Six months at CIH Northern Ireland: helping shape the policy conversation

This month marks six months since I joined CIH Northern Ireland as policy and public affairs manager. It has been an incredibly busy and rewarding introduction to the housing sector, and one that has reinforced just how central housing is to Northern Ireland's social and economic future.

Although I brought significant experience in policy and public affairs, housing was a new policy area for me. Like any new role, there was a steep learning curve. What quickly became clear was the depth of expertise within CIH and the wider housing sector. From my first week, colleagues across the organisation generously shared their knowledge, while stakeholders from across Northern Ireland welcomed me into a collaborative policy community committed to improving housing outcomes. The generosity, social purpose and warmth within the sector, and CIH, is really striking and continues to impress me every day.

And what a time to join. The first half of 2026 saw a significant volume of housing policy activity, I was immersed from day one in analysing proposals, responding to public consultations and helping shape CIH's evidence-based policy positions. It has been fascinating to see first-hand how policy is developed and, importantly, how organisations like CIH influence that process through robust research, practical expertise and constructive engagement.

One of the aspects of the role I've enjoyed most has been contributing to CIH's thought leadership in Northern Ireland. Over the past six months I've written responses to emerging housing issues, produced analysis of official housing statistics and authored policy briefings examining some of the biggest challenges facing the sector. Seeing several of these pieces referenced in the national media—including The Irish News—was a real milestone. More importantly, it demonstrated the value placed on CIH's independent, authoritative voice and the role we play in informing public debate on housing policy.

Building relationships has been another highlight. Thanks to introductions organised by CIH Northern Ireland national director Justin Cartwright, I've met housing providers, policymakers, academics, planners, local government representatives and political stakeholders from across Northern Ireland. Those conversations have been so valuable,  deepening my understanding of the complex issues facing the sector and reinforcing the importance of partnership working if we are to tackle the housing crisis.

One project that has become a favourite is our research into the impact of short-term lets. The work has taken me across Northern Ireland to speak with planners, tourism experts and academics, exploring how housing, local economies and communities intersect. It has been an excellent example of the kind of evidence-led policy development that CIH champions—bringing together diverse perspectives to better understand complex challenges before advocating for practical solutions.

Public affairs has also been a particularly rewarding part of the role. From responding to breaking housing announcements to attending political party conferences, I've enjoyed engaging with policymakers and ensuring housing remains high on the political agenda. As Northern Ireland moves closer to the 2027 Assembly election, there is a growing opportunity to shape the conversation around the policies needed to deliver a fairer, more sustainable housing system.

Alongside this policy work, I've benefited enormously from CIH's investment in professional development, including media training and the excellent Superframers workshop delivered by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. These opportunities have strengthened my ability to communicate complex policy issues in ways that resonate with different audiences—an increasingly important skill in today's public policy environment. For anyone who hasn’t seen the How to Talk About Homes series you can watch back our latest member webinar on framing here.

Looking ahead, my focus will turn to one of the most significant pieces of work I've undertaken since joining CIH: helping to develop our policy priorities and election manifesto ahead of the 2027 Assembly election. Six months ago, I was learning the fundamentals of housing policy. Today, I feel privileged to be contributing to the conversations that will help shape its future.

There's still much to learn and more people to meet, but the past six months have confirmed that housing policy is one of the most important—and fascinating—areas of public policy. I'm excited to continue working with colleagues and partners across the sector to ensure everyone in Northern Ireland has access to a safe, secure and affordable home.