Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy initiatives to tackle Scotland's housing challenges and engage with key stakeholders.
- Company: Join the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, making a real difference in communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 29 days annual leave, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape housing policy at a pivotal moment and influence positive change for affordable homes.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing policy, strong communication skills, and project management expertise.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration with passionate colleagues.
The predicted salary is between 48367 - 48367 £ per year.
Overview
Scottish Federation of Housing Associations
Closing date for applications: Friday 31st October 2025, 17:00
Full salary & employment details: Salary: £48,367; Responsible to: Policy Manager; Type of Position: 12 month Secondment – Glasgow/Hybrid Working; Annual Leave: 29 Days & 10 Public Holidays (pro rata)
Role
Join SFHA to help tackle the housing emergency. Our members provide safe, warm, affordable rented homes for over half a million people in Scotland. This is a pivotal moment for housing associations and co-operatives in Scotland. SFHA is seeking a motivated, dynamic and experienced Policy Lead to join our team on a 12-month secondment opportunity.
This role offers the chance to work at the heart of Scotland’s housing policy environment, helping to shape how our members deliver and manage affordable homes, respond to poverty and inequality, and address the climate emergency.
Responsibilities
- Take the lead on policy and member engagement work relating to development, building safety and maintenance, with a particular focus on emerging challenges like cladding and damp and mould.
- Influence government, regulators and key decision makers to create a positive operating environment for our members.
- Work with members to deliver member forums and to understand the impact of policy, ensuring their voices are heard.
- Deliver high-quality briefings, consultation responses, and reports to influence change.
- Commission and manage research to support policy positions.
- Collaborate with colleagues in Communications, Public Affairs and Events to programme events and share knowledge and tell the sector’s story.
- Represent SFHA at events, conferences and in the media.
This is a fast-paced role where agility, strong relationship-building and clear communication are essential. You will play a key role in helping housing associations respond to new legislation, safety requirements, and the urgent issues of the day.
About You / Qualifications
You are likely to be working in a housing-related role, with experience of developing new homes and/or building safety and maintenance requirements.
We are looking for someone who can:
- Understand and navigate Scotland’s political and policy landscape.
- Analyse complex information and translate it into clear, persuasive arguments.
- Build strong relationships with members, government, and partner organisations.
- Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Work flexibly across multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.
Essential experience/skills include:
- A relevant degree or equivalent professional experience in policy, research, or external affairs.
- Knowledge of housing development and building safety issues.
- Strong project management skills and attention to detail.
- A willingness to travel within Scotland.
- Experience of working in or with housing associations.
Why Join Us
- Shape policy at a crucial moment for Scotland’s housing sector.
- Work on high-profile issues, including the implementation of national commitments to develop homes, Awaab’s Law and building safety reforms.
- Collaborate with passionate colleagues and members making a difference in communities across Scotland.
- Gain exposure to national decision-making processes and grow your policy and influencing skills.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to take on this exciting challenge and help influence the future of affordable housing in Scotland, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply by sending your CV and a supporting statement to Alison Gradyagrady@sfha.co.uk.
In line with its Equality & Diversity Policy, SFHA values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. All applicants will be considered fairly and on merit.
If you have any queries about this role, or if you need any adjustments to support with your application, just let us know by emailing in advance.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
SFHA Policy Lead (12-Month Secondment) employer: Scottish Federation of Housing Associations
Contact Detail:
Scottish Federation of Housing Associations Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SFHA Policy Lead (12-Month Secondment)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, attend events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching SFHA and understanding their current challenges. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about tackling the housing emergency in Scotland.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it’s presenting ideas or discussing policy, being clear and persuasive is key. We want to see how you can influence change effectively.
✨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 follow our process!
We think you need these skills to ace SFHA Policy Lead (12-Month Secondment)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Policy Lead role. Highlight your experience in housing policy, building safety, and any relevant projects you've managed.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Use your supporting statement to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Be specific about how your background aligns with our mission and the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since clear communication is key in this role, ensure your application is well-structured and free of jargon. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas and experiences effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Federation of Housing Associations
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the current housing policies and challenges in Scotland. Brush up on recent legislation, especially around building safety and affordable housing. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also genuinely engaged with the sector.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role requires excellent written and verbal communication, prepare to demonstrate these skills during the interview. Think about examples where you've successfully influenced stakeholders or communicated complex information clearly. Practice articulating your thoughts succinctly.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your experience in building strong relationships with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you’ve collaborated with members or government bodies in the past. This is crucial for the role, so come prepared with specific examples of successful partnerships.
✨Be Agile and Adaptable
This position is fast-paced, so be prepared to discuss how you manage multiple priorities. Share examples of times when you’ve had to adapt quickly to changing circumstances or tackle urgent issues. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.
