NICVA began its life in 1938 as the Northern Ireland Council for Social services in response to high levels of unemployment in Northern Ireland. It championed a programme of social action through welfare clubs, youth hostel tours, YMCA summer camps and a committee for women.

In 1949, NICSS opened a home for the elderly on the Belmont Road in Belfast. Pine Lodge marked the Council's growing responsibility for projects tackling community social deprivation.

In 1986, NICSS changed its name to NICVA, the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action, in recognition of the expansion of the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland.

A Charity

NICVA is recognised by HM Revenue and Customs as a charity for tax purposes. NICVA is registered in Northern Ireland as a company limited by guarantee (No 1792). It is governed by an executive committee, broadly representative of the interests of the sector and elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting, now usually held in December.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of NICVA and the development of the organisation's mission. The aims and values of the organisation are developed in line with the Memorandum and Articles of Association and other regulatory guidelines.

The chief executive

The chief executive assists the executive committee in providing strategic leadership to the formulation and achievement of NICVA's goals, the needs and aspirations of NICVA members and other stakeholders. NICVA employse staff to deliver services to its membership and other organisations within the voluntary and community sector across Northern Ireland