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- Tasks: Lead affordable housing initiatives and shape policy for the future in Reading.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council, a diverse and inclusive employer committed to community success.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, pension scheme, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in housing development and planning.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture focused on innovation and ambition.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Affordable Housing Enabler and Policy Officer to join our ambitious Strategic Housing team. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in delivering affordable housing across the borough and shaping housing policy for the future. We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About the role
- You’ll be at the heart of affordable housing delivery in Reading, working with developers, landowners, Registered Providers, and internal teams to secure the best outcomes for our communities.
- This role combines strategic policy work with hands-on involvement in planning and development.
- Acting as the Council’s lead on affordable housing through the planning process.
- Reviewing planning applications and viability assessments to maximise affordable housing provision.
- Providing expert input on Section 106 agreements and nominations.
- Developing, reviewing, and monitoring housing strategies and policies.
- Representing the Council at Planning Inquiries and external meetings.
- Building strong relationships with external agencies and stakeholders.
About You
- We’re looking for someone who is passionate about housing and can balance technical expertise with strong communication skills.
- You’ll need to be confident working independently and managing multiple priorities.
- A degree-level qualification or equivalent experience.
- Knowledge of housing development and planning processes.
- Understanding of Section 106 agreements and economic appraisal.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
- Political awareness and a commitment to equality and inclusion.
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 - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do.
- Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency.
- Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
- Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
- Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 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 - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and 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.
Closing Date: Sunday 4th January 2026; Interview Date: Tuesday 13th January 2026; Interview Process: to be confirmed.
Affordable Housing Enabler and Policy Officer in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Reading Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Affordable Housing Enabler and Policy Officer in Reading
✨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 the council’s recent projects and policies. Show us you’re passionate about affordable housing by discussing how your skills can contribute to their goals during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it’s explaining complex policies or negotiating with stakeholders, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Affordable Housing Enabler and Policy Officer in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Affordable Housing Enabler and Policy Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for affordable housing shine through in your written application. We want to see that you're not just qualified, but genuinely excited about making a difference in Reading's housing landscape.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key skills and experiences are easy to spot. This will help us see your potential quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on affordable housing policies and planning processes. Familiarise yourself with Section 106 agreements and economic appraisals, as these will likely come up in conversation. Showing that you have a solid understanding of the technical aspects will impress your interviewers.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for affordable housing shine through. Share personal experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in the community. This role is all about passion and purpose, so don’t hold back!
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully built relationships in the past. Think of examples where your communication and negotiation skills made a positive impact, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
The job requires teamwork, so highlight your ability to work collaboratively. Prepare examples of how you've worked effectively in teams before, especially in challenging situations. Emphasising your team spirit will resonate well with the values of Reading Borough Council.
