Jobs for the Charity Support sector

Rural Housing Enabler

Hours: up to 34 hours per week available for the role.

Working days and hours to be agreed with the successful candidate

Location: Office base Brightspace, Ipswich or Kirkley Centre, Lowestoft with blended/hybrid 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 and help tackle the rural housing challenges in Suffolk.

In this role, you will:

• Play a crucial part in increasing the supply of affordable housing in Suffolk
• Engage with communities and provide a range of support including:
  • Raising awareness of the need for affordable housing
  • Facilitating initial discussions to assess need
  • Gather evidence of need around rural housing
  • Liaise and engage with stakeholders
  • Assist parishes 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.

Although this role is predominately desk space there will be some travel around the county and within rural areas of Suffolk. Access to a car is advantageous.

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/ understanding of working in supporting rural communities thorough consultation for affordable and/or community led housing
• A good 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 a role which is community led and focused on rural issues within Suffolk we would like to hear from you. 

For more information 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.

The Berkshire and Hampshire Borders (BHB) Methodist Circuit is a network of twenty-five churches across western Berkshire and northern Hampshire, united by a vision to proclaim God's love as a justice-seeking community. Our mission is to be a growing, inclusive, and evangelistic church where faith deepens and communities are transformed. 

As Operations Manager, you'll be the backbone supporting our work. Working with the Leadership Team, you'll coordinate the operational infrastructure that keeps twenty-five autonomous churches running — from property and finance to safeguarding and compliance — empowering churches and outreach staff to deliver high-quality support to church members and vulnerable people.

The Role
You'll provide operational guidance and support to the Circuit Leadership Team and Circuit Meeting (Trustees), attending meetings and preparing reports on governance matters. You'll manage the Circuit Finance Officer, ensuring sound accounting practices, financial controls, and reporting. Across property, you'll oversee 19 houses — coordinating quinquennial inspections, maintenance plans, manse preparation for incoming ministers, externally managed letting of surplus properties, and professional appointments for sales and purchases. You'll also support energy and telecoms contract negotiations.

In safeguarding, you'll co-lead the Circuit Safeguarding Team, coordinate training, and maintain records of DBS checks. For health and safety, you'll guide churches on policies, risk assessments, and fire safety, with professional support as needed. On EDI, you'll maintain awareness of Methodist policy, coordinate training, and promote inclusive practice. You'll line manage the Administration Finance Officer and Administration Officer.

Key Details
Permanent role, £45,000–£55,000, 37.5 hours per week based in Reading, Berkshire with occasional evening or weekend working and travel across the area. 33 days annual leave including public holidays, contributory pension, reasonable expenses reimbursed plus a training funded. Closing date: Friday 17 June. Interviews: early July.

This Job Is For You If…
You have experience in an operational, administrative, or management role coordinating processes, policies, and systems. You've supported multiple stakeholders — staff, volunteers, or committees and have familiarity with safeguarding, health and safety, or compliance. You're organised, an excellent communicator, and can work with sensitivity within a faith-based organisation. You hold a full driving licence with access to a reliable vehicle and are willing to travel. Desirably, you have a relevant qualification, experience with financial administration or property management, and understanding of Methodist Church structures.

Development
You'll have significant training opportunities, including a substantial overlap with the outgoing postholder for thorough knowledge transfer.

Appointment is subject to Enhanced DBS disclosure, satisfactory references, right to work in the UK, and a three-month probationary period. We encourage applications from all sections of the community — you don't need to meet every criterion to apply.