Stephen is a member of the Neighbourhood Engagement Team within Public Engagement, supporting students living within our local community and promoting good relations with local residents and community groups.

What does your role involve?

I work as part of the Neighbourhood Engagement team, which coordinates Queen's relationship with its neighbours: local residents, statutory agencies, local businesses and community groups.

My role revolves around supporting this on the ground.

What does an average day look like for you?

My workday starts with a call to the Office on my way in and I get an outline of where and who I will be visiting. I liaise closely with my counterpart in Ulster University, as they have so many students living in the area too, and with the Council Officers.

By the time I’m in the office my colleague has a list of calls set out for me and I’ll make these visits in the wider University area along with the Ulster University colleague and or Council Officers.

I enjoy getting out and walking round the area, it keeps my step count up!

What is the best bit about your role?

Getting out and meeting people and helping students to feel part of the community and working with the students to improve relationships with neighbours. The area around the University mirrors our staff and students – it is diverse, with a variety of nationalities and ethnicities. Our area houses all professions sharing the neighbourhood with students.

I try to encourage students to think about their neighbours and to learn about cultural diversity and enjoy the vitality it brings to the area. I also encourage them to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the University and Students’ Union locally.

Speaking to the students keeps me young. I get a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction when a student or past student approaches me in the street thanking me for steering them through their early years at the University.

What are the challenges?

I work hard to ensure students understand the importance of getting on with neighbours and this includes recognising that there are different challenges for people living nearby. Thankfully our process allows for good engagement and discussion.

When in the area, I invariably meet with neighbours and businesspeople who I have become friendly with. I often receive good feedback on a previous call or hear of something good students have done.

How do you feel your contribution impacts our University community and beyond?

I think the work our office does shows Queen’s University Belfast cares greatly for the local community. We work to build strong relationships with everyone living around this wonderful campus we have in South Belfast.

About Stephen

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy hill-walking, golf, travelling and watching motor sport.

What is the best advice you've ever received?

Oh, I have a few:

• There is nothing that can’t be sorted if you talk it through with someone else!
• You will never get what you want until you are grateful for what you have.
• Never give up!
• Your health is your wealth.

What is your favourite app?

WhatsApp and Translink for the trains!

What are you most proud of?

I’ve worked in Public Services for over 40 years locally and internationally and I think I’ve made a positive difference with those I’ve worked with.

I'm especially proud of what I, along with my family, have achieved so far in life - my home, raising family, helping friends and making new ones along the way.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.

Before coming to work at Queen's, I spent five years working in the Middle East on community-based projects.