At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with communities to understand local needs and develop impactful programmes.
- Company: Community Gateway, a values-driven organisation focused on community development.
- Benefits: 26 days holiday, health cash plan, pension contributions, and flexible working.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while shaping services for tenants.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in community engagement.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to positive change and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 30500 - 30500 £ per year.
As an Engagement and Communities Officer, you will work out and about in our communities, engaging with tenants and residents to help us understand local priorities and create community development programmes and activities to help address local issues and create neighbourhoods where people feel proud to live. You'll manage your own patches and work in partnership with local organisations and partners, supporting them to deliver services that benefit our customers and communities. This role will allow you to work in the heart of our communities and really ensure our tenants have a voice in shaping the services they receive. You'll be delivering a range of engagement activities to capture the tenant's voice and help us to shape services based on their feedback. This is a fantastic opportunity to join our award-winning team and make a visible difference every day.
What we are looking for:
- Using your amazing communication skills, you will be able to engage with people from a wide range of backgrounds to gain a real understanding of local priorities.
- You'll have experience of working in partnership to achieve shared outcomes.
- You'll be proactive and organised, with the ability and confidence to lead and support a range of community activities and events.
- You'll be results-driven, able to measure impact, gather insights, and show the value of your work.
- You'll need to have a driving licence and a vehicle insured for business use, so that you can get out and about in our communities.
It would be great if you also had:
- Experience of tenant involvement within the social housing sector, with an understanding of how to engage residents and support them to influence services.
- Experience in community development, with the ability to support and deliver initiatives that strengthen communities and improve local outcomes.
Why work at Community Gateway?
We are a values-based organisation who truly care about our employees, their health, safety and wellbeing. We aim for a great employee experience and that includes offering a range of benefits. Our holiday entitlement starts at 26 days plus bank holidays (including your birthday off and Christmas closure!). We also offer a great pension scheme where CGA will pay in contributions up to 10%, a company-paid health cash plan for you and your dependants (including 24/7 GP), enhanced sick pay and parental leave, reward and recognition scheme, wellbeing support, training and development and much more.
Inclusion is key for us. We would love to hear from people from diverse backgrounds for this role, those who may be underrepresented in our organisation. We aim to be reflective of the communities in which we operate and if you speak a second language this can come in handy!
You'll be part of the wider Culture & Engagement Team, a genuinely friendly, supportive and people-focused team who believe in doing the right thing, learning from each other and making a positive difference. You'll be encouraged to share ideas, build strong relationships and work closely with colleagues across the organisation - all while staying connected to the communities we proudly serve.
Working Arrangements
This role is community based working in and around Preston. We offer flexibility wherever possible to accommodate our business and your personal needs.
A bit more about us:
Community Gateway own and manage almost 7000 homes across the city of Preston, but we are so much more than just a landlord. We aim to offer great customer service, providing safe, well-maintained and affordable homes, and making a positive difference to the communities in which we work. We make sure that we manage our business to the highest of standards and are working to create a sustainable future.
If you think you have the skills, experience and can live our values, then we want to hear from you.
Dates for your diary:
The closing date for this role is Sunday 19th April 2026 at midnight with interviews held on Thursday 30th April 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early so you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Engagement and Communities Officer in Preston employer: Community Gateway Association
Contact Detail:
Community Gateway Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Engagement and Communities Officer in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Spend some time in the areas you’ll be working in, chatting with locals and understanding their needs. This will not only help you connect better during interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of Community Gateway on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for you. It’s a great way to get insider info and make a good impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your past experiences align with the job description. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've engaged with communities and made a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you can find more resources and tips that can help you stand out in the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Engagement and Communities Officer in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Community Engagement: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for community work shine through! Share specific examples of how you've engaged with diverse groups and made a difference in your previous roles. We want to see your genuine interest in helping communities thrive.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight the skills and experiences that align with the role of Engagement and Communities Officer. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we're looking for and how you fit the bill.
Be Results-Driven: We love seeing measurable outcomes! In your application, include any data or feedback that showcases the impact of your previous community initiatives. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our mission of creating vibrant neighbourhoods.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you're considered for the role. Plus, you'll find more information about us and tips to make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Community Gateway Association
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research the local communities you'll be engaging with. Understand their priorities and challenges. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how you can contribute effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an Engagement and Communities Officer, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with diverse groups in the past. Be ready to demonstrate your ability to listen actively and respond thoughtfully during the interview.
✨Highlight Partnership Experience
Since the role involves working with local organisations, come prepared with specific examples of successful partnerships you've been part of. Discuss how you collaborated to achieve shared outcomes and the impact it had on the community.
✨Be Results-Driven
Prepare to discuss how you've measured the impact of your previous work. Bring data or anecdotes that illustrate your results-driven approach. This will show that you understand the importance of gathering insights and demonstrating value in community engagement.