Housing Management Jobs in South East

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.

We're looking for an experienced, compassionate and resilient Service Manager to join our Vine Court Road service in Sevenoaks, Kent.

£40,000.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week. Benefits include 25 days Annual Leave, pension schemes, staff discounts, healthcare and career progression.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Service Managers are responsible for the effective management of all contracts within their designated patch, including line managing the relevant front-line staff. Leadership and competence development in direct reports is a key responsibility of the role. Post-holders may also carry client group specialism responsibilities, linking in with other Managers and Head of Operations to ensure focused integration of specialisms across the whole organisation. The ideal candidate will have management experience and be based in commuting distance to Sevenoaks, Kent. There is an expectation to be in service for this role.

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

What you'll do:
Drive business planning activities within your contract, ensuring relevant and challenging objective setting and ongoing performance tracking, developing turn around action plans as may be necessary
This role will also hold an accountability for staff tracker updates/management for the patch and income management for wider contracts. HR investigations for other contracts also form part of the wider role
Using sound financial and accounting principles, manage contract budgets to deliver on corporate and local contract financial targets
Successfully lead and motivate your team to ensure the championing of and maintenance of a positive local culture within your service
Work to continuously improve staff competence, ensure ownership of all staff issues and speedy and effective conflict resolution
Responsible for reporting all staff changes to HR and Payroll departments, as appropriate e.g. starters, leavers, additional hours etc.
Responsible for maintaining quarterly staff succession plans
Deliver effective, professional and commercially focused briefings and supervision meetings with staff and ensure that information, reporting & communications flow up/down is effective
Responsible for managing and allocating customers to support staff (casework management)

For a full list of job requirements, please visit Look Ahead's website

About you:
Ability to lead and motivate staff to deliver excellent services
Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
Has a practical and logical mind
Excellent organisation skills
Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
Is confident with high levels of self-esteem
Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviour
Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
Able to work as part of a group or team as well as being self motivated

What you'll bring:
Educated to degree level or equivalent
Experience of managing contracts and resources and delivering to budget and performance targets
Experience of delivering to housing management performance targets
Experience of effectively managing and developing staff to ensure delivery of services performance targets within contract
Experience of successfully managing external partnerships to ensure successful delivery of services
Holds relevant CMI/NVQ Level 4 or other Business/Management Qualification
Other relevant professional memberships and/or specialist qualifications

About us:
Look Ahead is a dynamic, leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. As an organisation we deliver over 110 services, providing support to around 7000 customers each year. We work across mental health, homelessness, young people and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date. We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Head of Project Delivery (Housing)

High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire and Hybrid Working (minimum two days office) 

£94,467 (inclusive of a salary supplement) + Excellent Benefits Package

Our client's vision is to build new affordable homes to help more people who cannot otherwise buy or rent on the open market.  The Development Directorate has a programme of between 400 and 500 homes a year with S106, land-led, package deals and joint venture projects. They are looking for a Head of Project Delivery who will be instrumental in helping them achieve this delivery and their wider vision.

It’s an exciting time to join them, on the back of a busy 2024 / 2025 where the Delivery Team managed the completion of over 520 homes. The new postholder will build on this success, motivating the Delivery Team to successfully manage current and future projects.

Reporting into the Assistant Director of Development Delivery, and playing a key part in the Development Leadership Team, this role currently directly manages a team of six, whilst working closely alongside colleagues throughout the Development Directorate and the wider business. 

About you

They are looking for someone who can inspire, develop and motivate the Delivery Team, whilst ensuring successful project, programme and contract management. You will need to demonstrate your ability to do this alongside a great record of delivering diverse development programmes and a knowledge of the social housing sector.

Working via a mixture of office, remote and homeworking, you will have excellent and effective communication skills, being able to positively influence all levels of the business and a diverse range of external contacts. . This a great opportunity to join them at a time when you can have a real and personal impact on the future success of the business.
 

