Belfast beats Beijing to cutting-edge conference

Belfast has beaten bids from Beijing and other global cities to host a leading summit on outcomes and impact later this year '“ with the theme of the event central to a new revolution in central and local government policy.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th May 2016, 21:48 BST
Updated 16th May 2016, 22:51 BST
Celine McStravick of the NCB with Justin Miklas, left, and Adam Luecking, executive vice president and CEO respectively of the Results Leadership Group pictured in Belfast prior to the conferenceCeline McStravick of the NCB with Justin Miklas, left, and Adam Luecking, executive vice president and CEO respectively of the Results Leadership Group pictured in Belfast prior to the conference
Celine McStravick of the NCB with Justin Miklas, left, and Adam Luecking, executive vice president and CEO respectively of the Results Leadership Group pictured in Belfast prior to the conference

Outcomes & Impact will explore cutting-edge techniques for governments, businesses and charities – with the outcomes-focused approach being discussed set to steer Stormont’s Programme for Government.

The Northern Ireland Assembly’s new PfG – which politicians are discussing now following the election – will for the first time see policies driven by results rather than processes, following massive success in places such as Scotland, Finland and some states in the USA.

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Launched by the National Children’s Bureau (NCB), the October 10th-11th conference will also be an economic boost for Belfast and Northern Ireland – while the approaches on offer at the summit are equally applicable to private-sector businesses and third-sector organisations.

It will take advantage of the £29.5 million investment by Belfast City Council, Tourism Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund in the Waterfront Hall venue – which is expected to bring in £100 million for the local economy over the next five years, and £45m per year thereafter.

Research shows delegates can spend £488 per day on taxis, meals and accommodation while a quarter, on average, stay on after a conference finishes to sightsee, while 30% return within two years for a holiday with family or friends.

Huge interest from throughout the UK, Europe and beyond is expected, with around 300 delegates – which, at the above rate, would bring in nearly £300,000 to the local economy over the two days of the conference, before any wider benefits, such as return visits, are taken into account.

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Although the NCB is organising the conference, it is not just aimed at charities or those working with children but instead at any organisation – business-, state- or third-sector – looking to dramatically improve outcomes.

Celine McStravick, Director of the National Children’s Bureau in Northern Ireland, said: “Across the globe governments and other organisations spend and sometimes waste billions on projects without measuring the impacts they have on the problems they are trying to solve. This simple but revolutionary approach solves that problem to the benefit of the economy and society.

“Some of our new super councils and government departments are already using this approach, becoming more efficient and measuring the impact of their investment.

This is an unprecedented opportunity to galvanise our learning, and ensure we make the most of ever decreasing resources.”

Related topics:BelfastGovernmentNorthern Ireland