News 20th July 2022

Next phase of Open Local Government Project underway!

by Connor McLean

Northern Ireland Open Government Network (NIOGN) is pleased that the second phase of the Open Local Government Project is underway.

The Open Local Government project is about making local improvements to transparency, accountability and participation so that local services are more responsive to people’s needs and priorities, and to encourage a better relationship between local governments and residents.

The initial project phase saw a series of community workshops held across NI to talk to local community groups and citizens about open government issues they have faced. Now, focusing on two community-led projects that highlighted local open government issues identified via these community workshops, Andy McDevitt will be analysing these issues through an open government lens. Andy is an independent researcher with more than 10 years’ experience supporting governance reform around the globe.

This analysis will help to shape recommendations to strengthen approaches to transparent, participatory decision-making in the context of the two selected community-led projects. This work will also inform recommendations for the application of a framework to assess local government transparency and participation across Northern Ireland.

NIOGN is also working with a third community-led project to support local improvements to transparency, communication and community engagement around local spaces, including alleyways. The three groups span across the region and all involve issues around transparency and effective community consultation related to planning.

The project is funded by the National Lottery’s Great Ideas Fund, which has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players, and will conclude this September.

Get involved: The Northern Ireland Open Government Network is an alliance of civic society representatives lobbying for more open, participatory and accountable government in NI. The network is linked to the Open Government Partnership. Become a member of the network by signing up to the UK Open Government Forum, and then joining the Northern Ireland OGN. Please visit this page and click on ‘sign up’ to begin.