Ellen Finlay

Ellen Finlay is a policy researcher, consultant and public appointee with more than 25 years’ experience across social policy, research and the voluntary and community sectors in Northern Ireland.

She holds a Master’s degree in Social Research Methods from Ulster University and a BSc (Hons) in Social Policy from the Open University.

Ellen’s research and publications span poverty and inequality, children and young people, political and civic participation, mental health and suicide prevention, and the experiences of women from loyalist communities.

Her published work includes We Have a Voice: Young People and Political Engagement, Virtual Lives: Is the Time Right for Screen Time Guidance for Northern Ireland Children?, Beneath the Surface: Child Poverty in Northern Ireland, Lost Futures: Understanding Poverty, Inequality and Suicidality in Northern Ireland and An Open Secret.

More recently, her work has explored the experiences and perspectives of loyalist women and how voices that are often absent from formal policy discussions can be brought more effectively into policymaking.

Ellen is the founder of Policy 360, through which she undertakes research, policy analysis, facilitation and engagement with communities, policymakers and political representatives.

She also works with Samaritans Ireland on policy and development in Northern Ireland and has extensive experience of engaging with the Northern Ireland Assembly, including supporting cross-party policy work through All-Party Groups.

Alongside her research and policy work, Ellen holds a number of public and non-executive appointments. She is an Equality Commissioner for Northern Ireland, a Non-Executive Director of Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, a lay member of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal and a board member of Ulster Supported Employment Ltd (USEL).

Her research interests include social policy and inequality, political and civic participation, identity and belonging, women and peacebuilding, mental health and suicide prevention, and the relationship between communities, lived experience and public policy across Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland.