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At Policy360, we empower charities, communities, and advocates to engage directly with policymakers and share the impactful work happening within their communities.
Through candid conversations with decision-makers, our podcast provides you with insider insights and practical strategies to influence public policy and drive social change.
We also highlight the innovative efforts of groups working on the ground, offering listeners a glimpse into how they are making a difference.
Join us as we foster stronger connections between communities and policymakers, amplify voices, and explore real-world examples of positive change.
36 Episodes
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In this episode of Policy360:Unplugged, Ellen speaks with Charmain Jones, a Protestant woman, peacebuilder, and champion for rural and loyalist communities. Charmain shares her powerful story of growing up in a loyalist area, navigating complex layers of identity, and advocating for women’s voices in places they’re too often overlooked. From the grassroots to government, she speaks candidly about what it means to belong, to challenge assumptions, and to hold space for difficult but necessar...
In this powerful episode of Policy 360 Unplugged, I’m joined by Mairtin Mac Gabhann—the father behind Dáithí’s Law, which transformed organ donation policy in Northern Ireland. What starts as a deeply personal story becomes a masterclass in campaigning. Mairtin shares how he navigated the political system, built cross-party alliances, and used storytelling, research, and strategy to create real policy change. His journey offers invaluable insights for anyone trying to influence decision-mak...
In this episode of Policy 360 Unplugged, I’m joined by Emma Shaw, the CEO of Phoenix Education Center in East Belfast. Emma shares her powerful journey from leaving school at 16 to running a grassroots organization that challenges educational disadvantage in working-class, loyalist communities. We delve into her personal story, her experiences as a mature student, and her passion for amplifying the voices of young people often overlooked in policy conversations. Tune in to hear how Emma is pu...
In this powerful episode of Policy 360 Unplugged, Ellen Finlay sits down with Eileen Weir—peacebuilder, trade unionist, and proud voice from the Shankill Road. With honesty, humour, and deep insight, Eileen reflects on her journey from joining the UDA welfare arm as a teenager to becoming a champion for women’s rights and cross-community dialogue. She shares untold stories of grassroots activism, the challenges of navigating divided communities, and her unwavering belief in in...
In this episode of Policy 360 Unplugged, host Ellen Finlay speaks with Rosemary Bell McCracken, a dedicated community activist from Rathcoole, about the realities of grassroots activism and political advocacy. Rosemary shares her journey from social media engagement to hands-on community work, highlighting the pressing issues facing the Rathcoole community—including education, housing, and a lack of essential resources. As a loyalist woman and unionist, she discusses the importance of repre...
Kathy Wolff is a dedicated community worker from a loyalist background who has been leading the Community Relations Forum (CRF) since 2003. Under her leadership, CRF has played a key role in fostering dialogue, understanding, and respect among diverse communities in Northern Ireland. Based in Barron Hall, the only shared space venue in Newtownabbey, Kathy has worked on a range of initiatives, from facilitating discussions on difficult issues to organising women’s groups and cr...
In this episode of Policy360: Unplugged, Phillip Brett, DUP MLA for North Belfast, shares his journey from a non-political upbringing to becoming a representative for a community with significant socio-economic challenges. Phillip reflects on his role in the Economy Committee and his commitment to creating opportunities for his constituents through inclusive growth and education initiatives. Key highlights include: ✅ The importance of regional balance in economic development to ensur...
In this episode of Policy360: Unplugged, Steve Aiken, MLA for the Ulster Unionist Party, shares his journey into politics and his vision for Northern Ireland’s future. From his military background to his political career, Steve reflects on the challenges and achievements of serving as an MLA, including navigating periods when the Assembly was inactive. Key highlights include: ✅ The importance of multi-year budgets for the voluntary sector to ensure stability and impact. ✅ Practical advice f...
In this episode of Policy360: Unplugged, Linda Dillon, Sinn Féin MLA for Mid Ulster and a member of the health committee, shares her inspiring journey into politics, driven by a passion for standing up for the underdog. Linda reflects on her growth in politics, the lessons she’s learned, and the importance of collaboration to achieve meaningful change. Key highlights include: ✅ Her role in delivering the Historical Institutional Abuse Legislation, a vital step for victims long ignored by th...
