CO3 currently has 175 members, employing an estimated 20,000 people in Northern Ireland. It has already received the support of NI’s Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie, who said it was vital that leaders were supported and encouraged in managing the sector’s work.

Commenting on the re-launch, CO3’s director Majella McCloskey said: “The third sector in Northern Ireland makes up a sizeable portion of NI Plc, with an annual turnover in excess of £600 million. We must acknowledge the important role our members play in areas as diverse as health, community development, criminal justice, the environment and housing.”

ACOVO (the Association of Chief Officers of Voluntary Organisations) was established in 1988 to provide a forum for the support and development of chief officers in the Northern Ireland voluntary sector.