Important Information: 

Closing Date for applications: 12 noon, Monday the 13th of May.

Shortlisting: To take place between the 13th - 17th of May. 

Interview Date: Monday the 20th of May.

Applications

They welcome applications from all sections of the communities they work in with candidate shortlisting being conducted in line with the essential and desirable criteria set out in the person specification and any mandatory questions that may be applicable.

They review applications as received and may invite candidates to interview at any time, therefore we reserve the right to close this role earlier than the published date should a suitable candidate be identified.

They are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer and welcome requests for reasonable adjustments at any stage of our recruitment processes. 

Are you looking for a position to get you on the Finance career ladder? Are you already working in Finance but wish to take on a role that looks at all areas of the day to day running of a Charity?

Would you thrive as a pivotal member of a small team supporting vibrant communities for older people to live independently?

Look no further.

Abbeyfield Southern Oaks is a small but growing charity that aims to enhance the quality of life for older people through supported independent living, providing companionship and social interaction to diminish the effects of loneliness and isolation.

We have created this role to support both our sheltered houses and our 60 Apartment, Independent Living property , Nonsuch Abbeyfield, in Ewell, where this post is based.

We are looking for a reliable, organised Finance Assistant to take ownership of the day-to-day transactional finance. You will need to have a positive attitude, a desire to work as efficiently as possible, and excellent communication skills. If you enjoy establishing your own organisational systems, we are excited to talk with you. We are looking for someone who can operate effectively with little or no supervision and who can manage multiple tasks at once without becoming overwhelmed.

Why should you join Abbeyfield Southern Oaks?

· Starting salary £24,000 per annum

· 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays

· NEST pension scheme, 3% employer contribution

· Study support will be considered

If your skills match and you would like to be part of a dynamic and caring team, please submit your CV with covering letter highlighting how you meet the job description and person specification.

Please note that, for safeguarding purposes, all our roles require an enhanced DBS check.

We will be shortlisting as applications are received

The Amber Foundation offers supported accommodation to homeless, unemployed and disadvantaged young people (aged 18 to 30) who are facing multiple disadvantage including lack of training, education and employment, addiction and substance misuse problems, mental health difficulties and may have been involved in crime and offending behaviour.

This role is based in Ockley, Surrey, RH5 5NG

We offer 24/7 residential support with a full-time employability and well-being programme designed to inspire, educate, motivate and - most importantly - to make possible. We aspire to offer everything under one roof that marginalised young people need to rediscover their potential and move forward with their lives into Employment, Training and Education and somewhere safe and sustainable to live.

We are looking to recruit a Senior Team Leader to assist the Service Manager in overseeing the operational running and leadership and management of our staff team at our residential centre (Farm Place) in Surrey.

The role of the Senior Team Leader is to work proactively, creatively and effectively alongside the Service Manager and our staff team and young people to develop their skills and strengths to help them gain the confidence they need to live independent and fulfilling lives.

This is a Deputy Manager role, you will be expected to effectively lead, motivate and inspire the staff team to facilitate a high quality programme for our young people and be committed to excellent outcomes for young people. You will also undertake housing and facilities management and health and safety-related tasks as required.

It is Amber’s responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all young people within its services. All applicants will need to evidence their suitability to work with young people.

Key tasks, responsibilities and outcomes

To have a great knowledge and understanding of the services for which you are accountable, and to ensure the implementation of better practice initiatives.

To assist the Service Manager in the effective leadership and management of the staff team, ensuring that staff are listened to and valued.

To ensure that the staff team work collaboratively to manage and lead their young people in an effective way, in line with best practice and Amber values, making a positive difference to the young people we support whilst improving their outcomes.

To ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory and contractual requirements ensuring appropriate records are kept and maintained, striving to provide outstanding services to young people.

To maintain good working relationships and to represent Amber positively and progressively in dealings with a range of external stakeholders in all areas of your work.

To champion and celebrate good practice, to excite and enhance further great working.

