Peace III 2.2 Development of Key Institutional Capacities

Overview

In keeping with the overall aim of the PEACE III Programme, applications must clearly demonstrate how the proposed operation will reinforce progress towards a peaceful and stable society and promote reconciliation.

Under the theme of ‘Key Institutional Capacities are Developed for a Shared Society' applications are sought in two main areas:

• Area 1: Pilot innovative service delivery models with the potential for mainstreaming.
• Area 2: European and international networking; Exchange of best/good practice.

Area 1: Pilot innovative service delivery modela with the potential for mainstreaming
This area of the call seeks to support pilot innovative service delivery models with the potential for mainstreaming. Proposals should challenge the current service delivery models which, in Northern Ireland, mean that sometimes policy and services are duplicated as a result of the conflict. In the border region - and in rural communities in Northern Ireland - problems of isolation, lack of participation and integration, and economic and social linkages also exist which can lead to service gaps and inefficiencies. For more details please vsit the SEUPB website.

Area 2 : European and International Networking; Exchange of good/ best practice
Northern Ireland and the Border Region can learn lessons from other multi-ethnic and post-conflict societies both within and outside the EU. There is also scope for the sharing of good practice within and between Northern Ireland and the Border Region. This transfer of learning and experience can be centred on best practice for promoting peace and reconciliation (specifically from PEACE I and II). Models can include:

• Projects that promote European and international networking and which develop effective networks leading to the exchange of best/good practice. This may include elements of research. Research should focus on promoting innovative best/good practice and transnational learning in relation to peace, conflict resolution and reconciliation. All research should be clearly outcome focused and applicants should have considered how it can be practically applied.
• Projects to develop linkages that transfer learning and experiences within and between Northern Ireland and the Border Region and other multi-ethnic and post-conflict societies on how the delivery of public services can be developed to promote a shared society.
• Proposals which will enable projects previously supported under the PEACE II Programme to further develop their work.
• Projects which review the impact of previous research in order to embed findings, as yet not implemented, into public policy. Where proposals include research, the practical application of that research must be embedded in the proposal.

Key institutional capacities are developed for a shared society

This Priority will target areas showing the effects of conflict and/or community polarisation as a result of the conflict. Such areas might typically include:

• Sectarian interface areas where segregation is high and inter-community conflict and dispute is high and community relations are correspondingly poor;
• Disadvantaged areas suffering the effects of physical dereliction as a consequence of the conflict, including areas ’marked out‘ with flags, emblems and sectarian graffiti;
• Areas that have experienced high levels of sectarian and racial crimes, incidents and tensions;
• Areas isolated by border closures and limited economic and social cross-borderlinkages
• Areas where economic social and social development has been inhibited by the conflict and problems of exclusion and marginalisation exist, illustrated by low levels of income, skills and qualification and consequently display high levels of multiple deprivation;

This Priority will also target the following groups:

• People who have been excluded or marginalised from economic, social and civil networks as a result of problems related to sectarianism, racism and the conflict (this includes, inter alia, a focus on young people, women and older people and minority communities);
• Public, private and voluntary sector organisations and their staff who have a contribution to make towards developing a shared society.

How to Apply

This programme will be administered by SEUPB. It is targeted at public bodies but voluntary and comunity organisations can apply. Contact SEUPB for more information.