Funded by the Big Lottery Fund, this project brings
together NAVCA and the Public Law Project (PLP) to support the
voluntary and community sector to understand the principles and
framework of public law. The aim of the project is to strengthen
the relationship between voluntary and community organisations and
public bodies and significantly increase opportunities to influence
funding and other decisions made by public bodies.
Kevin Curley, chief executive of NAVCA says: "Small organisations
often feel helpless when they are informed from on high that their
funding is being withdrawn or services are being cut. This project
will give them the information and support they need to challenge
unjust decisions taken by public bodies. It will help them develop
the confidence to engage in a robust dialogue, making litigation an
option of last resort to tackle those public bodies that continue
to shirk their responsibilities.
"Successfully challenging an adverse decision can not only
secure vital community services, it can be an empowering experience
which helps combat the very roots of social
exclusion."