To assist the Service Manager in ensuring the proper application of Ambers’ policies and procedures

To assist the Service Manager in ensuring the financial sustainability of the centre and budget.

To create new and maintain existing excellent working relationships with our referrers and stakeholders and expand upon these to identify new referral streams and to complete a thorough needs and risk assessment with young people.

To build relationships with external stakeholders and to market and promote Amber in order to achieve maximum occupancy levels within the centre and reach target for funded placements.

To have a professional approach to all work aspects in line with the vision and values of the organisation and maintain all records in line with statutory and local policies and procedures.

To assist the Service Manager to ensure that the centre runs at its targeted occupancy according to the annual budget.

To assist the Service Manager in reaching funded occupancy set out in the annual budget.

To assist the Service Manager in completing a thorough and comprehensive assessment with all potential new residents to assess their suitability and appropriateness for the service.

To ensure that all telephone calls and correspondence to the centre are answered professionally and promptly.

To produce written progress reports to statutory funders and work alongside colleagues on tender applications for new contracts as and when required.

To ensure the smooth transition and induction of all new residents to the centre, you will be required to assist with supervised drug and/or alcohol testing.

To effectively communicate with colleagues, residents and agencies.

To build and maintain open and productive relationships between all parties.

To facilitate regular team meetings and provide clear and concise communications to the staff team at regular intervals.

To ensure that each member of your staff receives one to one supervision in accordance with the supervision policy.

To attend events when required and at times deliver presentations.

To work alongside the Service Manager to complete objectives and achieve targets set for the service.

To undertake relevant training that may fall outside of their normal working pattern and hours.

To maintain high and excellent standards of practice using a person centred approach to support that places the dignity and integrity of the individual resident at the forefront of priorities.

To deputise for the Service Manager in their absence and assume full responsibility for the running of the service.

Other tasks which may be required to ensure the smooth and effective running of the service.

Personalised support

Encourage and act upon innovation in your area to deliver quality services.

Develop relationships with external support services to ensure the needs of our young people are met and that they are effectively supported by specialist teams.

Develop relationships with external employers and other organisations to ensure young people have access to education, training and employment opportunities.

Ensure that each young person has a SMART and person-centred support plan in place.

Ensure young people are listened to, responded to with actions taken through various forums

Ensure the health and wellbeing of young people we support is appropriately monitored and reviewed.

Safeguarding and safety

Ensure compliance with safeguarding policies, statutory requirements and local authority protocols.

Be accountable for safe working practices ensuring the availability of appropriate equipment and resources.

Report accidents and incidents in accordance with company policies and procedures.

Staffing

To assist the Service Manager in the recruitment of new staff in accordance with our Safer Recruitment policy

To provide a thorough and comprehensive induction programme to new staff.

To ensure that sufficient staff are available to deliver high quality services and take responsibility for the staff rota.

Ensure that staff are effectively led and appropriately managed to ensure that excellent performance is recognised and remedial action is taken where performance or conduct falls below expectations.

Alongside the Service Manager, ensure that all staff receive appropriate supervision, appraisals and are actively and positively encouraged to maximise their skills and qualities.

Provide opportunities for staff training and development.

Assist the Service Manager with absence management, monitoring staff performance and handling any disciplinary issues including investigations.

Promote and advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion and ensure that the young people within the centre are managed in line with Amber values and our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

Actively seek out, listen to and engage with staff and young people frequently to address areas of concern and/or improve ways of working.

Quality and Management

Ensure that the centre is well-led and provide strong leadership by enabling, inspiring and motivating staff and residents to generate a culture of creativity and ideas which help shape the future and find new and better ways of working.

Be accountable for the monitoring, assessment and reporting of the quality and outcomes of the services provided.

Work alongside the Service Manager to ensure all services are delivered within budget.

Ensure all incidents, accidents and complaints are recorded in accordance with policies and procedures.

Fundraising

To work effectively with the fundraising team, helping to ensure that they have the information needed to complete effective applications, proposals and reports.

