Policy Support Officer (Retrofit) in Sheffield

We are looking for a motivated and collaborative Policy Support Officer (Retrofit) to join our Energy & Environment team and support the development of housing retrofit policy across South Yorkshire. This role will play an important part in helping shape a regional approach to retrofit, supporting initiatives that improve housing quality, increase energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption and tackle fuel poverty. Working with colleagues, partners and stakeholders, you will help ensure policy and programmes are informed by robust evidence and aligned with local and national priorities.

About the role

Reporting to the Head of Housing Retrofit, you will support the development and delivery of retrofit policy and strategy, helping to drive positive outcomes for residents and communities across South Yorkshire. In this role, you will:

• Support the development of housing retrofit policy and the delivery of South Yorkshire’s Retrofit Strategy
• Work with local authorities, community organisations, academic institutions and other partners to gather insights and support collaboration.
• Contribute to stakeholder engagement activities, including workshops, events and outreach programmes
• Monitor national policy developments and legislation affecting housing retrofit and energy efficiency
• Gather, analyse and interpret research, policy updates and data to support evidence-based decision-making
• Prepare reports, briefings and presentations for senior leaders and stakeholders
• Support meetings, events and project activities, ensuring actions and outcomes are effectively managed.
• Work collaboratively with teams across housing, planning, skills, growth, energy and environment to support joined-up policy development
• Assist with internal and external communications relating to retrofit programmes and initiatives

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a growing policy area that sits at the heart of South Yorkshire’s environmental, economic and social ambitions.

About you

You will be an organised and analytical professional with interest in housing, sustainability, energy efficiency and public policy. You will bring:

• Knowledge of housing retrofit, energy efficiency, sustainability, housing policy or a related field
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and identify key insights
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing clear reports, briefings and presentations
• Experience of engaging and working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders and partners
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively
• A proactive and collaborative approach, with a desire to make a positive impact for communities across South Yorkshire

Whether you are developing policy, informing strategic direction, supporting stakeholder engagement or analysing emerging trends, you will play an important role in helping shape a more sustainable and energy-efficient future for the region.

Benefits

All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success. In addition to the above, some of our benefits include:

• Holiday Entitlement – From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro-rata for part time colleagues.
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in addition to your normal annual leave.
• Hybrid working – Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time.
• Flexible Hours Scheme – Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi-Scheme which allows office-based employees flexibility and discretion over their working hours.
• Rewarding You – Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle-to-Work schemes.
• Training on the job – Support with upskilling skills through on-the-job training and qualifications.
• Professional Membership Fees – Where membership to Professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees where applicable and following approval by Line Management.

Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority

Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one of employment as such all requests will be considered subject to operation requirements.