ICR Research: Current Projects: NIHE

A Study of Northern Ireland Housing Executive policy and practice on dealing with the consequences of the Troubles

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has commissioned the ICR to undertake an investigation into the experience of NIHE staff and the role of the organisation in dealing with the consequences of the Troubles. The report by ICR will assist NIHE in producing an explicit policy in this area which in turn, will help it in contributing to the Programme for Government agenda.

NIHE has played a key role in the last 30 years in assisting at the sites of explosions, in resettling displaced people, in coping with intimidation and segregation. Yet there is little of this work explicitly documented. NIHE has employed ICR as an external consultant to look at the organisation from an objective perspective. ICRs track record and expertise in the field will also assist NIHE to focus and direct its future efforts in this area and help to better recognise the valuable work already taking place.

The study aims to:

Evaluate the aspects of NIHE work that are relevant to those affected by the Troubles;
Investigate past and current experiences of staff who have worked through the Troubles and the way in which these experiences are currently understood within the organisation;
Evaluate the arrangements for staff support and protection;
Assess training and in-service implications and implications for policy and practice;
Determine current issues in the delivery of services by NIHE to those affected by the Troubles,
Include the perspective of NIHE staff, other agency staff and service users, and make recommendations about future policy and practice in service provision;
Suggest options for future provision by NIHE to meet the additional needs of those affected by the Troubles and identify potential partners to assist in meeting such needs.

The research began in October 2001 and is due to finish in March 2002.