Rachel Woods – Senior Policy and Research Officer

Rachel is the Senior Policy and Research Officer at NICCY, which means she helps to monitor, and provide advice on, government delivery on children’s rights and best interests alongside the team. While she works across a wide range of issues affecting children and young people, her main areas of work are on housing and homelessness, youth justice, policing, discrimination and legacy of the conflict.

Rachel used to be a chef, and worked in the hospitality industry for nearly 20 years.

Rachel also used to be an elected representative in the NI Assembly and Ards and North Down Borough Council, for a total of seven years.

She has a degree in Terrorism and Security Studies, and in History and Philosophy.

Rachel loves spending time with her cat, Gizmo, and also likes to play football for her local team in Holywood. She also enjoys going to the gym and seeing friends and family.

She really enjoys working with and for children and young people and the realisation of their rights in Northern Ireland.

You can email Rachel at rachel@niccy.org