NIACRO has unique experience working as a voluntary organisation within the criminal justice system and we want to put that experience to use when public policy is being decided. We respond to all the key consultations which public bodies, especially criminal justice bodies, undertake. We also meet regularly with senior policy-makers in the Prison Service, the Youth Justice Agency, the Probation Board, the Northern Ireland Office, the Housing Executive, the Department for Employment and Learning and the Department of Justice. A list of our policy responses can be found below:
2012
-
DSD Houses in Multiple Occupation
Publication Date: 28 September 2012
Download a copy of our response to the DSD consultation on the Fundamental Review of the Regulation of Houses in Multiple Occupation in Northern Ireland.
-
DOJ Reducing Offending: Towards a Safer Society
Publication Date: 26 September 2012
Read our response to the DOJ consultation on Reducing Offending: Towards a Safer Society.
-
Children & Young Peoples Strategic Partnership
Publication Date: 24 September 2012
Download our response to the draft action plans of the Children and Young Peoples Strategic Partnership (CYPSP) regional sub groups.
-
DOJ NIPS Outline Estate Strategy
Publication Date: 21 September 2012
View our response the DOJ consultation on the NIPS Outlines Estate Strategy.
-
DOJ Speeding up Justice: Improving Processes for Youth Cases
Publication Date: 14 September 2012
View our response to the DOJ consultation on Speeding up Justice: Improving Processes for Youth Cases.
-
DSD Future of Discretionary Support
Publication Date: 11 September 2012
Read our response to the DSD consultation on the future of Discretionary Support.
-
DSD Discretionary Support Policy
Publication Date: 10 September 2012
Download our response to the DSD consultation questionnaire on the Discretionary Support Policy.
-
NIHE Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policy and Procedures
Publication Date: 05 September 2012
Download a copy of our response to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive consultation on Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policy and Procedures.
-
DOJ Provision of Community Impact Assessments
Publication Date: 31 August 2012
Read our response to the Department of Justice consultation on the Provision of Community Impact Assessments.
-
Justice Committee Criminal Justice Bill
Publication Date: 31 August 2012
View our response to the Justice Committee consultation on the Criminal Justice Bill.
-
Evidence to Employment and Learning Committee into CEIAG
Publication Date: 28 August 2012
Find out more about the evidence we gave to the Committee for Employment and Learning Inquiry into Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) in Northern Ireland.
-
DOJ Future Regulation of the Private Security Industry
Publication Date: 24 August 2012
View our response to the Department of Justice consultation on the future regulation of the private security industry.
-
DOJ Review of Criminal Records Regime (Further Consultation)
Publication Date: 16 August 2012
Read our response to the Department of Justice consultation on the review of the Criminal Records Regime (Further Consultation)
-
Department of Education Safeguarding Disclosure and Barring
Publication Date: 23 July 2012
View our response to the Department of Education consultation on Safeguarding Disclosure and Barring changes.
-
DSD - DLA and Personal Independence Payment
Publication Date: 29 June 2012
View our response to the DSD consultation on DLA and Personal Independence Payments: Completing the Detailed Design.
-
Private Members Bill - Collaborate on Children's Services
Publication Date: 05 June 2012
View our response to the Private Members Bill on a Statutory Duty to Collaborate on Children's Services
-
DSD Irresponsible Drinks Promotions Regulations
Publication Date: 04 May 2012
View our response to the DSD consultation on Irresponsible Drinks Promotions Regulations.
-
DSD Consultation on Personal Independence Payment
Publication Date: 30 April 2012
Download our response to the DSD consultation on Personal Independence Payment: Assessment Thresholds and Consultation.
-
DOJ Consultation on the Reform of Committal Proceedings
Publication Date: 27 April 2012
Download a copy of our response to the DOJ consultation on the Reform of Committal Proceedings
-
DOJ Consultation on Encouraging Earlier Guilty Pleas
Publication Date: 27 April 2012
Read our response to the DOJ consultation on Encouraging Earlier Guilty Pleas.
-
DOJ Recovery of Defence Cost Scheme
Publication Date: 27 April 2012
Read our response to the DOJ consultation on proposals to introduce a Recovery of Defence Cost Scheme.
-
Belfast City Council Investment Programme
Publication Date: 27 April 2012
View our response to the Belfast City Council Investment Programme 2012-15.
-
PPS Equality Action Plan, Community Outreach and Complaints
Publication Date: 20 April 2012
Find our repsonse the Public Prosecution Service consultation on Community Outreach Strategy, Revised Complaints Procedure and Equality Action Plan.
