FAQ About Assembly Community Connect (ACC)

What ACC presentations are offered?

How the Assembly Works – This course provides an overview of the workings of the Assembly. The presentation includes the role of Committees, the role of Plenary, the legislation process and how to get in contact with your MLA.

Insight into – This is a more intense course facilitated by the Clerk of the Committee to help you gain additional knowledge relating to that specific committee. How is the forward work plan decided? What is the remit of the committee? How can I contact the Committee ……………?

Committee Witness Training – This course is for those who potentially may be called by the Committee to give evidence in front of an Assembly Committee. It is recognised that this can be a daunting experience, the course will outline the process and part of the course will let you experience a committee room.

Train the Trainer – This course is for those in the community and voluntary sector who wish to gain the knowledge on ‘How the Assembly Works’ that they can deliver this training to their organisations and networks. The course objective is to strengthen the connection between your organisation and the Assembly.

Get Involved – This is when ACC comes out to your constituency and delivers a presentation giving you the opportunity to talk to your MLAs.

Do you go out to constituency areas to deliver ACC presentations to groups?

Yes - we offer bespoke presentations depending on your group and interest. We would ask that you have at least 20 attendees interested for this)

Have any ACC events MLA participation?

Yes, our ‘Get Involved’ event is a public event that also invites the MLAs in your constituency to attend. We present ‘How the Assembly Works’ and give you the opportunity to discuss and ask questions to the MLAs attending.

How can I influence the work of the Parliament?

There are many ways in which you can engage with the work of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Contact one of your MLAs: You can raise an issue of concern with one of the five MLAs who represent you. You can contact your MLAs by phone, email or letter, using the contact details available on their webpages. You can also meet your MLAs on a one-to-one basis in their constituency offices.
Respond to a call for evidence from a committee: Committees aim to involve as many people as possible in the democratic process. By responding to a call for evidence, you may influence legislation or the policies of the Northern Ireland Assembly. You can write to a committee in response to a call for evidence on an inquiry or a bill.
Submit or sign a public petition: You can submit a public petition asking the Parliament to look into a matter of public interest or concern, to amend existing laws or to introduce new laws.
Contact an MLA to invite to your business area for an event