Head Of Homelessness (Supported Housing And Complex Needs) Jobs in Stoke On Trent
BACKGROUND
Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (Habitat GB) is part of the international Habitat for Humanity network. We tackle housing poverty around the world by working in partnership with communities and families to achieve their dreams of a safe and decent place to live. You can find out more about our work on our website.
We are embarking on an ambitious new direction at Habitat GB; leveraging our global housing expertise and the learning from our flagship national programme “Empty Spaces to Homes” to work collaboratively with Habitat colleagues across Europe in effecting change at a policy level.
“Empty Spaces to Homes” is a ground-breaking initiative focused on a circular buildings approach that already has a feasible proof of concept from piloting, with strong upscaling potential. The premise is simple; unlocking the potential of long term empty commercial spaces to create affordable housing for vulnerable people. As well as the social benefits of adding to affordable housing stock, the Empty Spaces to Homes approach of retrofitting existing structures – at a much lower carbon cost - offers a greener and more sustainable way to meet the housing gap, in comparison to the environmental impact of the new build construction industry. Breaking down long-standing barriers to resource-efficient renovation is essential if the UK is to play its part in meeting ambitious global decarbonisation targets.
Purpose of The role
The UK Housing Advocacy Manager will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission by leading advocacy efforts, shaping policies, and promoting sustainable housing solutions for affordable housing in Great Britain, particularly through our groundbreaking initiative "Empty Spaces to Homes."
As this is a new role, and is being recruited alongside the Head of Global Affairs and Advocacy, key responsibilities will include the establishment of a new function at Habitat GB. It involves working closely with colleagues across the Habitat GB organisation and contributing to advocacy efforts across the Habitat network at global and regional levels through engagement, strategy and shared learning. Key responsibilities also include developing communication and advocacy strategies targeting professionals and decision makers in social, environmental and housing sectors, as well as undertaking research and writing policy papers.
Main Responsibilities
1) Research and Analysis:
- Commission and conduct in-depth research into current British housing landscapes and related legislation, assessing the effectiveness of mechanisms for converting unused premises into social housing and its environmental impact.
- Identify legal changes necessary to facilitate such activities and advocate for their implementation.
2) Lead Policy Advocacy Efforts:
- Utilise research findings to develop policy positions and identify priority issues, setting policy goals, and mapping out related advocacy activities.
- Embed critical concepts such as embodied carbon and whole life cycle into policy communications to amplify Habitat GB's messaging.
3) Partnerships and Networks:
- Join and represent Habitat GB at existing coalitions or form new coalitions if necessary with stakeholders in the social, environmental, and housing sectors to advocate for climate and equity-related incentives in national and local legislations, policies, and funding mechanisms.
- Build a network of relationships among key stakeholder groups and individual decision-makers to advance Habitat's policy goals.
- Identify strategic events and ensure speaking roles for Habitat GB.
- Represent Empty Spaces to Homes and Habitat for Humanity’s wider UK programmes for awareness raising, advocacy and other priorities at key meetings and events.
4) Direct Lobbying:
- Cultivate strategic relationships with key decision-makers to further Habitat's policy objectives.
5) Collaboration:
- Develop collaborative partnerships internally with Habitat entities across Europe, aligning with the broader strategic objectives of the Empty Spaces to Homes initiative.
- Support communication efforts to underpin advocacy efforts effectively.
6) Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Work with the Impact Team to provide regular updates on advocacy strategy activities and evaluate their effectiveness.
Person Specification
· Proven experience in professional advocacy to influence key policy positions and decisions, preferably in housing or a related field.
· Track record in delivering targeted advocacy strategies and implementing communication strategies to support advocacy efforts.
· Experience in engaging stakeholders and decision-makers through events, networks, and meetings.
· Experience in community mobilisation or engagement.
· Understanding of housing poverty policies and related social welfare issues in Great Britain, with the ability to advise on effective mechanisms for influence.
· Familiarity with Local Authority Governance and opportunities for policy influence at local and regional levels.
Skills and competencies:
· Proficient in clear and effective written and verbal communication to convey complex policy matters to diverse groups.
· Strong relationship-building skills with government representatives, NGOs, and various stakeholders.
· Strategic thinking abilities and collaborative work approach towards organisational objectives and advocacy approaches.
· Ability to collaborate with diverse teams across multiple locations.
· Self-motivated, organized, and capable of working under pressure to meet deadlines and adapt to challenges.
· Enthusiastic, positive, and proactive with a solution-oriented mindset.
· Demonstrated interest in our work and commitment to continuous learning and development.
· Dedication to contributing to the inclusive, people-positive culture at Habitat.
