Membership engagement officer jobs

Rural Housing Enabler

Hours: up to 34 hours per week

Location: Office base Brightspace, Ipswich or Kirkley Centre, Lowestoft with blended working

Term: Fixed Term to 31 March 2027 (potential to extend subject to funding)

Salary: £31,295 Fulltime (pro rata £28,374.13)

Start date: As soon as possible

About us

Community Action Suffolk (CAS) is the county’s infrastructure organisation for the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector. We exist to ensure our sector, and its volunteers are supported, safe and sustainable and that our communities are active and resilient.

Our values of collaborative, enabling, person centred, responsive and trusted are the golden thread which runs through who we are and how we operate, and we aim to make them real every day.

About the role

We are seeking a Rural Housing Enabler to join our friendly team. In this role, you will play a crucial part in increasing the supply of affordable housing in Suffolk. You will engage with communities and provide a range of support, from raising awareness of the need for affordable housing, facilitating initial discussions, gathering of evidence of need and liaising with other stakeholders. You will assist them throughout the journey of developing their own local housing schemes.

In this role, clear communication is essential. You’ll be presenting to a range of audiences, and working in partnership with communities / community leaders, parish councils, district and county authorities, landowners, developers, housing organisations, and other partners to bring forward affordable rural housing projects in Suffolk. Good IT skills, and the ability to build strong relationships are crucial.

The ideal candidate will have the following experience/skills:

· Excellent working knowledge of the issues affecting housing in Suffolk, and other issues affecting rural communities

· Experience of working in supporting rural communities thorough consultation for affordable and/or community led housing

· A good knowledge and understanding of the principles of quality community consultation.

· Working with local authorities, parish councils, housing associations and similar organisations

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

If you are interested in the role and would like to learn more, please visit our website for more information on who to contact. 

We are a friendly organisation, committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive culture in all that we do, and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We aim to create a workplace which is welcoming, fair, and inclusive, where people can be themselves and contribute to our vision and values.

We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, or on commencement of post. 

What we offer

You will work within a reputable charity which offers its employees benefits which include:

· Blended working where role allows

· Flexible working options to support work/life balance

· 33 days (FTE) increasing to a maximum 36 (FTE) annual holiday which includes an allowance for bank holidays

· Up to 4% matched pension contribution

· 2 days pro rata volunteering days to support volunteering in Suffolk

· Staff Discounts Scheme for a range of retailers including; shopping, holidays, insurance, eating out and health and leisure activities

· Company Sick Pay Scheme

· Continued Professional Development for job related development

· Family Friendly policies and practices

· Tailored induction

For more information and an application pack please visit our website.

Applications for this role will be reviewed and considered on an ongoing basis until the role is filled. Interviews will be arranged according to availability.

We therefore encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment, as we reserve the right to close this job listing once a successful candidate is appointed.

• As an Employee Relations Specialist, you’ll be the escalation point from our People Operations team and will apply your specialist employee relations knowledge and expertise to provide professional and pragmatic employee relations advice on a range of employee relations (ER) issues, policies and processes.
  
  You’ll pro-actively engage with managers to offer best practice advice on a range of ER case work, spotting and assessing the risks and advising managers on how to mitigate or find resolutions to those risks which are in the best interest for British Heart Foundation (BHF). 
  
  You’ll take ownership of your own case work from beginning to end and responsibility for the advisory solutions ensuring best practice timescales are adhered to. You will also ensure any risks or concerns are flagged. 

  
  About you
  
  With a CIPD Level 5 minimum qualification, or equivalent, you'll have extensive HR knowledge and understanding around best practice. You'll also have an up-to-date ER and Employment law knowledge, and understand ACAS Code of Practise and be knowledgeable on the Equality Act.
   

  You’ll have substantial experience managing complex casework, including dismissals and discrimination. You are able to weigh up complex evidence and reach sound conclusions that are fair and reasonable while protecting the business. You have the proven experience of navigating legal complexities and negotiating successful resolutions swiftly. 
  
  Ideally, you will have ER specialist experience confidently managing a high volume of cases in a large organisation. Additionally, experience of tribunal case preparation, restructuring, redundancy, and TUPE would be highly advantageous.
  
  To succeed in the role you will:

  • be a highly effective team player
  • have excellent communication skills
  • be able to build trust and rapport quickly
  • have strong time management skills
  • be resilient and work well under pressure to multiple and conflicting deadlines. 

  
  We’re looking for someone with a passion for all things employee relations who will be an ambassador for the People Relations team. Willing to challenge and influence managers, you’ll encourage them to be the decision makers as well as positively challenge the status quo on process, policy and procedure. 

   

  Working arrangements

   

  Please note this is a 4-month fixed term contract.
  
  This is a hybrid role, where your work will be split between your home and one day per week, on average, in our London office. This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause.  
  
  Due to the length of the contract we are looking to get someone in post as soon as possible.
   
  Belonging at BHF 

    
  We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. Embracing different perspectives and backgrounds strengthens our organisation and empowers us to make a real difference together. 
  
  To hear from our people, check out Belonging at BHF.  
  
  Our people are at the heart of everything we do. By funding research across six decades, we’ve helped keep millions of hearts beating and millions of families together. We’re investing in ground-breaking research that will get us closer than ever to a world where everyone has a healthier heart for longer.
  
  Benefits and development  

  At BHF, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support our colleagues’ wellbeing and professional growth.    
   
  To find out more about our benefits you can download the Benefits document at the bottom of this page or check out our Benefits and Development pages.  
   
  Need more help balancing your work and home life? Talk to us about what flexibility is available at the application or interview stage.  
   
  Interview process
  
  Interviews are due to take place shortly after the role closes.
  
  How to apply 
  
  It’s quick and easy to apply for a role at the BHF. Just click on the apply button below. All you’ll need is an up-to-date CV and a supporting statement, outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the role’s criteria. 
  
  As part of our commitment to be an inclusive employer and ensure fairness and consistency in selecting the best candidate for this role, the BHF will use anonymous CV software as part of the application journey.
  
  Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us.

  Please note internally this role will be known as People Relations Specialist.