Sharon Jeffers
Sharon administers and analyses survey data and benchmarking. She provides data in response to queries and looks after the operation of our data transfer services.
How long have you been with NIFHA?
I’ve been with NIFHA for “a considerable amount of time”! I was the first person here to get a PC, back when email was for geeks and mobile phones were the stuff of science fiction. That means I’ve watched both technology and the housing sector change enormously—and I’m still curious about what comes next.
Describe what your job involves.
I help housing associations turn timely, accurate information into practical insight. In plain English: spreadsheets, spreadsheets and yet more spreadsheets—but always with a purpose. I work across electronic data transfers, benchmarking, NICORE reporting, surveys, property data and research projects. I also support colleagues and member organisations with training, queries and reports.
What do you like most about your job?
NIFHA is a small, analytical, supportive and member-focused team, which means the work is varied and no two days are quite the same. I particularly enjoy solving problems, spotting patterns and giving people information they can actually use.
What’s one challenge facing the housing sector you think more people should understand?
One thing I wish more people understood is that you cannot build a house—or a community—in a week. It takes long-term finance, long-term commitment and plenty of patience before the results become visible. But when someone is finally settled in a new home surrounded by a supportive community, it is hard to imagine more rewarding work.
Describe NIFHA in 3 words.
Analytical, supportive, member-focused
What did you want to be when growing up?
As a child, I loved reading and solving puzzles and wanted to be a detective like Sherlock Holmes. In hindsight, research was probably inevitable: I still follow clues, test evidence and ask awkward questions.
What’s your favourite place in Northern Ireland?
Nendrum is a favourite place: quiet, magical and so atmospheric that you can almost feel the mists of time closing around you.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Outside work, I’m happiest walking with our two collies, Shep and Bob, who have very firm views about how much fresh air a person needs!
What advice would you give someone considering a career in the housing sector?
Go for it. The challenges are real, but so are the rewards. Be curious, ask questions and never underestimate the value of good information—or a good spreadsheet!
What’s one thing you’d like people to know about NIFHA that they might not already know?
We’re small but mighty!! NIFHA may be a small team, but a lot happens behind the scenes. We bring housing associations together, turn evidence into a stronger collective voice and help make sure the sector’s concerns are heard.
Housing matters to Sharon because…
A good home gives people the security to get on with the rest of life—to build relationships, support their community and make plans for the future.