Izzie Hayes
Engagement & Support Officer
Izzie is responsible for NIFHA’s communications.
- How long have you been with NIFHA?
Just over a year.
- Describe what your job involves.
My job is all things comms, so I work on our socials, events, campaigns, website and newsletter, and facilitate our lovely NIFHA comms forum.
- What do you like most about your job?
The variety of it! I get to be creative while learning so much about the various issues facing the social housing sector, and what NIFHA and our member housing associations are doing to tackle those. The work our sector does makes a real difference to people’s lives and that’s really rewarding. It’s also a friendly sector – one of my favourite things about working for NIFHA is the people I work alongside and seeing their dedication to the cause.
- What’s one challenge facing the housing sector you think more people should understand?
Housing associations address social isolation as well as housing need. For many older residents, people with disabilities, and vulnerable tenants, having a home isn’t enough. A successful housing sector isn’t just measured by the number of homes it builds, but by the communities it helps people belong to.
- Describe NIFHA in 3 words.
Purpose-driven, proactive and approachable.
- What did you want to be when growing up?
I never had my heart set on one dream job! I just wanted to do something which involved working with others and helping people. Although, I was a big fan of the Tracy Beaker series growing up and for a wee while I think I felt inspired to become a social worker!
- What’s your favourite place in Northern Ireland?
I moved to Belfast in 2021 and I do love the city! But I think one of the main reasons for this is its proximity to so many different landscapes… beaches, mountains, forest parks and great nightlife are all on your doorstep! Maybe a special mention to the Lagan Towpath/Belvoir Forest Park & the coastal path from Helen’s Bay to Bangor, which are two of my favourite places to go running.
- What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love running and more generally anything that involves movement, being outdoors and maybe stopping for coffee along the way with a good book. Always jump at the chance to travel (& occasionally use my French!) and explore NI, but also get back to St Albans to see my family.
- What advice would you give someone considering a career in the housing sector?
Do it! Once you’re in, there are so many opportunities for growth, and you’ll be able to take your career in whatever direction you like.
- What’s one thing you’d like people to know about NIFHA that they might not already know?
NIFHA has multiple active forums that bring together staff from across NI’s 19 registered housing associations to share best practice and swap ideas. I facilitate the comms forum, but we also have forums for finance, development, procurement, sustainability and more…
These forums are a key platform for tackling real challenges facing our sector together.
Housing matters to Izzie because…
Ultimately, it must be hard to be fully present and enjoy everything life has to offer if you don’t have a safe and secure home to return to at the end of each day. The housing sector gives people the foundations they need to thrive and get the most out of every day.
