CO3 Marks 40 Years of Leadership with Commemorative Book Launch at Stormont, Supported by The National Lottery
From L to R: Jane Edbrooke, Allwyn UK, Operator of the National Lottery, Jacinta Linden, Chairperson at CO3, Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons MLA, Valerie McConville, Chief Executive at CO3 and Kate Beggs Northern Ireland Director at The National Lottery Community Fund
CO3 (Chief Officers 3rd Sector) marked its 40th anniversary with the official launch of its commemorative book at a special event in Parliament Buildings, Stormont, bringing together charity leaders, policymakers and partners from across Northern Ireland’s voluntary and community sector to meet with elected representatives and highlight the impact of the third sector.
The event, supported by The National Lottery with the room kindly sponsored by Colm Gildernew MLA, celebrated four decades of CO3’s leadership in strengthening governance, building leadership capacity and supporting senior leaders across the charity and voluntary sector. Attendees heard from the Communities Minister, CO3 representatives, National Lottery operator, Allwyn UK, and a panel of sector leaders on the life-changing impact of community and voluntary organisations across Northern Ireland.
The commemorative book captures CO3’s journey over the past 40 years and highlights the vital role the organisation has played in supporting chief executives and senior leaders to lead strong, effective organisations that make a real difference in communities.
Since it launched in November 1994, The National Lottery has raised £1.6 billion for over 34,000 projects across Northern Ireland. As a long-term, key supporter of the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland, The National Lottery has been funding community, arts, sports and heritage initiatives that improve lives, strengthen communities and provide vital services for over 30 years. Its support for CO3’s 40th anniversary publication reflects its steadfast commitment to helping organisations thrive and deliver lasting impact.
Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, said:
“For four decades, CO3 has played a vital role in strengthening leadership across our voluntary and community sector. The impact of this work can be seen throughout Northern Ireland, where dedicated organisations are transforming lives and supporting those who need it most. I welcome this commemorative publication, which captures an important story of service, collaboration and achievement.”
Jane Edbrooke from National Lottery operator, Allwyn UK, commented:
“The National Lottery is incredibly proud to support CO3’s 40th anniversary and the launch of this important commemorative book. For over three decades, National Lottery funding has had a profound social impact in every corner of Northern Ireland. It has helped community and voluntary organisations to tackle disadvantage and strengthen communities, it has helped create Olympic champions, it has preserved some of our most valuable cultural assets and it has helped Northern Ireland promote its world-class arts on the global stage. CO3’s leadership has been central to building a strong, resilient sector, and we are delighted to celebrate this milestone with them.”
Valerie McConville, Chief Executive of CO3, said:
“This anniversary is not just about looking back, but about recognising the people, partnerships and leadership that have shaped the sector over the past 40 years. We are proud to have supported so many senior leaders in navigating change and delivering impact for communities. We are extremely grateful to The National Lottery for its continued support of the sector and for helping us mark this significant milestone.”
