In June 2023, JRF (Joseph Rowntree Foiundation) commissioned the independent think tank Pivotal, in partnership with Save the Children Northern Ireland (NI) and the Trussell Trust NI, to advise on how JRF could contribute to driving down poverty, destitution and economic insecurity in Northern Ireland.
Their report recommends the establishment of a small team within JRF based in Northern Ireland, with a clear focus on collaborating with those already working on issues around poverty and economic security locally.
You can read the full Pivotal report here
The welcome restoration of the Assembly and Executive in February this year was quickly followed by the publication of Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency’s (NISRA) Poverty and Inequality Report that showed a statistically significant increase in child poverty in Northern Ireland. Coupled with the ongoing cost of living crisis and long-standing issues such as the disability employment gap, it is crucial that decision makers have a laser focus on easing hardship.
Pivotal, Save the Children NI and Trussell Trust NI spoke with over 50 organisations through 23 interviews and 7 themed groups to hear people’s views and to provide their recommendations.
Their core recommendation was that JRF should establish a team, not dissimilar to the team in Scotland, who will be tasked with working with partners across Northern Ireland. This locally based team will build on existing JRF relationships and work in Northern Ireland, helping to deliver impactful change.
The first step will be to appoint someone to lead the team, build relationships with key partners, hire the other team members, and design the programme of work for the team. The recommendation was for the team to be made up of a leader, a policy expert and an analyst, but the exact design of those roles will be up to the person appointed. The team is expected to be complete by the end of 2024.
The team leader will be absolutely crucial in the success of the new team. They are expected to be well connected, a confident and clear communicator, with a strong understanding of the policy and political landscape.
Their aim is to advertise the job in the coming weeks and there will be opportunities for potential candidates to discuss thinking in advance of the deadline for applications.
This marks an exciting opportunity for JRF to significantly up their part in the drive to deliver a Northern Ireland free from poverty.