Help facilitate visits of funders to demonstrate the impact of Amber’s work.

To assist the Fundraising Manager in the collection of positive case studies, photographs and news to compliment Amber’s communications work.

Financial

To follow all financial policies and procedures as required and in the absence of the Service Manager.

To assist the Service Manager in ensuring compliance with the centre budget, ensure effective budgeting and budgeting controls are in place.

To support the Service Manager in completing and contribute to the annual budget.

In the absence of the Service Manager, take responsibility for resident related income including housing benefit and resident’s service charge.

In the absence of the Service Manager, take responsibility for petty cash, ensuring this is accurately recorded and controlled.

Experience

Relevant professional or management qualification

Experience in management, preferably in the social care sector.

Experience leading and delivering projects.

Results focused, the ability to work proactively, plan, organise and optimise resources and complete targets within agreed timescales.

Ability to demonstrate effective people management skills through delegating, empowering, motivating and coaching staff.

Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office.

Experience of working with disadvantaged young people.

Effective Budget and Resource management.

Experience of effectively managing change and delivering service improvements.

Networking, influencing and negotiation skills

Personal Qualities

To be relationship focused and understand and address the needs of your staff team and young people.

To demonstrate commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and the values of the organisation.

To be assertive, confident, resilient and have the ability to initiate action when required.

To have passion, enthusiasm and drive.

To be a reliable, supportive and a professional role model for effective leadership with the centre.

To work flexibly according to the organisational requirements.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £33,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Private dental insurance
• Private medical insurance
• Sick pay

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application question(s):

• Can you confirm that you are aware that this role is based full-time in Ockley, Surrey (RH5 5NG)

Experience:

• Management: 1 year (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required)

Work Location: In person

You’ve got an in-depth understanding of mental health issues and substantial experience of working in a Housing and Social Care setting. All you need is the perfect environment to put your skills to great use. Welcome to Richmond Fellowship as a Team Manager.

Holder House is set in the leafy neighbourhood of Abingdon and provides care and support to 14 people from 18+ living with, and recovering from, enduring mental health issues. The Team Manager reports to and will be supported by the Registered Manager. 

As well as ensuring the quality of service and support provided to people who use our services, you will line manage front line staff and organise any building maintenance requirements. Whether you’re carrying out an induction, undertaking an investigation, putting team development plans in place or providing support to our business development team, one thing’s for sure – you won't be short of challenge and variety. We’re currently working towards being awarded ‘Outstanding’ at our next CQC inspection and you will play an integral part in helping us to achieve this.

Substantial experience gained managing a caseload of individuals with complex needs is a given, as well as being outcome driven and able to lead by example using your firm but inclusive management style. You’re open and encouraging too and have lots of tact and diplomacy. What's more, you're great at managing conflicting priorities on time, have a flexible attitude to working hours and are willing to participate in on call arrangements. And, if you have experience of carrying out investigations, writing reports/recommendations or managing budgets, even better, although it's not essential as we offer an extensive induction and training programme for managers.

The service operates two sleep-ins per night (paid at £70.47 per 9-hour sleep-in) and an on-call rota (paid at £18.00) to cover a sleep-in/day shift in the event of absence – applicants should be flexible and available to cover sleep-ins and fill in on the on-call rota where needed.

This is a permanent full time role requiring the post holder to work 37.5 hours per week. 

To apply, please click the apply button, to visit our website and send a CV and covering letter explaining why you feel you are right for the role.

This is a rolling recruitment process. Candidates will be interviewed as and when they are shortlisted.

Richmond Fellowship is part of Recovery Focus, a national group of charities highly experienced in providing specialist support services to individuals and families living with the effects of mental ill health, drug and alcohol use, gambling and domestic violence. From 1st June 2024 Richmond Fellowship will be merging with the mental health charity Humankind to form a single organisation that provides the joined-up mental health, housing and drug and alcohol support we’ve all known has been needed for decades. In October 2024, Humankind will then be renamed to reflect the new, bigger and better organisation.