-
CYPSP Action Plan for All Trust Areas
Publication Date: 12 April 2012
You can view our response to CYPSP consultation on Action Plan for All Trust Areas.
-
DOJ Provision of Victim Impact Statements & Impact Reports
Publication Date: 23 March 2012
Download a copy of our response to the DOJ Provision of Victim Impact Statements & Impact Report consultation.
-
DOJ Review of Criminal Records Review NI
Publication Date: 06 March 2012
Download a copy of our response to the Department of Justice consultation on the Review of Criminal Records Review in Northern Ireland.
-
NI Executive Draft Programme for Governement 2011-15
Publication Date: 22 February 2012
View our response t.o the NI Executive Draft Programme for Governement 2011-15
-
DOJ Future Administration and Structure of Tribunals
Publication Date: 27 January 2012
View our response the DOJ consultation on the future administration and structure of tribunals.
-
DHSSPS Mental Health (Private Hospitals) Regulations
Publication Date: 23 January 2012
Read our response to DHSSPS Mental Health (Private Hospitals) Regulations.
2011
-
DOJ Review of the Youth Justice System in Northern Ireland
Publication Date: 22 December 2011
Read our response to the Department of Justice review of the Youth Justice System in Northern Ireland.
-
OFMDFM Equality Scheme
Publication Date: 16 December 2011
Read our response to the OFMDFM Equality Scheme.
-
Craigavon Borough Council Draft Equality Scheme
Publication Date: 16 December 2011
View our response to Craigavon Borough Council Revised Draft Equality Scheme.
-
University of Ulster Equality Effectiveness
Publication Date: 16 December 2011
NIACRO has responded to the University of Ulster Consultation on an Audit of Equality Effectiveness and Action Plan.
-
Access to Justice Report
Publication Date: 14 December 2011
View or response to the Access to Justice Report.
-
DEL Qualifications Required to Deliver Essential Skills
Publication Date: 09 December 2011
Read our response to the DEL consultation on the qualifications required to deliver essential skills.
-
Northern Ireland Policing Board Equality Scheme
Publication Date: 25 November 2011
NIACRO has responded to the Northern Ireland Policing Board's revised equality scheme.
-
CJINI Equality Scheme and Action Plan
Publication Date: 16 November 2011
View our response to the CJINI revised Equality Scheme and Action Plan.
-
Commission for Victims and Survivors Equality Scheme
Publication Date: 28 October 2011
Read our response to the Commission for Victims and Survivors Equality Scheme.
-
Commission for Victims and Survivors Corporate Plan
Publication Date: 28 October 2011
View our response to the Commission for Victims and Survivors Corporate Plan and Work Programme.
-
Children and Young People's Strategic Partnership Plan 2011-2014
Publication Date: 24 October 2011
NIACRO has issued its resposne to the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership Draft Children and Young People’s Plan 2011-2014.
-
Belfast Council Development Strategy and Community Support Plan
Publication Date: 24 October 2011
View details of our response to Belfast City Council's Development Strategy and Community Support Plan 2011 - 2015
-
Commission on Bill of Rights Do We Need a Bill of Rights?
Publication Date: 24 October 2011
Read our response to the Commission on Bill of Rights Discfussion Paper: Do We Need a Bill of Rights?
-
NI Housing Executive Belfast City Centre Waiting List
Publication Date: 24 October 2011
View details of our response to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive proposal for a Belfast City Centre waiting list.
-
DOJ Fine Default.pdf
Publication Date: 14 October 2011
View our response the DOJ consultation on Fine Default
-
DWP Housing Benefit Reform - Supported Housing
Publication Date: 07 October 2011
View our response to the DWP consultation on Housing Benefit Reform - Supported Housing.
-
PPS Revised Draft Equality Scheme
Publication Date: 07 October 2011
NIACRO has responded to PPS Revised Draft Equality Scheme.
-
DOJ Sex Offender Notification and Violent Offender Orders
Publication Date: 05 October 2011
View our response to the DOJ Sex Offender Notification and Violent Offender Orders consultation.
-
PSNI Draft Equality Strategy
Publication Date: 30 September 2011
Read our response to PSNI Draft Equality Strategy consultation.
-
DOE Fixed Penalties
Publication Date: 23 September 2011
NIACRO has issued a response to the DOE Fixed Penalties consultation.
-
PBNI Equality Scheme and Good Relations Action Plan
Publication Date: 12 September 2011
View our response to PBNI Equality Scheme and Good Relations Action Plan consultation.
-
NIHE Draft Homelessness Strategy
Publication Date: 16 August 2011
NIACRO has responded to the NI Housing Executive’s consultation on its draft homelessness strategy 2011 – 2016.
