Too Much to Do, Not Enough Time? Here’s How I Can Help

Hello

I hope you're keeping well! I wanted to reach out to see if you, or anyone in your network, could benefit from support in policy influencing, public affairs strategy development, fundraising or strategic partnerships.

With over 25 years of experience in policy development, advocacy, and the third sector, I help organisations secure funding, influence decision-makers, and build strong relationships that create real impact. Here’s how I can help:

✔ Policy & Influencing Strategy – Developing tailored strategies to help organisations engage decision-makers and advocate for meaningful change.

✔ Funding Applications & Outcomes – Crafting strong applications that align with funder priorities to maximise success.

✔ Consultation Responses – Preparing professional and impactful submissions to consultations, saving organisations valuable time.

✔ Training & Capacity Building – Equipping teams with the skills to influence policy, secure partnerships, and advocate effectively.

✔ Strategic Partnerships – Helping charities and businesses develop mutually beneficial collaborations that strengthen impact.

Current Policy Consultations

There are several open policy consultations that may be relevant to your work. If you don’t have the time to respond, I can support you in crafting a professional and impactful submission.

• Being Open Framework Consultation (Closes: 21 March 2025)
  The Department of Health is seeking views on the draft Being Open Framework, which aims to introduce a Duty of Candour in Northern Ireland’s health system. This would require health professionals to be open and honest when things go wrong in patient care.

• Hospitals - Creating a Network for Better Outcomes (Closes: 18 February 2025)
  This Private Members’ Bill (PMB) is about legislating to provide direct support to children and young people entitled to free school meals and their families throughout school holiday periods..

• Holiday Hunger - Private Member’s Bill (Closes: 10 March 2025)
  The Department for Infrastructure is reviewing the governance and operational structures of Trust Ports in Northern Ireland. The consultation is particularly relevant for businesses and organisations involved in maritime and logistics sectors.

• Draft Budget 2025-26 Consultation (Closes: 9 April 2025)
  The Department of Finance is consulting on the proposed budget allocations for 2025-26, seeking views from stakeholders on spending priorities across health, education, infrastructure, and social services.

• Draft PHA Corporate Plan 2025-2030 (Closes: 28 February 2025)
  The Public Health Agency (PHA) has developed a corporate plan for 2025-2030, titled Preventing, protecting, improving: Better health for everyone. They are seeking public input on their priorities and approach to improving health services in Northern Ireland.

• Consultation on Biennial MOT Testing (Closes: 16 April 2025)
  The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) is consulting on a proposed change to MOT testing frequency, potentially shifting to biennial testing instead of annual checks. This consultation seeks input from drivers, mechanics, and the general public.

• Consultation on Passporting to Help with Health Costs (Universal Credit Recipients) (Closes: 10 March 2025)
  The Department of Health is reviewing whether Universal Credit recipients should automatically receive support for health costs, including free prescriptions and dental care. This consultation is open to stakeholders and the general public.

• Social Care Council - Understanding Child Development and Issues Series (Closes: 31 January 2025)
  The Social Care Council is piloting a series of digital learning resources on child development across various age groups. They are seeking feedback from professionals and parents before rolling it out fully.

• Review of the Consumer Council Northern Ireland (Closes: 31 January 2025)
  The Department for the Economy is conducting a review of the Consumer Council to assess its effectiveness and consider any potential changes to its structure and functions. Stakeholders, businesses, and consumers are encouraged to contribute.

• Consultation on a New Fuel Poverty Strategy for Northern Ireland (Closing date 6 March 2025)
  The Department for Communities is developing a new Fuel Poverty Strategy to address rising energy costs and their impact on vulnerable households. This consultation seeks feedback on potential interventions and long-term solutions.

If you’re working on something at the moment or know someone who is, I’d love to chat about how I can help. Let me know if you’d like to arrange a quick call!

Looking forward to catching up soon.

Best,
Ellen

📩 hello@policy360.co.uk
📞 07703 411760