Committee Hosts Reception to Close Global OBA Summit

The Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for the Executive Office welcomed international and local guests at a recent reception to close the Global Outcomes-based Accountability Summit held in Belfast between 10-11 October.

Speaking before the event Committee Chairperson, Mike Nesbitt MLA, said: “The Committee is delighted to welcome participants from the Global Outcomes-based Accountability Summit to Parliament Buildings.  The Committee has a crucial role in shaping and advising on the Executive’s Programme for Government and therefore we were pleased to have an opportunity to quiz experts and discuss the OBA concepts on which the PFG is based.  The Committee met with author, and advocate of OBA, Mark Friedman to understand more about the approach and how best to monitor implementation and progress.”

Summit organiser and Director of the National Children’s Bureau Celine McStravick added: “We are honoured that the Committee for the Executive Office has invited us to Parliament Buildings to mark the close of the Outcomes and Impact Global Summit. We’ve gathered together the world’s leading experts to share their insights into how to deliver measurable outcomes for the benefit of all in society. This process is now embedded in the draft Programme for Government, so it is critical to effective policy-making in Northern Ireland. I’m sure Committee members will find it useful to exchange ideas with others from all over the world who have adopted this cutting-edge technique.”

The Committee Chairperson concluded: “As the Northern Ireland Executive moves to an outcomes-based approach for delivery of government services it is key that Ministers, civil servants, businesses and third sector organisations have an opportunity to hear and learn from the people who have put it into practice.  There are challenges ahead for all of us, whether we are in government, supporting the delivery of services, or in scrutiny committees. The Committee for the Executive Office is committed to constructively engaging with the outcomes-based approach to government, and to playing its part in ensuring the best outcomes for the citizens of Northern Ireland.”

The Assembly Committee for the Executive Office hosted an event to mark the close of the Outcomes and Impact Global Summit which took place in Belfast on 10-11 October.  The Committee has a crucial role in shaping and advising on the Executive’s Programme for Government and were pleased to have an opportunity to quiz experts and discuss the Outcomes-based Accountability concepts on which the PFG is based.  Members of the Assembly Committee for the Executive Office met with Mark Friedman, author and advocate of Global OBA.

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

1. Outcomes and Impact: A Global Outcomes-based Accountability Summit took place at the Waterfront, Belfast from Monday 10 October – Tuesday 11 October. Speakers included Mark Friedman, author of Trying Hard is Not Good Enough; Celine McStravick, Director, National Children’s Bureau; Diana Urban, State Representative, Connecticut; and Phil Lee, President, Clear Impact. More information about the summit is available at http://outcomesandimpact.com/

2.  The NI Executive draft Programme for Government 2016-21 follows the Outcomes-based Accountability approach. More information is available at https://www.northernireland.gov.uk/publications/draft-programme-government-framework-2016-21-0

3.  Celine McStravick is Director of the National Children’s Bureau, a leading research and development charity working to improve the experiences and life chances of children and young people across England and Northern Ireland, especially the most vulnerable. Celine has led the campaign to introduce the full implementation of outcomes-based accountability in NI.

4. At its meeting on 12 October the Committee will hear from Dr Toby Lowe, Centre for Knowledge, Innovation, Technology and Enterprise, Newcastle University for an alternative perspective on the Outcomes-based Accountability Approach in the public sector.

Committee Chairperson: Mr Mike Nesbitt MLA

Deputy Chairperson: Mr Danny Kennedy MLA

Members:        Mr Cathal Boylan MLA
                        Mrs Pam Cameron MLA
                        Ms Mr Stewart Dickson MLA
                        Mr William Irwin MLA
                        Mr Phillip Logan MLA
                        Mr Seán Lynch MLA
                        Mr Philip McGuigan MLA      
                        Mr Richie McPhillips MLA
                        Mr Christopher Stalford MLA