Tracey Ellis

Tracey supports NIFHA members in policy and position development and prepares NIFHA submissions to consultations.

1. How long have you been with NIFHA?
I joined NIFHA 7 years ago, around a year after moving from New Zealand to Northern Ireland.

2. Describe what your job involves.
My role involves working with NIFHA’s member housing associations, government departments and a wide range of stakeholders to help shape housing policy and support the sector. I facilitate member forums, working groups and training sessions, coordinate consultations, organise events and create opportunities for collaboration and shared learning. No two days are the same, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the role.

3. What do you like most about your job?
Without a doubt, the people. Growing up in New Zealand, I was very aware of the answer to the question “What is the most important thing in the world?”

“He tangata, he tangata, he tangata” (“It is the people, it is the people, it is the people”).

I enjoy bringing people together, building relationships and helping members collaborate to address shared challenges. Seeing the passion and commitment that exists across the housing sector is both inspiring and rewarding.

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

I think more people should understand just how closely housing and health are linked. Before joining the housing sector, I worked in public health, where I learned that health is shaped by much more than healthcare services. Housing is one of the most important determinants of health. A safe, secure and affordable home can have a profound impact on physical health, mental wellbeing, educational achievement and life opportunities. Housing associations play a critical role in creating the conditions that allow people and communities to thrive.

5. Describe NIFHA in 3 words.
Collaborative. Influential. Committed.

6. What did you want to be when growing up?
My career ambitions changed quite a bit over the years! When I was young, I wanted to be a police officer. Later, I became fascinated by the stock exchange and the world of finance. Psychology and science were also strong interests, particularly understanding what influences people’s behaviour, health and wellbeing.
Looking back, my career path has allowed me to draw on many of those interests, especially the desire to understand people and contribute to positive change.

7. What’s your favourite place in Northern Ireland?
That’s a difficult one! One of the things I value most about living in Northern Ireland is being close to my extended family, so home in Belfast is probably my favourite place. Beyond that, I love the North Coast, and the incredible scenery Northern Ireland has to offer. Having grown up in New Zealand, I’ve always appreciated beautiful landscapes, and Northern Ireland certainly doesn’t disappoint. From the coastline to the mountains and countryside, there’s always somewhere special to explore and enjoy.

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

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, travelling, walking and exploring different parts of Northern Ireland. One of the things I particularly appreciate about living here is being close to my extended family.
Having moved from New Zealand, I continue to be fascinated by Northern Ireland’s rich history and heritage. New Zealand is a relatively young country, so I enjoy learning more about the history, people and culture here. I’m also interested in genealogy and enjoy researching family history. When I have the chance, I love spending time in the garden

9. What advice would you give someone considering a career in the housing sector?
Go for it. Housing is one of the most rewarding sectors you can work in because it has such a direct impact on people’s lives. It’s a diverse sector with opportunities in policy, development, management, community investment, maintenance and many other areas. Stay curious, build relationships and never lose sight of the people behind the policies and projects.

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

NIFHA is a relatively small organisation, but it has a significant impact. We work behind the scenes to support housing associations, influence policy, facilitate collaboration and ensure the sector has a strong collective voice. Much of what we do is about bringing people together to share knowledge, solve problems and achieve better outcomes for tenants and communities

Housing matters to Tracey because…

My background is in public health, where I learned that good health depends on much more than access to healthcare. Factors such as income, education, employment and housing all influence our health and wellbeing. Of these, housing is one of the most important. A good home provides stability, security, dignity and the foundation for people to live healthy, fulfilling lives.

At its heart, housing is about people. It’s about ensuring everyone has the opportunity to live in a home that supports their health, wellbeing and future aspirations. That’s why I feel privileged to work in a sector that makes such a meaningful difference to individuals, families and communities every day.