Advocacy & Policy

Our role

The Northern Ireland Sports Forum  plays a vital advocacy role as the voice of sport and recreation in Northern Ireland. We represent the interests of our members by engaging directly with policymakers, particularly through our role as the secretariat to the All-Party Group on Sport and Physical Recreation at the Northern Ireland Assembly.

This position allows the NISF to ensure that MLAs are informed about the challenges and developments within the sporting sector. Through regular meetings and evidence sessions, the Forum helps shape policy, promotes the value of sport in improving physical and mental health, and champions inclusion, community development, and cross-sector collaboration.

In 2023, the NISF were engaged in over 30 matters affecting sport; engaging MLAs, Departments and political representatives on matters, advocating for the sector and its needs.

What we do

• Engage with local Governing Body and Sports Organisations on matters affecting Sport
• Advocate for the sports sector with local decision makers to address need across the sector;
• Influence policy through Political Engagement;
• Protect Members’ interests
• Advocate for positive solutions in support of the sector 
• Represent the sector on priority Stakeholder groups including UK Sports Masterplan, Active Living Strategy, Active Living no Limits and Safeguarding Children in Sport Strategic Group.
• Respond to relevant Consultation and surveys on behalf of the sector.
• Secretariat to the All Party Group on Sport and Physical Recreation
• Engage with MLAs, Ministers and policy makers on key matters
• Support sports in highlighting success and challenges form across the sector