Empty Homes Coordinator

Salary package £50,574.00 - £52,584.00 pa (inclusive) Grade 12

Job reference #EJR013020

Application Closing date 26/03/2025

The West London Alliance (WLA) is a public sector partnership between seven West London local authorities. Our team delivers initiatives in the sub-region, working across borough boundaries and focusing on the priority areas of: economy and skills, employment support, mobility and transport, housing, health and care, and digital.

The Housing for vulnerable people programme is focused on projects which can identify and increase the supply and availability of affordable housing in West London and ensure it is of a good standard. The programme develops ways for boroughs to work together effectively via partnership and collaboration.

There are up to 10,000 long-term empty homes (LTEH) in West London boroughs. Despite existing efforts by individual boroughs to tackle this, the process remains challenging and complex. To effectively address this issue, a coordinated effort across the West London region is required. The post will establish a sub-regional resource, in the form of a coordinator, to facilitate a community of practice, highlight and establish good practice, and support officers in the seven West London boroughs to offer a more efficient and streamlined empty homes service.

We are seeking a dedicated and motivated individual to join the team as an Empty Homes Co-Ordinator. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in implementing projects aimed at identifying and sourcing empty homes and supporting West London authorities to bring them back into beneficial use.

The role will co-ordinate and drive the delivery and improvement of a shared empty homes project across the West London sub-region, supporting the WLA boroughs in achieving a significant positive change in the return of empty properties to meaningful use.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Delivering the various project activities and demonstrating delivery of objectives
• Making cost savings by reducing reliance on temporary accommodation
• Working with a diverse range of stakeholders in housing, finance, and legal as well as developers, landlords, and investors
• Establishing the feasibility of a sub-regional loan scheme and exploring other finance options
• Delivering training and workshops
• Identifying and promoting good practice in local authorities related to empty homes
• Streamlining approaches to the identification and administration of empty homes
• Analysing and reporting on project data

Reporting to the Head of Housing, the post-holder will have a thorough knowledge of the affordable housing and empty homes agendas, with a track record of bringing homes back into use or securing accommodation for housing providers. Applicants should have a detailed understanding of development, planning, and refurbishment policies and legislation. They will have proven experience of project delivery. Candidates will have a relevant degree or be able to evidence equivalent professional experience.

This is a full-time post, applicants are expected to work a 35-hour week, with scope for some flexibility. Secondments are welcome. This role is subject to Ealing Council’s enhanced vetting process. The role is hybrid, with the post-holder expected to travel within West London as required.

Recruitment practices to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and/or vulnerable adults apply to this post in addition to the possible requirement to obtain a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

All secondments must be authorised by your line manager prior to completing the application form. Ealing candidates please email a copy of the Secondment Release Form, signed by your line manager to by end of closing date.

For more information or an informal conversation, please contact Mike Anderson, Head of Housing, West London Alliance.