Social Partner
Trade Union Representative

Corporate Manager (Human Resources, Facilities and Registration)
Banbridge District Council

Sharon Currans represents the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) on The Bridge Partnership and her experience and knowledge in the area of human resources and local government makes her a valuable member of this working group. She is well equipped to ensure all matters arising within The Bridge Partnership conforms to equality legislation and all themes are dealt with in an equitable way.

Sharon took up her current position as Corporate Manager (Human Resources, Facilities and Registration) with Banbridge District Council in 2001 having worked for Ards Borough Council in the role of Human Resources Manager from 1999. She was promoted to this position after joining as Assistant Human Resources Manager on a job-share basis in 1992.

Sharon took a three-year career break in 1989 after the birth of her first child and prior to this worked for Bairdwear Ltd, a clothing manufacturer for Marks & Spencer, from 1984. She joined Bairdwear Ltd as an Assistant Personnel Manager and was promoted to Personnel Manager for NI operations in 1986.

Sharon graduated from the University of Ulster (Coleraine Campus) in 1983 with a BSc Honours Degree in Sociology and Social Anthropology. She pursued her studies to achieve professional qualifications in line with her new position in human resource management, and became a graduate member of the Institute of Personnel and Development in 1996. Committed to reaching a higher level of academic achievement, Sharon is currently studying part-time for a Masters Degree in Business Administration at the University of Ulster (Jordanstown Campus).

Sharon is also the Deputy Chair of the Northern Ireland branch of the Society of Chief Personnel Officers (SOCPO).

Married with a teenage son and daughter, Sharon occasionally gets the opportunity to pursue her favourite pastimes, which include walking, playing squash, entertaining friends at home and indulging her love of motorbikes.