An independent charity working to tackle poverty is set to significantly increase its involvement in Northern Ireland by establishing a dedicated team.
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) has previously conducted research in the north and most recently published a Poverty in Northern Ireland report in 2022, but unlike Britain has had no team based in the north.
Specialising in research and policy input on poverty, JRF said it hopes “bring about change” in Northern Ireland.
In June 2023, JRF commissioned independent think tank Pivotal, in partnership with Save the Children Northern Ireland and the Trussell Trust NI, to recommend how it could contribute to driving down poverty, destitution and economic insecurity.
Compiled after consultation with 50 organisations, the report found that there was a sense among them that they “‘standing in the gap’ between failing government policy and intervention and people’s experiences”.
It recommended the establishment of a dedicated team to be based in the north and identified child poverty, housing, in-work poverty and disability as key areas which the new team should focus on.
The report recommended the establishment of an NI based JRF team, significantly increasing the organisation’s involvement in the region.
Chris Birt, associate director for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, said the new team was coming at a “crucial time”.
“Far too many people in Northern Ireland experience poverty, indeed the latest statistics showed a significant increase in child poverty. In this context it is crucial that all decision makers are focussed on how to make people’s lives better,” he said.
Last month a report by the Audit Office found that one-in-five children in the north are now living in relative poverty. It also found “little sustained progress” in reducing poverty among children, and was critical of the strategy for failing to include specific targets in its aims.
Mr Birt added: “With the Assembly and Executive re-established now is an opportune time for JRF to be upping our involvement in Northern Ireland.
“Along with Trussell Trust NI and Save the Children NI, Pivotal spoke with over 50 organisations in producing their report and underlined the work that is already happening and where we can contribute. Pivotal were also clear that we will only succeed if we collaborate actively with those already working to bring about change.
“We are hopeful that we can use our policy and analytical capacity, grounded in a team in Northern Ireland and with funding to support collaboration, to work hand-in-hand with others to achieve our mission of a future free from poverty.”