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Developing an ecosystem for citizen-led impact policy design in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is home to 1.92 million residents where 1 in 6 residents are aged over 65 (mid-year population estimates 2023). Furthermore, the proportion of the population aged 65 or more has increased from 13.1% in mid-1998 to 17.8% in mid-2023. In contrast, the proportion of the population aged 0 to 15 years has decreased from 24.5% in mid 1998 to 20.2% in mid-
2023.

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Northern Ireland's experience with devolution dates back to its establishment in 1921, long before the current UK-wide debates. Pre-Brexit, its devolved institutions and organisations relied heavily on EU funding through the European Social Fund (ESF) and UK Government support. Post- Brexit, UK funding, including the Shared Prosperity Fund, has not fully addressed the financial gap. Despite this, power-sharing with communities has been restored in Northern Ireland.


This requires new approaches to tackle prevalent issues in communities such as the ongoing mental health crisis as well as preventative health. NI’s11 district councils came together with NI’s Local Government Association to learn new and sustainable ways to engage with communities; Impera’s Citizen-led Impact model.

CLI is a model that places citizens at the heart of policymaking. Unlike traditional top-down approaches, CLI equips individuals to contribute their unique insights and lived experiences to the decisions that affect their lives.
This collaborative process fosters a deeper sense of ownership, inclusivity, and trust, ensuring that policies are shaped by the very communities they aim to serve.


How can local councils better reflect the needs of their communities in policy-making? This question lies at the heart of CLI, a model that puts lived experience and citizen voices at the forefront of shaping the future.

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CLI NILGA

On 15th October 2024, the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA), in partnership with Impera Analytics, hosted the first-ever Citizen-Led Impact (CLI) training for council officers in Northern Ireland. Held at the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, this two-day training brought together delegates from councils across Northern Ireland, aiming to transform their approach to community engagement.

What did the event deliver?


The CLI training event aimed to equip local council officers with the tools and methodologies to involve citizens in policy creation. By placing community members at the centre of decision-making, this approach helps to ensure that policies truly reflect the aspirations of those they serve.
The event was packed with engaging activities, discussions, and real-world applications of the CLI
model. Delegates participated in dynamic sessions that highlighted the importance of equitable engagement, data-driven decision-making, and amplify marginalised voices.
Council officers were presented with their Citizen Led Impact Certificates at the end of the two days, marking the beginning of a transformative journey for community engagement in Northern Ireland.

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“The Citizen Led Impact course provides a wonderful opportunity to help build better
communities across our cities, towns, and villages. This approach actively involves diverse 
voices, including those who are often underrepresented.”

 

Alison Allen , NILGA President

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