Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister Claire Sugden has published proposals to reform the system used to award funding to third sector organisations delivering justice outcomes in light of “challenging financial circumstances”.

The consultation document details proposed changes which the Department of Justice said place emphasis on greater transparency of funding, fair and equitable access to funding, securing bespoke services and best value, and development of better partnership arrangements.

Ms Sugden said: “The Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector provides a valuable service to our society. They bring essential skills and expertise to supporting and delivering a range of programmes which support victims and witnesses of crime, as well as reducing offending.

“I appreciate their dedication and I am committed to building on the good working relationship that my Department has with the sector to forge a stronger partnership approach to designing and delivering services.

“Given the challenging financial circumstances that we face it is important that we ensure that all of our resources are targeted to deliver the greatest benefits to our community.”

The 12-week consultation will close on 23 September 2016.

Key sector representative organisations, NICVA and CO3 have assisted the Department in developing the proposals and will also publish the consultation document on their websites.

The Department will be undertaking a number of engagement events throughout the consultation period.

Ms Sugden added: “I wish to extend my thanks to this sector for its continued support in developing our proposals. I would encourage interested parties to ensure they contribute their important views.”