Mid and East Antrim Good Relations Officer highlights importance of engaging with NI's 'diverse communities'

A ‘new and neutral voice’ is what every ‘good’ relations officer should bring to the heart of Northern Ireland’s diverse communities.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Sep 2023, 17:13 BST
Updated 19th Sep 2023, 17:25 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

This is the opinion of John Read, Mid and East Antrim Good Relations Officer, who gave an insight into the job he loves during Good Relations Week (September 18-24).

John spends most of his time on the ground, at the heart of the communities, listening to and supporting the residents who live there.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He has been working for the Housing Executive for 25 years and has been a Good Relations Officer for 12 years.

John Read, Mid and East Antrim Good Relations Officer.John Read, Mid and East Antrim Good Relations Officer.
John Read, Mid and East Antrim Good Relations Officer.

The qualities essential to be a ‘good’ relations officer are, he believes, “empathy, a good listening ear, integrity, selflessness, commitment and loyalty. Also the ability to engage, enthuse and enable communities.”

Previously, John worked as a neighbourhood officer dealing directly with a range of customer issues and problem solving on estates.

He also worked as a concierge in high-rise Housing Executive properties.