Housing Policy and Projects Officer

Have you the drive and ambition to lead on the development of Housing Policy within the Service? 

Do you have the skills to ensure we develop effective policies that provide compliant and innovative services for our residents? 

This is a brand new and vital role within the housing service to lead on the policy response to the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023 and revised major housing strategies. 

Working within our newly formed Performance and Insight Team the successful postholder will have a fantastic opportunity to lead policy development across both statutory and landlord housing functions, building on a solid platform of policy compliance. At a time of transformation for our Council and service the postholder will work with our amazing housing team and partners to scope out and develop best practice, effective procedures and legislative compliance to develop policies which are fit for the future across: 

• Our Housing Landlord Service providing services to 5,200 tenants  
• Housing Strategy and Social Housing Development 
• Housing Options and Homelessness serving over 2,000 residents a year 
• Private Sector Housing including the delivery of disabled facilities grants 

An appreciation of regulation and legislation are required to be embedded across housing functions will be a vital element of success in this role. This is a great career move for an accomplished housing and policy shaping professional: a role with real scope to make things happen in this fabulous New Forest location. Lastly, you will want to embrace the wide-ranging scope of our housing work, and doing so in a beautiful, yet challenging part of the country.   

What’s in it for you? 

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (additional 5 days for 5 or more years continuous service) 
• £42,810 – £45,930 per annum (up to £46,925 per annum for exceptional performance when in post) 
• Hybrid Working 
• Wide range of employee discounts at high street retailers, including supermarkets, stores and restaurants 
• A Cycle to Work scheme which could save you around 40 percent on cycles and accessories 
• Local Government Pension Scheme and AVC provision  
• Employee Assistance Programme (free 24 hour legal, financial and personal advice for employees). 

Looking for light and modern work environment? 

Our offices are located in the picturesque New Forest, with open plan layout, decorated bright and light with office views over our beautiful grounds. We have spaces available away from the office for team meetings in our dedicated meeting rooms, the work café or on one of our picnic benches outside.  

About us 

Our Housing Service has made giant strides forward over the last few years and now leads the way with its work on decarbonisation, new housing delivery, fire and building safety compliance, improved tenant satisfaction and engagement, support to private landlords, and innovative partnerships which support mental health and homelessness. 

Robust management of our Housing Revenue Account means we are in good shape to deliver on our long-term vision of a balanced programme of decarbonisation, cyclical and planned works as well as new affordable housing delivery and improved consumer standards. It is a great time to join us as we look to take our service forward to the next level of service excellence. The post holder will have the opportunity to help shape these outcomes alongside a fantastic team of housing leaders who are charged with delivering a new housing and landlord strategy, actioning a newly approved Tenant Engagement Strategy and service improvements to fully embed the Social Housing Regulation Act throughout the service. 

You can be assured that you’ll be joining an organisation that is committed to its people; to creating a supportive environment where professional and personal development is encouraged; and where all contributions are valued and welcomed. Beyond our approach to our people, it really is all about the place, and there can’t be many better places to enjoy your work than the unique natural environment we are proud to be the custodians of. We want to consolidate what we do well and identify areas where we can further modernise and transform our ways of working. 

There is much to do and at pace. The Council is already playing a vital role in some major projects. As one of the largest districts in the country, with 6 towns and a close relationship with neighbouring conurbations, the New Forest provides a supportive environment in which everyone who works for us can help drive our aims.  

We believe that all our employees make a valuable contribution to the work of the council and that’s why we encourage a trusting and open culture where each employee is supported and respected equally. We also recognise the value of a highly motivated and engaged workforce and we actively promote a good work/life balance. 

For further information about working for us and to view the Job Description, please see the attached candidate pack. If after reading this you feel you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Saqib Yasin (Performance & Insight Manager) on 023 8028 5495. 

Closing date: 23rd June 2024 

Interview Date: 3 July 2024