Skills for Public Engagement and Collaborative Working Events

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is opening the application process to serve on your local DEA Forum as an Independent Member alongside Elected Members.

The Council has established a District Electoral Area (DEA) Forum in each of its seven District Electoral Areas. The DEA Forums have been developed as a model of engagement and provide opportunities for all sections of the community to participate in discussion and operate as part of the decision-making process.

The seven DEA Forums are:

• Crotlieve DEA Forum
• Downpatrick DEA Forum
• Newry DEA Forum
• Rowallane DEA Forum
• Slieve Croob DEA Forum
• Slieve Gullion DEA Forum
• The Mournes DEA Forum

In June 2022, local District Electoral Area (DEA) Forums will commence a new four-year term. 

The Council is looking for Independent Members with knowledge of issues, local connections, awareness of the importance of building positive relationships, skills in collaborative working and an understanding of the complexities of shared space and shared services. Independent Members should either represent a network of community organisations or a broad range of community interests.

In preparation for the March 2022 DEA Forum Independent Member recruitment process, the Council is offering an opportunity to develop skills by attending a Public Engagement and Collaborative Working Course. This course will be delivered across five, three-hour sessions, ending with a one-day conference which will be held on Saturday 2 April 2022. Each of the sessions will be delivered by Mediation Northern Ireland and are also being offered in an online format to accommodate anyone who cannot attend in person.

The course would be suitable for those who feel they can contribute to making life better for people in their local community or improving their area. Supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, it is OCN accredited and will focus on helping build the skills for Public Engagement and Collaborative Working.

To find out more about the Public Engagement and Collaborative Working course, or register for a place, please contact Stefania Gualberti on 07542006004 or email DEA@mediationnorthernireland.org