We’re looking for a Housing & Income Officer to join our Landlord Services team based locally at our services in Bracknell, Windsor and Maidenhead.

£32,000.00 per annum, working 35 hours per week. Benefits include 25 days Annual Leave, pension schemes, staff discounts, healthcare and career progression.

Want to feel in control of your career? You’ll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That’s why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren’t token gestures - we’ve thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Look Ahead manages a number of young people services in Bracknell and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

Look Ahead is looking for a highly motivated and committed Housing & Income Officer for an initial 6-month placement to work alongside our support workers and deliver a good quality intensive housing management service to our customers.

The successful applicant will be responsible for all aspects of housing management within the service. This will include rent arrears management, occupancy agreement management, ASB management, void management and some compliance and repair reporting responsibilities. This is not an exclusive list.

You will be based at our local offices in Bracknell, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. You will have significant daily contact with our customers and staff.
The successful candidate needs to be able to meet challenging targets for arrears and voids, have excellent problem-solving skills and be prepared to “go the extra mile”.

The role is based on site at two of our young people's schemes-  visiting customers in their homes and having a presence in the community. This role covers Bracknell Forest in Berkshire, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead region.

This role is a Fixed Term Contract, lasting 6-9 months.

This role requires a valid Right to Work for the UK as Look Ahead are not a sponsoring organisation.

What you’ll do:

• Sign up new customers to the appropriate occupancy agreement and ensure housing benefit claims submitted and maintained correctly.
• Be responsible for monitoring and updating all relevant information on Look Ahead`s housing management database including inputting all new customers and ending occupancy agreements in a timely way.
• Proactively monitor rent accounts and take timely and effective action to deal with increasing rent and service charge arrears.
• Ensure all customers are supported to have the most appropriate payment method (rent payment cards, direct debit etc.) for their individual circumstances to ensure easy payment of their rent and/or arrears.
• Lead on making back-dated claims for housing benefit and appealing over-payment deductions.
• Ensure that all customers are kept informed of their rent account status regularly and that action plans are agreed with customers to address any arrears or other rent related issues promptly.
• Issuing arrears warning letters, monitor payment agreements and escalate arrears enforcement action.
• Serve accurate notices for possession, complete court paperwork and represent Look Ahead in court cases in the county court.
• Requesting rent adjustments and repayment of housing benefit over-payments
• Ensure that there are effective and on-going liaison processes in place with key agencies such as the housing benefit service, Department of Work and Pensions and local police.
• Develop and promote financial inclusion initiatives in the service such as advertising credit unions and local debt management advice services.
• Act as the lead role for void management in services – ensure void inspection forms are completed, void reporting systems are maintained and that there is effective liaison with the organisation’s void team and contractors. Ensure that void turnaround times are in line with Key Performance Indicators and post inspections are completed and reported.
• Support local staff to ensure occupancy levels at the service are as high as possible and escalate issues where necessary.
• Lead on ASB enforcement across the portfolio ensuring early intervention techniques are utilised. Ensure timely and appropriate actions is taken against perpetrators including issuing warnings and serving notices where appropriate.
• Maintaining systems and spreadsheets associated with all housing management functions and producing reports and data where requested.
• Act as the lead role for reporting repairs in the service both in communal areas (internal and external areas) as well as in customer rooms. Ensure all works are post inspected and reported. Liaise with contractors to ensure access is granted.
• Act as the lead officer in completing all required compliance tasks within the service including call point and fire alarm checks, fire door checks, fire evacuation drills, health and safety inspections, carrying out living standard checks. This list is not exhaustive.
• Make sure all compliance records are maintained to a good standard and that KPIs are being met. Liaise with the scheme manager regarding underperformance against compliance targets.
• Participate in team meetings, 1:1 meetings with the manager and undertake any training required for the post.
• Undertaking any other duties consistent with the grade and nature of the post as assigned by the Team Leader/Manager
• Adhere to all the policies and procedures of Look Ahead Care & Support, those specific to the project including any statutory requirements.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead
About you:

• Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement.
• Approachable and open behaviour. Can work independently and as part of a team.
• Prefers working as part of a group or team.
• Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement.
• Exercises decisions and discretion in a non-judgmental manner.
• Is assertive and will challenge others.
• Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised.
• Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments.
• Demonstrates significant confidence and high levels of self-esteem.
• Is respectful, articulate, and sensitive in style of communication.
• Is passionate and enthusiastic about his/her career and job experiences.
• Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can-do attitude.
• Committed and passionate about improving the life chances of vulnerable customers.
• Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviour.

What you’ll bring:

Essential:

- Experience of monitoring rent accounts and managing rent arrears
- Experience of using computerised rent systems to monitor arrears and record information.
- Ability to track and manage void properties and ASB cases.
- Knowledge of managing ASB and lettings and be able to explain good practice in this area.
- Extensive knowledge of welfare benefits, especially housing benefit.
- Experience of liaising with housing benefit departments, the DWP and other external agencies.
- Confidence in interpreting rent accounts and using IT packages to run and create reports, identify priorities, and update records.

Desirable:

- 1-2 years’ experience in housing management.

About us:

Look Ahead is a dynamic, leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. As an organisation we deliver over 110 services, providing support to around 7000 customers each year. We work across mental health, homelessness, young people and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Head of Property
Canterbury, Kent
£50,242 - £57,778 pa plus excellent benefits
35 hours per week 

The Head of Property is a crucial and pivotal role at the Diocese, as you will lead the strategic management of the Diocese’s assets, taking responsibility for maximising income and capital returns from assets, including property development on investment land and buildings.

Reporting to the Diocesan Secretary, you will oversee the management of the Diocese’s housing and the Glebe estate. You will ensure good quality clergy accommodation through strategic maintenance and planned enhancements, along with the sale, purchase and development of housing stock and glebe land as required.

Managing the Property Services Team, which oversees the management of all clergy and other housing within the Diocese, you will ensure maintenance and improvements are performed within agreed timeframes and budgets and provide an excellent and friendly service to clergy and their household. In addition, you will ensure maximised rental income from vacant housing and glebe land which is a key income stream for the Diocese.

As Head of Property, you will offer support to parishes and protect their interests by advising on decision making regarding their buildings, with a particular focus on enhancing utilisation and value, especially for church halls. You will also represent, protect and advance the interests of PCCs, Incumbents and Churchwardens, by partnering with them to provide high-level advice to parishes on the effective management of property matters, particularly in cases where the Diocese acts as custodian trustee on their behalf.

As a key member of the Diocesan Office and Senior Management Team (SMT), Diocesan Finance & Assets Committee, Diocesan Advisory Committee and Property Advisory Group, you will manage the property budget, taking part in budget reviews and budget setting in partnership with the Director of Finance and Finance & Assets Committee.

Professionally qualified with a relevant qualification and with significant demonstrable post qualification experience in a similar role, perhaps as a surveyor, you should have proven leadership experience with a focus on strategic property development and resource planning.

With experience of working in the property sector, ideally in asset management, residential property management and landlord and tenant relations, you should have a track record of driving maximum return from property and/or land assets, including experience of property disposals and purchases. Able to maximise  income, you should also be adept at planning, managing and reviewing substantial budgets and exercising strict financial controls in a property environment.

Sympathetic to the overall Christian mission of the Church of England, including the Diocese’s schools, church communities and buildings, you should be prepared and able to travel regularly throughout the Diocese.

Previous experience with Charities or Not-for-Profit organisations is desirable but not essential.

