A woman who grew up in a loyalist, working-class household during the Troubles has launched a new training course to “ensure the voices of the most marginalised are heard”.
Ellen Finlay is a policy expert with more than 25 years of experience, and roots in Tiger’s Bay.
Spending her formative years in the staunchly unionist area of north Belfast at the height of the conflict, Ellen says her life there shaped her deep understanding of the impact of systemic issues — on individuals and communities.
“Growing up in Tiger’s Bay, I saw how communities were often let down by policies that didn’t reflect their realities,” Ellen said.
“Charities work closely with people who have lived experience, and their insights are invaluable in shaping effective policy. This course is about equipping the charity sector to ensure those voices are heard at the highest levels.”
Ellen’s new training course, ‘Political Awareness and Influencing Skills’, has been launched to empower charities and advocates to influence policy, for those who need it most.
She explained her own upbringing in poverty, amidst political and social conflict, has led to her passion for advocacy, which has driven her career in influencing policy to deliver better outcomes for vulnerable groups. “The Political Awareness and Influencing Skills course is designed for charity professionals, non-profit leaders, and advocates navigating Northern Ireland’s policy landscape,” Ellen continued.
“Participants will gain practical guidance on setting actionable policy goals and crafting compelling messages; insights into how decisions are made, who influences them, and how to engage effectively, and training to empower participants to represent those who can’t advocate for themselves and ensure their voices influence policy change.
“The charity sector is a vital bridge between policymakers and the people they serve.
“This course helps advocates turn their lived and professional insights into action, influencing policies that genuinely meet community needs.”
As the founder of Policy360, Ellen has worked on numerous legislative milestones and partnerships to shape policy and deliver better outcomes for communities.
Her career includes significant policy milestones, such as the Children’s Services Co-operation Act, direct payments for free school meals during lockdown, and contributions to mental health strategies.
The Children’s Service Co-operation Act received Royal Assent in December 2015.
The aim of the Act is to improve cooperation amongst local departments and agencies, and places a duty on children’s authorities, as defined by the Act, to co-operate where appropriate as they deliver services aimed at improving the well-being of children and young people.
Ellen was previously appointed policy officer of Children in Northern Ireland (CiNI), and has worked with the Women’s Support Network as a policy officer, and with the Samaritans suicide prevention charity as a policy and development manager.
For more information about the Political Awareness and Influencing Skills course or to sign up, visit https://policy360.teachable.com/