The role and responsibilities will be carried out in a way which reflects:
· Habitat GB’s commitment to safeguarding children in accordance with the Safeguarding
Policy.
· A commitment to Habitat GB’s vision, mission, values and approach.
· A commitment to effective management of risk, by operating within the Charity’s code of conduct, policies, procedures and controls and by carrying out the risk management and assurance responsibilities of the role as set out in relevant Policy and Procedures.
This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Job descriptions may be subject to change.
Flexibility
Habitat GB is seeking to rapidly expand its activities and impact to fight poverty across the world. This means that the organisation must be adaptable and flexible and have an ambitious, dynamic and flexible team. It is a requirement of the post holder to be flexible in terms of location (within reason), line management, and duties and responsibilities.
This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.
Start your Habitat journey
We want the recruitment process to give you the opportunity to share your skills and experience, and to find out more about Habitat. You are welcome to get in touch and arrange an informal chat with a member of the team before submitting an application. To apply for the role, please send us your CV and a cover letter telling us about yourself, how you meet the person specification, and your motivation for applying – we don’t expect this to be more than two sides of A4.
The deadline for applications is 12 May 2024 (at 11:59 pm).
Interviews will take place online from the week beginning 20 May 2024. Selected candidates will be contacted to agree a suitable time for interview.
Please note that we do not reimburse any expenses incurred during interviews.
We’d prefer to hear directly from applicants – we won’t be working with third party recruiters on this role.
This post profile is not set in stone. It gives insight into the main purpose of the role, and expected responsibilities, but it might be reviewed in the future to meet the changing requirements of Habitat for Humanity GB – any changes will be made in discussion with the post-holder.
Habitat for Humanity requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguard our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of our code of conduct.
At Habitat for Humanity GB, we aim to build, develop and retain a talented workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, skills and experiences. We welcome and actively encourage applications from anyone who feels they’d be a good fit for our organisation, regardless of race, religion, colour, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, neurodiversity or any other protected characteristics.
Unfortunately, because of high volume of applications we will not be able to contact unsuccessful applicants. If you haven’t heard from us within a month of the application deadline, please assume that your application has not been successful.
This Role is Homebased with Regular Travel to Brighton, Dover and Greenwich and Occasional Travel to Birmingham for Team Meetings.
Are you a communications professional looking for an exciting and rewarding new role? Apply for the Regional Communications Officer job vacancy at homelessness charity Emmaus UK.
About Emmaus
Emmaus is a secular organisation supporting formerly homeless and socially excluded people by providing a home for as long as it is needed, meaningful work experience in a social enterprise and a sense of belonging and community. There are currently more than 30 Emmaus communities and groups in the UK stretching from Glasgow to Dover and Norfolk to South Wales, collectively supporting more than 850 people. We understand that a home is more than just a roof over your head; it’s somewhere to belong, where you feel part of a community, and that’s what Emmaus offers.
About the role
The Regional Communications Officer role is an exciting, varied position working with Emmaus communities located in the South East region of the UK to increase their profile and engage supporters.
You will work closely with the Emmaus communities in your patch to identify their communications needs and plan and deliver a mix of work to help achieve their goals. As part of a wider team, you will also share ideas and draw on each other’s experiences to maximise PR, digital and communications opportunities.
A typical working week within this role can include:
· A weekly meeting with other Regional Communications Officers to catch up and share ideas and work of interest
· A visit to an Emmaus community to conduct interviews and capture photography and video
· Writing and sending press releases
· Scheduling social media content
· Creating graphics and marketing materials using Canva
· Updating community websites using WordPress
This is a part time position working four days per week (30 hours), Monday to Friday.
Within this role, you can be based at home or in an Emmaus community. Wherever you are based, maintaining positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders is vitally important. The current patch for this role is Emmaus Brighton & Hove, Emmaus Greenwich and Emmaus Dover. Regular travel to these three communities will be required (usually one community visit per week). Travel to team meetings, usually held in Birmingham, and other locations will also be required on occasion.
Who are we looking for?
We require someone with a strong skillset and at least two years’ experience working in a busy communications, public relations or marketing role. Although not essential, knowledge and understanding of homelessness and the charity sector would also be an advantage.
Creativity and passion are a must. You will have a broad range of communications skills, love seeing your creative ideas come to life and keen to develop your skillset within a national homelessness charity.
This is an exciting and rewarding role for someone who thrives working with different people and communities. The successful applicant will be well organised and able to juggle multiple projects, relationships and campaigns.
If you’re passionate about making a difference and seeing a long-lasting impact, then this is the perfect time for you to get involved with Emmaus.
