Sally McCone

Sally leads the commercial arm of the organisation, which includes organising conferences and training for our members and partners.

1. How long have you been with NIFHA?

I’ve been with NIFHA for 11 years, the time has flown, I must be enjoying myself!

2. Describe what your job involves.

My job has two parts to it – commercial and corporate. On the commercial side my role is to oversee the income-generating arm of NIFHA so that our business model is sustainable. Whilst members’ affiliation fees are essential for the running of NIFHA as the sector’s representative body, there is a gap between the organisation’s costs and affiliation fee income, my job is to fill that gap, and more, so that NIFHA can be profitable. On the corporate side, I oversee NIFHA’s internal workings on finance, HR, systems efficiency and governance. There is never a dull moment!

3. What do you like most about your job?

The variety in my role certainly means that there’s always plenty to do and there’s little room for boredom. NIFHA’s range of conferences are always enjoyable to be involved in, and when ‘things go right on the day’ they are particularly pleasing. The NIFHA Team play a large part in the success of NIFHA’s events and as a team I feel we punch well above our weight. Our sector is a warm and welcoming sector, and the part of my job which enables me to meet our members, across all levels within the local housing association movement, is rewarding, especially as they are passionate, amicable and professional at what they do.

4. What’s one challenge facing the housing sector you think more people should understand?

It’s very difficult to pin down one as there are numerous – so I’ll name my top three. The demand for new social and affordable housing greatly outstrips the current supply and the result for our society is a growing waiting list of families and individuals, who do not have the benefits of a safe and secure home to call their own – and that then brings multiple other challenges. If there was one magic wand I’d like to be able to wave, it’d be to substantially increase the funding available for new housing development.

The second challenge I’d highlight is another finance related one, which is the deficit in resources for housing association tenants who require additional supports – the Supporting People programme is an invaluable service for those that need it, however as for new homes, demand currently outstrips supply.

And my third would be the lack of awareness of the range of supports that housing associations offer, they have strong communal connections to the communities they work in, and this isn’t always known on a wider platform.

5. Describe NIFHA in 3 words.

Passionate, committed, friendly.

6. What did you want to be when growing up?

I actually wanted to be a journalist, but my university degree preference went down the business / finance route. I do write for personal enjoyment and still have an aspiration to write a book, maybe some day!

7. What’s your favourite place in Northern Ireland?

That’s a hard one, there are so many great local places to visit. It’s the people that make this part of the world so special, so I’ll just say my favourite place is any place where there are “Norn Irish” people about! After that I’d have to say the ecclesiastical capital- Armagh!

8. What do you like to do in your spare time?

I spent many years swinging the hurl, so I’m still heavily involved in camogie at club and county administration level. I enjoy music and reading of all genre and am never too hard to nudge towards a good night out.

9. What advice would you give someone considering a career in the housing sector?

Definitely go for it, it’s a very fulfilling sector to work in and there’s a role for almost any discipline. The people in the sector are committed and professional so if that’s what you are then the housing sector will welcome you with open arms.

10. What’s one thing you’d like people to know about NIFHA that they might not already know?

We’re a friendly bunch! We’ll always try to help, so don’t assume we’re too busy to do so, just ask.

Housing matters to Sally because…

The one thing in life that everyone deserves to have, is a solid foundation which a home gives.