

Speaking after officially opening the new store on Friday, Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council Cllr Andrew Gowan said:

“Cancer Focus NI’s new store is a fantastic addition to the high street in Lisburn and a big boost for our city centre. As well as providing value for shoppers and bargain hunters looking for the latest in style and fashion, these stores are vital to the success of charities like Cancer Focus NI. I was proud to officially open the new store and see first-hand the difference a facility like this will make for those affected by cancer across our city and beyond.”

Cancer Focus Director of Retail Angela McGrath added:

“Our network of retail stores across Northern Ireland plays a crucial role in funding the valuable work that Cancer Focus NI does in supporting those affected by cancer and their families. Our new five-year strategy aims to put cancer patients and their families and friends at the heart of cancer care in Northern Ireland, which will be delivered through five new regional cancer support centres.

“Our retail stores are already dotted around Northern Ireland, on high streets and in communities, providing a steady stream of funding for the important work our charity does. While they are popular with shoppers and we stock brand new and designer labels for our customers, our stores also provide a more affordable and sustainable option for people, particularly as we continue to deal with the cost-of-living crisis.

“Donations to our stores fund the vital work that Cancer Focus NI does, and we are particularly pleased that our new Lisburn store will host on-site counselling services and sessions for our clients. A cancer diagnosis can have a devastating impact on cancer patients and their families and professional, therapeutic support is critical at this time. Being accessible to clients in settings they’re familiar with, like the high street, goes a long way when people are dealing with cancer. Our stores and our team of volunteers offer that accessibility and comfort, providing a listening ear or a welcoming cuppa when people need it most.”

Data protection breakthrough earns major European cybersecurity award for Allstate NI

Allstate NI Director of Identity & Access Management Robert McCausland (right) collects the ‘Identity Fabrics’ award at the European Identity and Cloud Awards, presented by Lead Analyst at KuppingerCole Analysts Paul Fisher (left).

Allstate NI’s information security team has set a new industry standard for protecting consumer data – and earned a major European cybersecurity award for the project.

The team’s Identity and Access project was celebrated at the 16th annual European Identity and Cloud Conference in Berlin.

The Belfast-based Allstate team was recognised for their work in enabling real-time data processing that allows systems to respond to events instantly. This lessens the risk of privileged account abuse by significantly reducing the amount of time a malicious actor has access to sensitive data.

The project improved Allstate NI’s efficiency, security, and risk management and was recognised for its innovation and outstanding results that established a new, safer standard for data protection.

At the European Identity and Cloud Conference, which showcases excellence in the identity management and cybersecurity industry, the local technologists picked up the “Identity Fabrics” award to an audience of over 1500 industry representatives from across Europe.

After collecting the award, Director of Identity & Access Management Robert McCausland said:

“I am privileged to accept this award on behalf of our Information Security team. The Identity and Access programme has strengthened our ability to deliver the highest level of security and is testament to the incredible hard work of our team over the past several months.”

Vice President and Managing Director of Allstate NI Dr. Stephen McKeown said:

“Through this project, our teams achieved new levels of innovation, enhancing our methods of protecting consumer data. Allstate has set a new industry benchmark, and I congratulate the Information Security team on this achievement.”

Cancer Focus NI to develop new regional centres in multi-million-pound investment in local cancer patient support

(L-R) Richard Spratt, CEO, Cancer Focus NI; Denise Kettyles, Cancer Focus NI client; and Robin Swann MLA, former Health Minister.

Cancer Focus Northern Ireland plans to open five regional support centres across Northern Ireland by 2027 to create local spaces of sanctuary and support for people impacted by Cancer across the region in a major shake-up in how cancer care is delivered in Northern Ireland.

The announcement comes as Cancer Focus Northern Ireland today launched its new five-year strategy at an event at the Belfast Harbour Commissioners Office. Part of the proposals includes the planned sale of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland’s current headquarters on Belfast’s Eglantine Avenue to help fund these ambitious plans.

Speakers at today’s event included Richard Spratt, Chief Executive of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland and former Health Minister Robin Swann MLA.

Other key aspects of the new strategy include:

• Increase public awareness of how to reduce the risk of cancer and promote healthier living.

• Funding research on primary cancers of unmet need.

• Supporting research into the personal and social outcomes of local people affected by and experiencing cancer.

• Creation of multi-purpose retail outlets to compliment the cancer support centres.

A network of bespoke, regional cancer support centres will be strategically placed across Northern Ireland to allow flexibility in how people engage with cancer specialists or avail of individual or group therapeutic support.

Aimed at bringing cancer care into communities and onto the high streets, the centres will be designed to ensure that visitors experience a sense of being away from the clinical environment of a hospital. Local support centres will also offer space and opportunity for relaxation, reflection and solace as well as providing vital emotional and practical support services along with access to information and advice relevant to the needs of each person and their family.

