Housing Strategy Officer

Based in the heart of Warwickshire, the beautiful district of Stratford-on-Avon is, without doubt, one of the most scenic and historical regions in the UK. Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s headquarters are located in the heart of William Shakespeare’s hometown. In the District, you will find thriving market towns, home to over 135,000 residents and a tourist destination for millions of visitors each year, from across the globe. We are proud to provide public services to residents, businesses and visitors across this magnificent region, making it a great place to live, work and visit.

At the Council, our people are our superpower and by choosing to bring your talents to our organisation, you will be joining a great team where everyone feels that they truly belong, full of dedicated people all working with passion and purpose, across a dynamic portfolio of work providing high-quality services.

Benefits:

As part of our team, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Flexibility:

• A minimum of 25 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays.
• Hybrid working arrangements with the flexibility to work from home for up to 60% of your hours (dependent upon the role)
• Flexi-time scheme for a better work-life balance.

Lifestyle:

• Health Cash Plan Scheme for medical and dental expenses.
• Eye test voucher scheme
• Everyone Active Gym Membership discount

Professional Development:

• Training and Development opportunities.
• Payment of one professional subscription fee

Financial Planning:

• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme to secure your future.
• Access to free Will writing services.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Salary Sacrifice schemes e.g. Cycle to Work etc.
• Free town centre parking

What to Expect in the Role:

You will work in partnership corporately and externally to maintain an overview and understanding of all aspects of strategic housing policy and assist with the provision of the Council’s housing policy and development team function and service, making appropriate links and recommendations across different policy areas.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities (Please see Job Description and Person Specification for more details):

• To help prepare and deliver the Council’s Housing Strategy which incorporates the Council’s Homelessness Review and Strategy, Private Sector Housing Strategy and Rough Sleeper Strategy.
• As directed, to take the lead on delivering strategies, plans, policies, advice, and research that sit under and inform the Housing Strategy.
• To draft and deliver other housing and housing related strategies, policies etc. as required. To provide strategic housing input to strategies, policies and plans being prepared by other people.
• To keep up to date with and analyse changes to housing and housing related legislation, policy, guidance, best practice, and funding to be able to effectively assist in the preparation, review, and delivery of the Housing Strategy.
• To know about common existing data sources and research, and where to find them. To understand any possible limitations of such information and how to use and interpret it.
• To undertake, commission and evaluate research, information and consultation including lead responsibility for housing needs assessments of all types.
• To develop good working relationships and partnership working corporately and with external partners and stakeholders to promote the Authority’s strategic housing objectives and facilitate evidence-based decision making and best use of resources.
• Whilst the main focus of the role relates to housing strategy and policy, an understanding of how the enabling and delivery of new affordable homes fits into the wider picture is required.
• To be able to disseminate verbal and written information that is tailored to different audiences. This includes presentations, briefings, and committee reports.
• To complete the Local Authority Housing Statistics and other statistical returns.
• To respond to relevant Freedom of Information requests, member, press inquiries, consultation documents as directed.

What You’ll Need (Please see Job Description and Person Specification for more details):

• Chartered Membership of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIHCM).
• Practical on the job experience of strategic housing including research and data analysis.
• Comprehensive knowledge of housing and housing related legislation, policy, and guidance.
• Enthusiastic, positive and can-do approach and ability to use initiative and build strong relationships with colleagues and key stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with a wide range of people both on a one to one, and group / committee basis

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Jo Bozdoganli, Policy Manager on 01789 260473 or joanne.bozdoganli@stratford-dc.gov.uk

The Council is committed to equality of opportunity and aims to create a welcoming, inclusive workplace where we are all able to bring our whole selves to work and perform at our best.