-
PBNI Review of Northern Ireland Standards (2006)
Publication Date: 08 July 2011
Read our response to PBNI Review of Northern Ireland Standards.
-
DEL consultation on Pathways to Success (NEET)
Publication Date: 30 June 2011
View our response to DEL consultation on Pathways to Success (NEET).
-
NIHE Housing Selection Scheme Preliminary Consultation Paper
Publication Date: 21 June 2011
NIACRO has responded to the NIHE Housing Selection Scheme Preliminary Consultation paper.
-
Community Relations Council’s (CRC) Equality Scheme
Publication Date: 16 June 2011
Click the link to read our response to the Community Relations Council’s (CRC) Equality Scheme.
-
CITB Construction Skills NI Revised Equality Scheme
Publication Date: 10 June 2011
Read our response to the CITB Construction Skills NI Revised Equality Scheme and Action Plan.
-
DOJ Equality Scheme and Section 75 Action Plan
Publication Date: 10 June 2011
NIACRO has respinded to the DOJ Equality Scheme and Section 75 Action Plan.
-
Review of the Criminal Records Regime
Publication Date: 31 May 2011
You can view our response to the Review of the Criminal Records Regime.
-
DOJ Review of Community Sentences
Publication Date: 24 May 2011
Read our response to the DOJ Review of Community Sentences.
-
North West Regional College Equality Scheme and Action Plan
Publication Date: 13 May 2011
Read our response to the North West Regional College Equality Scheme and Action Plan consultation.
-
Terms Of Reference For The NI Criminal Records Regime Review
Publication Date: 27 April 2011
Read our response to the Terms Of Reference For The NI Criminal Records Regime Review.
-
DOJ New Community Safety Strategy for NI
Publication Date: 15 April 2011
Read our response to the DOJ New Community Safety Strategy for NI.
-
DEL consultation on Development of a Higher Education Strategy
Publication Date: 14 April 2011
View our response to the DEL consultation on the Development of a Higher Education Strategy for Northern Ireland.
-
DHSSPS consultation on an Equality Scheme
Publication Date: 31 March 2011
View our response to DHSSPS consultation on an Equality Scheme and Equality Action Plan.
-
DSD Joint Government, Voluntary and Community Sector Reform
Publication Date: 02 March 2011
View our response to the DSD Joint Government, Voluntary and Community Sector Reform consultation.
-
DWP Disability Living Allowance Reform
Publication Date: 14 February 2011
View our response to the Department of Work and Pensions consultation on Disability Living Allowance reform.
2010
-
Civil Service Commissioners For NI Recruitment Code Consultation
Publication Date: 30 November 2010
NIACRO’s Response To The Civil Service Commissioners For NI Recruitment Code Consultation.
-
Response to Part 6 Justice Bill - Alternatives to Prosecution
Publication Date: 18 November 2010
View details of our response to Part 6 of the Justice Bill considering Alternatives to Prosecution.
-
Response for Call for Written Evidence on the Justice Bill 2010
Publication Date: 17 November 2010
View our response to the Committee for Justice call for written evidence on the Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill 2010.
-
Response to DOJ Equality Impact Assessment for the Justice Bill
Publication Date: 05 November 2010
You can view our response to the proposed Justice Bill EQIA.
-
Programme for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration
Publication Date: 29 October 2010
View details of our response to the Programme for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration.
-
DWP - 21st Century Welfare
Publication Date: 06 October 2010
View our response to the Department for Work and Pensions consultation document "21st Centruy Welfare".
-
DEL - Success Through Skills 2
Publication Date: 17 September 2010
View our response to the Department for Employment and Learning's consultation on their draft revised Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland – Success Through Skills 2.
-
Prisons Review Pursuant To The Agreement At Hillsborough Castle
Publication Date: 16 September 2010
We recently submitted written evidence to prison review team’s call for evidence on the prisons review pursuant to the Agreement at Hillsborough Castle of 5th February 2010.
-
Future Community Safety Strategy
Publication Date: 20 August 2010
View our response to the pre-consultation exercise by the Department of Justice on their 'Future Community Safety Strategy'.
-
Controlled Activity Category in Vetting and Barring Scheme
Publication Date: 09 July 2010
Download NIACRO’S Response to the public consultation on the continuing need for a controlled activity category in the Vetting And Barring Scheme.
-
Evidence to Committee for Employment and Learning into NEETs
Publication Date: 29 June 2010
We recently submitted written evidence to the Committee for Employment and Learning Inquiry into Young People not in Employment, Education or Training (NEETs).