What we offer
· Salary: £27,972 to £30,352 per annum pro rata
· Working hours: 4 days per week (30 hours), Monday to Friday
· Contract: Permanent
· Pension: Stakeholder pension with employer contribution
· Annual leave: 25 days & bank holidays pro rata + 3 concessionary days leave
· Training & development: Individually tailored induction. Ongoing training and development
· Volunteering: 2 days allowance each year
· Employee assistance: 24/7 employee assistance scheme is available
· Flexible working: Options available, subject to the requirements of the role
· Life assurance: Death in service lump sum of 3 x salary
To apply
To apply for this role, please complete our application form and equal opportunities monitoring form and email us.
Email address is in the application pack.
Please ensure you refer to the job description and person specification when completing your application form. CVs and posted applications will not be accepted.
The closing date for applications is 10am on Monday 20 May 2024.
Those shortlisted will be invited to an interview conducted via Microsoft Teams w/c Monday 27 May (excluding the bank holiday). If selected for interview, you will be asked to share examples of your past communications work and to conduct a short pre-prepared task based on information we provide. We will also share themes for discussion at the interview in advance.
If you would like to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please email us.
Email address is in the application pack.
Equal Opportunities
Emmaus UK provides equal opportunity for all job applicants and employees and is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination. We are dedicated to an inclusive culture, and we strive to create a workplace where teams of people with diverse backgrounds, characteristics, perspectives, ideas and experiences work together. We welcome applications from all individuals irrespective of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, marital status or parental responsibilities.
To ensure fairness and consistency in selecting the best candidate for our roles, all applications are anonymised until an interview has been confirmed so that shortlisting is based solely upon the suitability of the candidate’s experience.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Title: Assistant Director Activism & Advocacy
Location: Flexible - Home-based, Shelter Office-based, or combination with regular travel to London and other locations
Contract Type: Permanent Full Time
Salary: £78,414 per annum
Hours: 37.5 per week (pro-rata if part-time)
Leave: 30 days holiday per annum + Exceptional Benefits
Closing Date: 27th May 2024 at 23.30pm
About Shelter
A home is a fundamental human need, as essential as education or healthcare. Yet millions of people across Britain struggle on a daily basis with homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination, and the threat of eviction. So, we are striving for change, with individuals, in communities, across society, and leading the way to a safe home.
We need ambitious, best-in-class individuals who are passionate about our cause to join us at this exciting time. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.
At Shelter we are united by our purpose to defend the right to a safe home. Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. We believe that to win that fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement for change. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, fair, equitable and transparent.
We have committed to combat racism both within and outside Shelter and welcome you on our journey to becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.
About the Team
This role is part of the Communications, Policy, and Campaigns (CPC) team, which drives Shelter's ground-breaking campaigning efforts.
The CPC team leads initiatives advocating for social housing, renters' rights, and ending the housing emergency.
As our Assistant Director Activism & Advocacy, you'll work alongside other Assistant Directors, contributing to a collaborative, non-hierarchical decision-making environment.
About the Role
As Assistant Director Activism & Advocacy, you will provide strategic direction to the heads of Digital campaigning, Community Organising, Policy, Research, and Public Affairs teams.
You'll support the development of high-profile campaigns and drive continual improvement to achieve Shelter's strategic goals.
This role involves building strong relationships across Shelter, promoting collaboration, and acting as a spokesperson when required.
You'll need excellent political instincts, campaign experience, and the ability to oversee the production of high-quality policy and research.
About You
We're seeking candidates with experience in matrix management environments, senior leadership skills in project/change management, and a track record of impactful campaigning, policy, research, or public affairs activities.
You should demonstrate the Shelter Behaviours, including collaboration, prioritising diversity, enabling decision-making, creating change, openness to risk, and learning from experiences.
How to apply
You are required to submit a CV and a supporting statement. The supporting statement should include why you’re interested in the role and address the following 3 questions. The supporting statement should be no more than two A4 pages.
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Can you provide examples of your experience leading and implementing high-profile campaign strategies that have resulted in significant political impact, particularly in influencing complex policy decisions at the highest levels?
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Please provide an example of how you have successfully worked across different teams/departments and delivered on cross-organisational objectives?
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Considering Shelter's commitment to being an anti-racist organisation, can you outline how you would integrate anti-racism and equity principles into your leadership approach within the context of driving strategic change and delivering impactful activism and advocacy initiatives?
Please note any applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be considered.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension, and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.
Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support, and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.
To find out more about the role and the benefits of working for Shelter please visit our website. Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.
Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing, and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.
Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.