Making the Most of All-Party Groups (APGs)
An underused platform for influence, visibility, and relationship-building
All-Party Groups (APGs) at the Northern Ireland Assembly are one of the most accessible — yet often overlooked — routes to political engagement. While they don’t carry formal decision-making powers, they offer a unique space where elected representatives, civil society, and experts can come together to explore specific issues in more depth.
For organisations seeking to raise awareness, build relationships, and shape policy conversations, APGs can be a valuable platform — if approached strategically.
What Are APGs — and Why Do They Matter?
APGs are informal cross-party groups of MLAs who share a common interest in a particular topic — from mental health and housing, to the arts, young people, or addiction.
They often:
Host briefings, presentations, and roundtable discussions
Provide a forum to explore emerging policy issues in a more informal setting
Create space for stakeholders to present evidence, case studies, and lived experience
Feed into the thinking of committees or party policy platforms
While APGs do not make decisions, they can shape the tone of debate, raise issues on the Assembly floor, and offer valuable exposure for your organisation’s work.
How to Get Involved — and Shape the Agenda
Many organisations are unsure how to connect with APGs — but the process is simpler than it may appear.
To get involved:
Identify which APGs are active and relevant to your work (a full list is available on the Assembly website)
Contact the Group’s secretariat or sponsoring MLA and offer to provide a short briefing or speak at an upcoming meeting
Present a well-defined issue, supported by evidence, and framed as a constructive contribution to the Group’s work
Over time, trusted organisations are often invited back, or asked to support events, briefings, or policy development linked to the Group’s focus.
Aligning with Personal Passions
One of the most effective ways to secure interest is to understand the personal and political priorities of the MLAs involved.
Many APGs are driven by a particular MLA’s experience — whether personal, professional, or constituency-based. By aligning your message with what matters to them, you are far more likely to secure meaningful engagement.
Tips include:
Reviewing MLAs’ speeches, media appearances, or committee contributions to understand their interests
Referencing relevant constituency concerns or local data
Positioning your contribution as a way to support the MLA’s ongoing work or priorities
This personalisation demonstrates that your engagement is thoughtful, relevant, and respectful of their role.
Final Reflection
All-Party Groups offer a valuable — and often underused — route to meaningful political engagement. They are less formal than committees, but can be highly influential in shaping the conversation around key issues.
For organisations ready to engage with authenticity, evidence, and clarity, APGs offer a practical starting point for building political relationships and raising the profile of your work.
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