Speaking at the Strategy launch event, Richard Spratt, Chief Executive of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland said:

“Our newly published five-year strategy is an exciting and ambitious plan that will see Cancer Focus Northern Ireland imbed itself into local communities to meet the needs of local cancer patients in the towns and cities across the region.

“Mirroring the emphasis of the Northern Ireland Cancer Strategy, our charity will rejuvenate its current patient-centered care approach by bringing together existing specialist cancer support services currently operating in local communities under a series of fit-for-purpose regional centres. From these spaces, we will continue to deliver a series of health improvement services to better tackle existing health inequalities experienced throughout Northern Ireland.

“As Northern Ireland’s first cancer charity, we believe that this future direction of cancer response is crucial to seeing more local people live their lives to the fullest. This is a progressive and positive shake-up in how we deliver cancer therapeutic support and ensures we remain responsive to the needs of those living with cancer in Northern Ireland.

“It is thanks to the endless support from our charity supporters that we are able to move forward with this new ambition. For over 50 years, our fantastic community and corporate supporters have helped us respond as a charity to the growing needs of people in Northern Ireland living with cancer.”

Presenting at the strategy launch, Ivan McMinn MBE, Chairperson, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland commented:

“I welcome this exciting new future for our charity. Speaking from personal experience, a cancer journey is one of the most devastating moments anyone can experience. I believe that having a local Therapeutic Support Centre will make a massive difference to someone’s journey from diagnosis and treatment to recovery.

“Our charity’s new vision is simple. We want people to live their most fulfilled lives with access to world-leading, equitable cancer support, treatment, diagnosis, prevention, and research. I, and the entire Board at Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, are delighted to support the charity during such a wonderful and exciting phase.”

Endorsing the news of local support centres, Denise Kettyles explained:

“In January 2021, I received a phone call to visit a gynaecologist and there I was diagnosed with stage one endometrial cancer. At the time I was overwhelmed and concerned, particularly that a hysterectomy was mentioned as a treatment option.

“Living in rural Fermanagh, travelling miles for appointments, and not having a professional cancer support network around me did make things more difficult. But through Cancer Focus Northern Ireland I received counselling from Helen who helped me develop the skills needed to process and understand my thoughts and feelings.

“This is why it is fantastic that services provided by Cancer Focus Northern Ireland through its new five-year strategy will be offered at new regional support centres throughout Northern Ireland. Months after my surgery, I had some things going on in my body, but had nowhere to go to talk to a professional. This new facility would have made such a difference to my recovery and I’m confident that it will support patients and their families for years to come.”

'When appointments go wrong and how to avoid them’ by Ian McFarland, Partner, Employment, Eversheds Sutherland

As originally appeared in the Irish News, 13 June

Ian McFarland, Partner, Employment, Eversheds Sutherland

No matter the industry, all employers are grappling with the challenge of recruiting and retaining talent.  In the rush to get people through the door, appointment processes may be shortened, or an employer might be willing to take a chance on a candidate, despite not being fully sold on them.  Taking short cuts can create headaches down the line if things don’t go to plan and there are a few key processes that employers should follow if they are to keep themselves right.

When the desired candidate has been identified, a formal letter of offer should be issued.  This will identify some of the main terms of the employment, such as role and salary, but from the employer’s perspective it is crucial for the letter to also note any conditions of the offer.  These may include satisfactory references, a pre-employment medical, evidence of qualifications, or evidence of the individual’s right to work.

Making the offer “conditional” provides a sound basis for the employer to withdraw it should any of these prerequisites be unfulfilled.  Of course, the candidate may be disappointed and there is a risk of an allegation that the withdrawal was for an unlawful reason. However, that will be a difficult case for the candidate to make where the employer’s decision was due to a clearly stated pre-appointment condition not being satisfied.

It’s a legal requirement for a written statement of employment particulars, which usually takes the form of a contract of employment, to be issued within two months of the commencement of the employment.  Despite this, the issuing of a contract can often be overlooked or delayed.  When the going is good, a contract of employment tends to be far from the mind, but when things go wrong it is usually the first document the parties reach for.

 Not having the terms of the employment in writing undoubtedly creates more risk for the employer.  It brings uncertainty to the relationship and in the absence of evidence of what was agreed, a Court or Tribunal is more likely to favour an employee than a better resourced employer who should have known better.

 The most important term of the written contract will be the probationary period.  The purpose of probation is to provide a suitable amount of time for the employer to assess the employee in conduct, attendance, and performance.  Despite their popularity, they are often misunderstood in practice.  The key points to keep in mind are length of probation, right to extend the period, notice to terminate, and the provision of feedback throughout the probation rather than simply at the end.