-
Response to DWP Social Fund Reform
Publication Date: 07 June 2010
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently consulted on the proposed reform of the Social Fund.
-
Response to NIO Sex Offenders From Outside UK
Publication Date: 13 May 2010
You can download a copy of our response to the Northern Ireland Office: Arrangements for notification of sex offenders from jurisdictions outside the UK consultation.
-
Welfare Reform Bill Evidence
Publication Date: 04 May 2010
View NIACRO’s written evidence to the Committee for Social Development on the Welfare Reform Bill.
-
Response to NIO Bill of Rights
Publication Date: 26 March 2010
The Northern Ireland Office consulted on the Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland, you can view our response here.
-
Response to DSD Housing Bill (Northern Ireland)
Publication Date: 26 February 2010
View our response to the DSD consultation on proposed amendments to the Housing Bill (Northern Ireland).
-
Response to DSD Supporting People Into Work
Publication Date: 19 February 2010
The DSD consulted on their Supporting People Into Work: The Next Stage of Housing Benefit Reform paper. You can view NIACRO's response here.
-
Response to NIPS Learning and Skills Strategic Plan 2010-13
Publication Date: 10 February 2010
View our response to the Northern Ireland Prison Service's consultation on their draft Learning and Skills Strategic Plan 2010-13.
-
NIPS Interim Offender Manual and Standards
Publication Date: 29 January 2010
-
Ministry of Justice Consultation on Misuse of Personal Data
Publication Date: 12 January 2010
2009
-
Sir Roger Singleton's Review of Vetting and Barring Scheme
Publication Date: 09 November 2009
-
PPS Consultation on Prosecuting Cases of Rape
Publication Date: 06 November 2009
-
NIPS Gender Specific Standards for Working with Women Prisoners
Publication Date: 03 November 2009
-
Northern Ireland Prison Services Draft Family Strategy
Publication Date: 20 October 2009
-
Response to the NIPS Amendments to Prison Rules Consultation
Publication Date: 16 October 2009
-
DSD Volunteering Strategy for Northern Ireland
Publication Date: 09 October 2009
-
Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses
Publication Date: 23 September 2009
-
Human Rights Commission Strategic Plan 2009 - 11 and Draft EQIA
Publication Date: 01 September 2009
-
Housing (Amendment) Bill 2009 Evidence
Publication Date: 25 August 2009
NIACRO submitted evidence to the Social Development Committee's review of the Housing (Amendment) Bill. In September 2009, we were invited make a presentation to the committee on the barriers faced by ex-offenders seeking accommodation post-prison, as well as discussing other vulnerable groups who have housing issues.
-
Response to DSD "A Strategy for the Private Rented Sector"
Publication Date: 19 August 2009
-
Management of Women Offenders in Northern Ireland
Publication Date: 02 July 2009
The NIO has been consulting on a draft strategy for the management of women offenders in Northern Ireland.
-
Community Safety Strategy - NIO Consultation
Publication Date: 10 June 2009
The Community Safety Strategy is of the utmost importance for the well being of communities. NIACRO shared their experience and their views with the NIO on what the new Strategy should include.
2008
-
Fine Default in Northern Ireland - NIO Consultation
Publication Date: 31 October 2008
In response to the NIO consultation on dealing with the 2000 people a year who default on paying their fines, NIACRO has stressed the need for constructive alternatives to fines.
-
Review of the Civic Forum
Publication Date: 02 September 2008
NIACRO responded to OFMDFM's review of the Civic Forum, agreeing that such a body has a useful role to play in Northern Ireland, and stressing the need for any new Forum to have a clear remit and be properly resourced
-
NIACRO'S response on draft guidance on public protection
Publication Date: 18 August 2008
Response
-
Proposed NI Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2009
Publication Date: 11 June 2008
NIACRO responded to the NIO's consultation on revising the current compensation scheme, calling for compensation levels to reflect the needs of individual victims and where necessary their families or dependants.
-
Alternatives to Prosecution - May 2008
Publication Date: 04 June 2008
The NIO consulted on proposals for alternatives to prosecution such as wider use of cautioning and fixed penalties.
-
NIACRO'S Response to the NIO Draft Sexual Offences (NI) Order 20
Publication Date: 13 February 2008
NIACRO response on sexual offences
-
Programme for Government and Budget 2008-2011
Publication Date: 01 January 2008
The PfG is entitled "Building a Better Future" - can NIACRO hope it will be better for our clients and stakeholders?
2007
-
Careers strategy for Northern Ireland
Publication Date: 10 December 2007
DEL and DE consulted on the careers information, advice and guidance which should be available to young people and adults.
