UK skills first for Rasharkin’s Fiona Kelly

Fiona Kelly from Rasharkin along with Alex Bunting, Ann Travers, Mitch Bresland, Eibhlin Glenholmes and Irene Kerrigan all undertook the six month course to gain the official qualification that allows them to engage with victims and survivors as competent and ethical practitioners.

Dr Mary Magee of the Time Out Northern Ireland Assessment Centre explained the scope of the Diploma saying, “The six Forum members were assessed against approximately 142 individual criteria across eight areas including how they worked with colleagues and stakeholders, assisted victims and survivors to manage the effects of their experience, equality and diversity, safeguarding, managing volunteers, reflective practice, compliance in quality assurance and in meeting legal, ethical and social requirements.”

On receiving her certificate Fiona Kelly said: “Undertaking and completing this course showed me that I was taking the right

approach in my work.

“Having it all put into a formal structure has definitely made everything much clearer and has given me the opportunity to crystallise the importance of what we do to support those who have been affected by the conflict in Northern Ireland.”

The Forum is a place for consultation and discussion. Members of the Forum provide the Commission with vital advice on specific issues that affect Victims and Survivors across Northern Ireland.

Presenting their Certificates, Commissioner Kathryn Stone said, “The commitment and determination shown by these members is testament to their dedication to helping victims and survivors across Northern Ireland. It is their hard work and determination that allows the Commission to strive to provide the support that is needed.”