27-05-2025
Head of HR and Organisational Development at Co-Ownership goes under the Belfast Live spotlight
Louise Kearney, the Head of HR and Organisational Development at Co-Ownership – Northern Ireland's regional provider of shared ownership – has been instrumental in providing an affordable route to homeownership.
Since 1978, this initiative has assisted over 33,000 individuals across Northern Ireland in purchasing their own homes. Here she tells us about her path to the role, her favourite spots in Northern Ireland and where she sees herself in 10 years time.
In less than ten words, what do you do?
I ensure a great employee experience for excellent service delivery.
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What are the three main attributes required for your job?
The ability to see the bigger picture for impactful support, knowing when to make the right decisions for our organisation and people, and the ability to influence both senior team and staff for mutual understanding.
How did you get to your current position?
My HR career began with gaining experiences in various industry sectors, aiming to join a 'big four' consultancy firm, which I did – PwC. From there, I decided to work towards a purpose, previously supporting the tourism growth agenda at Tourism NI with a fantastic team that delivered exceptionally.
Excluding your current job, what would be your dream job?
I would love to be a diplomat as I have a passion for travelling – experiencing different cultures, food, architecture and meeting new people is always exciting for me.
What work achievement are you most proud of?
When I joined Co-Ownership in 2019, it had an Investors in People (IIP) standard accreditation. IIP is recognised in 66 countries as the standard for leading, supporting and managing people.
Having held the Silver accreditation since 2021, we advanced to Gold in December 2024 by showcasing excellence in our people and culture strategies. This accomplishment underscores our commitment to fostering an environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to flourish.
What are you most proud of in life?
Our four healthy and happy children – who are now all financially independent, thank goodness!
It's wonderful to engage in adult discussions on a variety of subjects with your children. They are fantastic company and remarkable human beings.
Who is Northern Ireland's brightest business brain?
I would suggest that John Campbell, BBC NI's Economics & Business Editor, possesses a brilliant mind capable of conveying complex issues in an insightful and comprehensible manner.
What do you wish you had invented?
Affordable robots that handle domestic cleaning. As a working mum, it was truly challenging to balance work life with household chores and educating the children.
It's such an unappreciated task - the kids don't value any of the effort involved - but this would free up time.
Favourite App on your phone?
Our eldest lad resides in Dusseldorf and our children are all off doing their own things so it's crucial to stay connected – Snapchat and WhatsApp assist us in doing this.
Apart from Belfast Live and your own, what's your favourite website?
Booking. com- no surprises there!
If you were spending the day in Belfast, where is your dream breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks?
That's a tough question!
For a casual brekkie, I'd pop into either Harlem or Avoca and for a special treat, I'd head to the Great Room in the Merchant hotel. For a lunch or dinner treat, I'd go to Edo, Ginger, Howard St or Waterman.
For drinks, I'd head to the Duke of York, the Dark Horse, the Spaniard, Bullitt, the Crown or Kellys Cellars.
How would you describe Belfast to someone who's never been?
Compact, quirky and friendly.
Where's your hidden gem in Northern Ireland?
The Mourne Coastal area is brilliant both for walking and driving. Tollymore Forest is a firm family favourite.
Favourite place in the world?
San Sebastian in northern Spain. It's a really quaint coastal city with cobbled streets and stunning architecture.
I'm a foodie and this is one of the best gastronomic regions of Spain.
In 10 years' time I'd like... .to be globetrotting!
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