Frances Harkin
About
I have admired the work of Irish in Britain for many years and I'm delighted to play a role in the future of the organisation.
I identify as 1.5 generation Irish, born in Ireland and raised in London and Bedfordshire, with very strong family connections to the Gaeltacht area in Donegal.
Through my PhD at Queen's in Belfast and ongoing academic research, I have had the amazing opportunity to research the Irish community in London, specifically looking at the role that the GAA and Gaelic games play in community and identity development and retaining that connection to home. Being a trustee for Irish in Britain will enable me to put my passion for the Irish community to good use.
Alongside my academic research, I have worked in the UK social housing sector for almost a decade, specialising in research, evaluation and social impact measurement. I have led on the delivery of many different types of consultancy projects for housing associations, local authorities, the supply chain, health and social care organisations as well as other sectors that intersect with social housing.
Through my senior role as Head of Services at HACT (Housing Association Charitable Trust), I have worked with stakeholders from different levels from Board, to management, to front line staff and communities, and have extensive experience of strategic and operational decision making and responsibilities.
I am looking forward to using my skills and expertise to support the ambitions of Irish in Britain.