Reference Group
While Pivotal is independent, we are not isolated. We work hard to establish and maintain strong relationships with civic society, politicians, and policy–makers. We also seek to develop partnerships with other organisations, including universities and think tanks elsewhere in the UK, Ireland and beyond.
Our reference group helps us by maintaining a broad network of contacts and inputs from across our society. Its remit is to provide advice and ideas in relation to the organisation’s current and future research and communication strategies, helping us to ensure that we are achieving our aims.
Donal de Buitleir
Director General (Acting) IIEA
Roisin Brown
Works in public sector; Vice Curator Global Shapers Belfast Hub.
Lisa Faulkner Byrne
Project Co–ordinator, EPIC; Deputy Chair, Intercomm Ireland
Jessica Caldwell
Outreach Coordinator at Kainos; World Economic Forum Global Shaper
Eamonn Donaghy
Accountant & tax consultant; former spokesperson, Grow Northern Ireland
Marianne Elliott
Former Director, Institute of Irish Studies, University of Liverpool
Richard English
Pro–Vice–Chancellor, Queen’s University Belfast
George Fergusson
Former UK diplomat
David Gavaghan
Former Chair, Confederation of British Industry Northern Ireland
Neil Gibson
Chief Economist (Ireland), EY
Richard Good
Public policy consultant; Former Special Adviser to the Minister of Justice for Northern Ireland
Cathy Gormley Heenan
Pro–Vice–Chancellor, Ulster University
Leo Green
PhD researcher, Transitional Justice Institute, Ulster University
Eva Grosman
Director, Centre for Reconciliation and Peace Building
Will Haire
Former Permanent Secretary, Department for Social Development
Robert Hazell
Founder and former Director, Constitution Unit, University College London
John Hunter
Former Permanent Secretary, Department of Finance; Pro–Chancellor, Ulster University
Olwen Lyner
Chief Executive, NIACRO; Board member, Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action
Seamus McAleavey
Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action
John McCallister
Former MLA, South Down; Former Deputy Leader, Ulster Unionist Party
Fergal McFerran
Northern Ireland Client Account Manager, Stonewall UK; President, Queen’s University Graduates Association
Angela McGowan
Director, Confederation of British Industry Northern Ireland
Ann McGregor
Chief Executive, NI Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Brigid McManus
Former Secretary–General, Department of Education and Skills
David Phinnemore
Dean of Education, Queen’s University, Belfast; Professor of European Politics, Queen’s University Belfast
Dawn Purvis
Former MLA, Belfast East; Board member, Community Foundation
Trevor Ringland
Partner, Macaulay & Ritchie Solicitors; Former British & Irish Lion; former Irish rugby international
Suneil Sharma
Entrepreneur; Owner, Varsity Estates Group; former member, Policing Board; former member, Commission for Racial Equality NI; trustee, RAM Foundation
Peter Sheridan
former Assistant Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland; Chief Executive, Cooperation Ireland
Alan Whysall
Honorary Senior Research Associate, Constitution Unit, University College London
Suzanne Wylie
Chief Executive, Belfast City Council