At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape evidence-based housing policy and tackle local and national housing challenges.
- Company: Lewisham Council, committed to improving housing outcomes for residents.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on housing policy and improve lives in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing policy, strong data interpretation, and communication skills.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent training and development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 52000 £ per year.
Lewisham Council’s Housing Service is seeking a Housing Policy and Strategy Officer to help shape evidence‑based housing policy and support continuous improvement across our housing services.
The role involves responding to complex local and national housing challenges through the design and delivery of evidence‑informed policy and strategic solutions. You will draw on data, research and insight to shape robust policy options and strategic approaches that improve outcomes for residents, analyse evidence, identify emerging trends, and translate complex information into clear, actionable proposals.
You will work closely with colleagues across the Housing Directorate and wider council, registered providers and external partners, ensuring policies are deliverable and grounded in local communities. You will undertake consultation and engagement activity, present your work to senior leaders and elected members, contribute to corporate and regional policy discussions, and help embed equality and inclusion.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys problem‑solving, partnership working and influencing change, and who wants to shape strategic thinking and improve housing outcomes in Lewisham.
What’s in it for you?
- Excellent training and development opportunities
- Generous holiday allowance
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family‑friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking an experienced and innovative housing policy professional with strong skills in interpreting and presenting complex data, excellent written and verbal communication, and confidence in engaging a wide range of stakeholders. You should be curious, proactive, and skilled at building constructive relationships across teams and organisations to support effective policy delivery.
Salary £52,269 - £54,360 per annum (PO4). All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), subject to evidential proof.
Location The job is primarily based in Laurence House (Catford) but we operate a hybrid approach requiring you to work both in the office and from home regularly.
Application Process The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CVs. Please read the Applicant Handbook and ensure your application covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria.
Diversity Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, contact the lead contact on this advert. We support the Access to Work scheme.
Housing Policy and Strategy Officer employer: Lewisham Council
Contact Detail:
Lewisham Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Policy and Strategy Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Lewisham Council’s current housing policies and challenges. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You might need to present your ideas to senior leaders, so being able to communicate complex data clearly is key. Grab a friend and do some mock presentations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their applications.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Policy and Strategy Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand what the Housing Policy and Strategy Officer role entails. Highlight the key skills and experiences they’re looking for, so you can tailor your application to match.
Showcase Your Skills: We want to see how your experience aligns with the person specification. Use specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to interpret complex data and engage stakeholders effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Avoid jargon and ensure your proposals are easy to understand. Remember, clarity is key when translating complex information into actionable insights!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures your application is processed correctly and gives you the best chance of being considered for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham Council
✨Know Your Housing Policies
Before the interview, brush up on current housing policies and strategies relevant to Lewisham. Familiarise yourself with local challenges and how they align with national trends. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Since the role involves interpreting complex data, be prepared to discuss examples where you've successfully used data to inform policy decisions. Bring along any relevant case studies or reports that highlight your analytical skills.
✨Engage Stakeholders Effectively
Think about your past experiences in engaging with various stakeholders. Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve built relationships and influenced change. This will demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively across teams.
✨Practice Clear Communication
Given the need for excellent written and verbal communication, practice explaining complex information in a straightforward manner. You might even want to prepare a short presentation on a housing issue to showcase your communication skills during the interview.