In this insightful episode of Policy360: Unplugged, Deborah Erskine, MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, shares her inspiring journey from journalism to politics. Encouraged by Arlene Foster and driven by a passion for community service, Deborah reflects on the challenges and rewards of her role as a legislator. She highlights her work on the Autism Amendment Act, emphasizing the critical role of the community and voluntary sectors in shaping effective policies. Deborah also offers practica...
In this episode of Policy360: Unplugged, journalist Niamh Campbell from the Belfast Telegraph shares her journey into journalism and her passion for storytelling. Niamh delves into the challenges of building trust in the media, particularly in Northern Ireland, and the impact of social media on public perception. She offers invaluable advice to charities on: ✅ Crafting effective press releases with clear angles, timely submissions, and compelling statistics. ✅ Building personal relationship...
In this episode of Policy360: Unplugged, journalist and commentator Amanda Ferguson joins me to discuss the powerful role of media in shaping policy, public perceptions, and representation in Northern Ireland. We explore the importance of fair and balanced media coverage, the need to amplify women’s voices in decision-making spaces, and how storytelling can be a catalyst for change. Amanda shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities within journalism to drive social progress and...
In this powerful episode of Policy360: Unplugged, Danielle Roberts joins me to explore the critical issues impacting women across Northern Ireland. From the challenges of underrepresentation in policy and decision-making to the urgent need for action on gender-based violence, Danielle shares her insights and experiences as a passionate advocate for women’s rights. As we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, this conversation highlights the resilience of w...
In this episode of Policy 360: Unplugged I sit down with John O'Doherty, a seasoned advocate to explore the transformative power of advocacy and collaboration. John shares his journey from grassroots activism to leading impactful initiatives that drive real change in the community. We dive into the challenges and successes of his work, discussing the importance of inclusivity, strategic partnerships, and staying resilient in the face of adversity. Whether you're an ...
In this episode, I speak with Sarah Bunting, a Belfast City Councillor for the DUP, about her journey into politics and the importance of community advocacy. Sarah shares her experiences growing up in a working-class estate and the challenges faced by her community, including educational underachievement, unemployment, and hidden poverty. She discusses her work in supporting local groups with limited resources and emphasises the need for better community engagement in policymaki...
In this episode of *Policy360: Unplugged*, Northern Ireland MLA Claire Sugden discusses her decision to remain an independent politician and the challenges of navigating a political landscape often dominated by party interests. She reflects on the limitations of the Good Friday Agreement, the importance of prioritising public services, and her advocacy for older people, rural communities, and age discrimination legislation. This candid conversation offers insights into the rea...
In this episode of **Policy360: Unplugged**, I sit down with Colin McGrath, MLA for the SDLP, to explore his journey from youth work to a significant role in Northern Ireland's government. Colin discusses the importance of staying grounded in the community, his commitment to helping others, and the challenges and responsibilities of serving as part of the opposition. We delve into the critical role of opposition in a young democracy, strategies for influencing policy, and the po...
In this episode, we delve into the political journey of Councillor Andrew Wilson, a dedicated Ulster Unionist Party representative. Andrew shares his inspiring story, from his early days in community involvement to becoming a Councillor in local government. We explore the significance of understanding and addressing constituents' concerns, the value of face-to-face engagement, and the importance of localising information for elected representatives. Councillor Wilson also discusses his experi...
In this compelling episode, I sit down with Matthew O'Toole, SDLP MLA and Leader of the Opposition, to explore the personal and professional experiences that inspired his political journey, particularly in light of Brexit. We discuss the critical need for a focus on delivery and improving public services, emphasising the importance of opposition in holding governing parties accountable. Matthew sheds light on the challenges faced by the opposition in Northern Ireland, including ...
In this episode, I sit down with Robbie Butler, Deputy Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party and MLA, to explore effective strategies for engaging with policy makers. Robbie shares his experiences and provides an insider’s perspective on what it’s like to work alongside a Minister in the Executive. Tune in for valuable insights and practical advice on navigating the political landscape. Support the show
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