The Housing and Land assets of the Diocese of Canterbury comprises operational and investment properties, almost all of which consist of ministry housing stock and a small amount of Glebe Land. Assets include circa 170 parsonage houses, the majority of which are occupied by clergy, establishing a unique relationship between the Diocese and church leaders. A minority of the stock (around 50 properties) which are intended for ministry but not currently used, generate substantial rental income. Notably, recent years have seen the move to ensure that we have the right properties in the right places for ministry as well as exploring development opportunities on existing properties that are due to be reviewed, sold or replaced.

Canterbury Diocese is the oldest diocese in England, stretching from Maidstone to Thanet, the Isle of Sheppey to the Romney Marsh. We have 350 miles of coastline with historic ports and seaside resorts, alongside rural communities, market towns and commuter-belt urban developments. Affluent areas often sit alongside pockets of major deprivation, offering an exciting and challenging mission context. 

At the heart of all we do is a vision of transformation for ourselves and our communities: no one can encounter God and remain unchanged. In the Diocese of Canterbury, we want to increasingly become a Christian community transformed through encounter with Christ, growing and overflowing to transform and bless the families, homes and communities we serve: Changed Lives, Changing Lives.

Closing date: 6 May 2024, 11:59pm

Corporate and Community Fundraising Manager

Job title: Corporate and Community Fundraising Manager
Employer: Rowan Alba
Time: Part time – to be agreed, with an initial fixed term for review
Salary: £36,500 per annum based on working 35 hours per week, pro rata if working less than 35 hours
Location:Working from home with occasional meetings in Edinburgh
Closing date: 3rd May 2024  (We reserve the right to close the advert early if a suitable candidate is found.)

Role
Rowan Alba works to end homelessness in Edinburgh by providing permanent supported homes and building relationships with individuals in crisis. We also work in our communities with volunteers who provide vital support to the most vulnerable in an attempt to prevent homelessness. Our experience lends itself to exemplar training programmes aimed at helping employers understand conditions around addictions.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and confident communicator for the new role of Corporate and Community Fundraising Manager to increase awareness of our work and develop new funding streams from individual, community and corporate partnerships.

You will be a creative, organised and motivated individual with a positive track record in working independently to develop corporate and community funder relationships.

Working alongside our Communications Manager, Trusts and Grants Fundraising Manager and Leadership Team you will develop an engagement strategy to help increase awareness of our work and raise vital funds to support our organisational development including the creation of new permanent homes for individuals with long-term experience of homelessness.

Main duties and responsibilities will include:

• Developing and maintaining relationships with new and existing corporate partners
• Developing opportunities to deliver training to corporate staff and organising volunteering activities
• Working with staff and volunteers to develop and implement community fundraising opportunities including sponsorship activities and local events
• Organising events for key stakeholders to increase Rowan Alba profile
• Managing relevant KPIs and appropriate CRM system for all individual and corporate funder communication and outcomes
• Ensuring the organisation adheres to the codes of fundraising practice set by the Fundraising Regulator

Core competencies

• Experience in relationship building and delivering long term funding support from a variety of sources
• Excellent presentation, verbal and written skills
• Ability to manage a varied workload and work independently, and with a small core team
• Experience of event organisation and management including working with volunteers
• Administrative skills and experience in use of appropriate CRM solutions, cloud-based platforms such as SharePoint, Zoom, Teams
• Demonstrate respect and compassion to the people we work with and represent Rowan Alba positively and professionally at all times

What you can expect from us
Salary: £36,500 per annum, based on working 35 hours per week, pro rata if working less than 35 hours
Job Type: Part Time
Contract Type: To be agreed, with an initial fixed term for review
Info: 28 days annual leave plus 4 public holidays (based on working 35 hours per week, pro rata if working less than 35 hours) and contributory pension scheme
Location: Working from home with occasional meetings in Edinburgh

For more information about the job, please visiting our website for the job description & person specification.

If you are interested in the post, please download the application form visiting our website and returning it to Jamie Beaton via email or by post to 1 Lochrin Square, 92-98 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 9QA, FAO Jamie Beaton at Rowan Alba.