-
Risk of serious harm to others and female offenders
Publication Date: 07 June 2007
NIACRO's response to two policy documents from the Probation Board NI.
-
Hidden crimes, secret pain
Publication Date: 30 April 2007
The NIO consultation on a proposed regional strategy for addressing sexual violence in Northern Ireland.
-
A better service for victims and witnesses
Publication Date: 30 April 2007
NIACRO?s mission is to reduce crime and its impact on people and communities, so we were keen to respond to this NIO consultation on a draft strategy for improving services to victims and witnesses.
-
Inquiry into the Northern Ireland Prison Service
Publication Date: 30 April 2007
The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee carried out an Inquiry into the Prison Service. NIACRO has given both written and verbal evidence.
-
Families Matter: Supporting Families in Northern Ireland
Publication Date: 30 March 2007
The DHSSPS consulted on parenting and other support to families as part of the government's overall strategy for children.
-
Voting rights of convicted prisoners detained within the UK
Publication Date: 21 March 2007
Following a judgment of the European Court of Human Rights, the UK Government reviewed its policy of not allowing convicted prisoners to vote.
-
EU Structural Funds Competitiveness and Employment Programmes
Publication Date: 21 March 2007
The Department of Finance and Personnel is consulting on these important upcoming EU funding programmes.
-
NI Sex Offender Strategic Management Committee (NISOSMC) Review
Publication Date: 13 March 2007
NIACRO's view on this very sensitive subject
-
Proposals for the Juvenile Justice Centre Rules
Publication Date: 13 March 2007
NIACRO broadly welcomed the changes to the legislation governing the care of children in the JJC
-
Management of Mothers and Babies
Publication Date: 13 March 2007
How to deal with mothers and babies in prison.
-
Management of Foreign National Prisoners
Publication Date: 24 January 2007
NIACRO's views on Northern Ireland Prison Services' draft guidance for staff on working with prisoners who are foreign nationals.
2006
-
PAVA hand held personal incapacitant spray
Publication Date: 06 December 2006
NIPS consultation on the policy and guidance for the use of PAVA spray.
-
Quashing convictions
Publication Date: 06 December 2006
NIACRO's concerns about the proposed changes to the Home Office review of the Court of Appeal's right to overturn convictions in a lower court.
-
Bamford Review of Mental Health and Learning Disability
Publication Date: 21 November 2006
The report of the Forensic Services Working Committee
-
Policy on alcohol and substance misuse
Publication Date: 21 November 2006
NIPS consultation on drugs/alcohol misuse by prisoners
-
Progressive Regimes and Earned Privileges Scheme (PREPS)
Publication Date: 21 November 2006
The Northern Ireland Prison Service consultation was part of a consultation as part of a corporate review of PREPS.
-
Charities (NI) Order 2006
Publication Date: 21 November 2006
DSD proposals for new charity legislation for Northern Ireland.
-
Reforming the Law on Sexual Offences in Northern Ireland
Publication Date: 21 November 2006
NIO consultation on "the first fundamental strategic review and reform of the criminal law on sexual offences... in this jurisdiction".
-
Draft protocols for community based restorative justice schemes
Publication Date: 02 October 2006
NIACRO's response to the second round of consultation on the schemes.
-
Training for success: professional and technical training
Publication Date: 02 October 2006
DEL's consultation on how to improve the quality and relevance of training provision for young people.
-
Draft Police and Criminal Evidence (Amendment)(NI) Order 2006
Publication Date: 12 September 2006
NIACRO's June 2006 response to the NIO consultaion.
-
Review of the use of passive drug dogs
Publication Date: 07 September 2006
The use of dogs on prison visits.
-
Draft National Strategic Reference Framework EU Structural Funds
Publication Date: 22 May 2006
NIACRO'S response to the draft national strategic reference framework EU Structural Funds Programme 2007-2013
-
Draft Guidelines for Community-based Restorative Justice Schemes
Publication Date: 09 May 2006
The Northern Ireland Office consulted (between December 2005 and March 2006) on draft guidelines for community-based restorative justice schemes.
2005
-
Children's Strategy
Publication Date: 30 December 2005
"Making it R Wrld 2", the government's draft strategy for children.
-
Criminal Justice Order
Publication Date: 21 December 2005
NIACRO, in its response to the consultation on the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2005, concentrated on the aspects which affect children and young people. One of these is the proposal to allow the Secretary of State to extend the list of bodies which can apply for an anti-social behaviour order, the controversial ASBO. Alongside detailed comments on specific aspects of the consultation, NIACRO repeated its general concerns about ASBOs.