At a Glance
- Tasks: Support community development and improve local outcomes through collaboration and innovative projects.
- Company: Reading Borough Council, dedicated to creating vibrant and sustainable communities.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, pension scheme, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in community engagement and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 33699 - 39152 £ per year.
We’re looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Sustainable Communities Officer to join our Community Partnerships Service Team. Our Housing and Communities Team are passionate about the people who live in our town; our vision is for everyone to have the opportunity to live in a good quality sustainable home within a lively and thriving neighbourhood. We have bags of energy and enthusiasm and channel this by seeking to innovate and create opportunities that have a lasting effect on the communities in Reading and keeps them at the heart of all we do.
About The Role
The Community Partnerships Service, which sits within Housing & Communities to ensure the service is better placed to support, enable, and protect individuals and communities, is now looking for an enthusiastic Sustainable Communities Officer to join the team. We have a great track record in building strategic partnerships, successfully bidding for Government funding, major project delivery and being the best landlord in the town. Our work is rewarding; we change lives for the better by tackling homelessness, building new homes and strengthening communities. This is an exciting community focussed role which will require you to support the development of asset-based community development plans through connecting services with residents to jointly shape positive activity and outcomes to achieve sustainable resolutions to improve the lives of local residents. You will have the opportunity to work in partnership with our amazing stakeholders to enable effective connections across the areas to achieve these positive outcomes and support the delivery of local projects as well as supporting the shaping and delivery of services and activities from our 4 housing owned community centres.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Support the development and monitor/refresh collaborative asset-based community development plans, which will drive locality delivery to improve outcomes for people living in those identified neighbourhoods and ensure those neighbourhoods feel clean, green and safe.
- Act as a broker between neighbourhoods, internal RBC teams and partners to identify and progress activity to support neighbourhood change aimed at delivering improved outcomes and service priorities.
- Work alongside the Community Development Officers to build knowledge of community priorities and ensure feedback from community consultations/conversations help shape neighbourhood plans and inform service development.
- Build relationships with the local Voluntary and Community Sector organisations, including faith based and equalities led organisations, to identify opportunities to work together for the benefit of residents, including offering spaces or organisations to deliver activities more locally.
- Support the promotion of neighbourhood related events and activities across services and partners to ensure maximum participation.
- Work with the Community Centre Co-ordinator to ensure that activities delivered at the centres are shaped by residents.
- Provide updates relating to Asset Based Community Development Plans and activity happening in local areas to improve outcomes for neighbourhoods and resident wellbeing at a range of forums and through written reports.
About You
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated person with excellent communication skills and experience in working with communities to shape local services and partnership working. You will have experience of working within culturally diverse and/or disadvantaged communities, experience of building networks and working with partners to deliver new initiatives in local communities. You will need the ability to confidently communicate with a range of audiences and understand the views of others. Multitasking and working both individually and as part of a team are key attributes too! You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place. Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success.
Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
- Work Together as one team – champion and inspire a culture which ensures that all employees across the organisation work together to provide excellent outcomes for Reading.
- Drive Efficiency – create an environment in which resources are used efficiently, and employees’ skills are developed and used effectively.
- Be Ambitious – aspire to deliver excellence and inspire and support others to reach their potential.
- Make a Difference to Reading – inspire a culture in which the customer is the focus and where change is welcomed as an opportunity.
Our Offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment. This post will be a hybrid working post.
A Competitive Salary Alongside a Range Of Benefits Including:
- Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays – rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service, with the option to buy additional leave.
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
- Season Ticket Loan – to help with the cost of your rail/bus journey, to & from work.
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
For more information on this position please contact Pennylope Kapere – Sustainable Communities Manager – Pennylope.Kapere@reading.gov.uk
Closing Date: Monday 3rd August 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Interview Setup: In person at the Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU
Sustainable Communities Officer – Community Partnerships Service in Reading employer: Local Government South East
Reading Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With the opportunity to lead impactful initiatives in Adult Social Care while enjoying hybrid working arrangements and generous benefits, including access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, this role provides a meaningful career path in a vibrant community setting.
Contact Details:
Local Government South East Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sustainable Communities Officer – Community Partnerships Service in Reading
✨Get Involved Locally
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We think you need these skills to ace Sustainable Communities Officer – Community Partnerships Service in Reading
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Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Sustainable Communities Officer – Community Partnerships Service, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Local Government South East
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Local Government South East. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
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