Housing Policy Officer
What is the work like?
Housing policy officers work for organisations such as local authorities and housing associations. They develop policies to make sure that their organisation responds to local housing needs and government housing policy.
As a housing policy officer, you would:
- research housing issues, identify good practice and recommend action
- collect statistics that are relevant to housing, such as health, employment and demographics
- represent housing services on corporate working groups
- gather and present data and information
- chair meetings
- produce publications such as research reports, policy briefings and information factsheets
- suggest changes that need to be made as a result of government initiatives and new legislation
- give presentations to groups, both inside your organisation and externally.
You would work closely with other departments and external agencies like private landlords and community groups. You could specialise in a particular area such as equalities issues, research or data collection.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would usually need either a relevant degree, such as housing studies, social policy or town planning, or a relevant professional qualification, such as those offered by:
- Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH)
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- Royal Institute of British Architects
- Royal Town Planning Institute.
Employers would expect you to have detailed knowledge of housing and related government legislation. Experience of policy-related work – ideally in housing or social policy – and of project management would also give you an advantage. Experience in housing management is useful, although not essential – see the Housing Officer profile for information.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are employed as a housing policy officer, you will need to keep up to date with issues like changes in national and European Union housing policy. You can do this by attending courses, seminars and workshops such as those run by the Chartered Institute of Housing.
You may be able to study part-time for qualifications like an MA or Postgraduate diploma in housing policy and management.
Where can I go for more information?
66 Portland PlaceLondon
W1B 1AD
Tel: 020 7580 5533
London
EC3R 8DL
Tel: 020 7929 9494
Westwood Way
Coventry
CV4 8JE
Tel: 0870 333 1600
Westwood Business Park
Westwood Way
Coventry
CV4 8JP
Tel: 024 7685 1789
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Housing policy officers can earn between £21,000 and £34,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would work around 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You would be based in an office, but might need to travel to attend meetings.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- analytical skills for working with complex statistical data
- the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people
- customer focus
- the ability to prepare complex reports and make clear presentations
- IT skills
- the ability to coordinate and manage a varied workload and meet tight deadlines
- diplomacy
- networking and negotiating skills
- knowledge of housing legislation and policy.
What opportunities are there?
You would be employed by local authorities or housing associations.
With experience you could take on more complex work, and may be able to develop a specialism, such as equality issues.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and further reading (links open in new window):
Inside Housing
Property People
LG Jobs
List of specialist recruitment agencies – Chartered Institute of Housing
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