 If an employer finds itself in the position of withdrawing an offer or terminating altogether, the implications may vary.  If an offer has been made, accepted, and conditions met, but the employer changes their mind, then the prospective employee is likely entitled to a payment. If the employment has commenced, termination will have to be carried out in accordance with the law and the contract, with certain payments due and owing.

 In the current candidate friendly environment, employers would be forgiven for shortcutting recruitment processes to get the deal done.  However, this can lead to costly and frustrating action later in the day. It’s vital that employers carry out their due diligence and keep their processes above board. Taking that extra time provides protection in the long run.

Positive Life reacts to NIHRC RSE Report

Reacting to the publication of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission report into Relationships and Sexuality Education in Northern Ireland Post Primary Schools, Jacquie Richardson, Chief Executive of Positive Life said:

“Today’s report by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission confirms what we have been saying for years. The current curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education in Northern Ireland is failing our young people by not providing them with age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education.

“It is deeply concerning that schools are actively contributing to shame and stigma surrounding sex. For those living with HIV in Northern Ireland stigma in every aspect of life is a major obstacle towards greater acceptance and understanding. We need to have honest and inclusive conversations as a society to ensure sex positive relationships are guaranteed for future generations.

“The Department of Education need to view today’s report as a must read while they develop statutory guidance under last week’s new regulations. Facts based teaching on relationships and sexuality must be the norm across all of our schools. It can no longer be down to an ethos educational veto.”

Positive Life Reacts to updated RSE regulations

Reacting to the announcement that the UK Government is to update the requirements for Relationship and Sexuality Education in Northern Ireland, Jacquie Richardson, Chief Executive of Positive Life said:

“Today’s announcement by the Northern Ireland Office that the Government is to update the requirements for Relationship and Sexuality Education in Northern Ireland is welcome news for anyone who has advocated for facts-based age-appropriate education over the past several years.

“While we recognise that this is a good decision made by the Secretary of State, it should not have taken a nudge by the United Nations to for him to do so. From the outset, regulations should have already been updated by a locally elected Minister.

“The devil will be in the detail of this decision. The guidance which will be published by the Department of Education must include facts-based teaching on HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. We cannot stand back and teach our young people half the picture, they must know the full story to have healthy and positive sexual relationships.”

Northern Ireland's Local Council Mayors, Chairs and Deputies 2023/24

Following this year’s Local Government Elections on 18 May, councils across Northern Ireland have now announced their Mayors, Chairs and Deputies for 2023/24. Please see below a full list of the incoming First Citizens for the next 12 months.

The first Mayors and Chairs of the new mandate are a reflection of the strength of the parties across the country. After a strong election where they came out as the largest party, Sinn Féin hold positions in eight of the eleven councils.

The DUP, after maintaining their seat numbers from the 2019 election, hold three mayoralties. After a run of positive election results in recent years and comfortably becoming the third party in NI politics, Alliance only hold two positions.

The SDLP, after a tough election, hold three deputy positions but will become the Mayor of Derry next year. And for the UUP, who also experienced heavy losses in this year’s election, they have just the one deputy chair position in Mid Ulster.

Finally, five of the top positions have gone to women, surpassing last year’s by one.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

Mayor – Mark Cooper (DUP)

Deputy Mayor – Rosie Kinnear (Sinn Féin)

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council

Mayor – Margaret Tinsley (DUP)

Deputy Mayor – Sorcha McGeown (Sinn Féin)

Ards and North Down Borough Council

Mayor - Jennifer Gilmore (DUP)

Deputy Mayor - Hannah Irwin (Alliance)

Belfast City Council

Mayor – Ryan Murphy (Sinn Féin)

Deputy Mayor – Áine Groogan (Green)

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council

Mayor – Steven Callaghan (DUP)

Deputy Mayor – Margaret-Anne McKillop (SDLP)

Derry and Strabane District Council

Mayor – Patricia Logue (Sinn Féin)

Deputy Mayor – Jason Barr (SDLP)

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council

Chair - Thomas O’Reilly (Sinn Féin)

Deputy Chair - Ann-Marie Donnelly (Sinn Féin)

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council

Chair - Andrew Gowan (DUP)

Deputy Chair - Gary McCleave (Sinn Féin)

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

Mayor – Geraldine Mulvenna (Alliance)

Deputy Mayor – Stewart McDonald (TUV)

Mid Ulster District Council

Chair – Dominic Molloy (Sinn Féin)

Deputy Chair – Meta Graham (UUP)

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

Chair – Valerie Harte (Sinn Féin)

Deputy Chair – Gareth Sharvin (SDLP)