Senior Policy & Programmes Lead, National Housing

About The Association Of Directors Of Housing

The Association of Directors of Housing (ADoH) is a new and rapidly growing membership body, representing and connecting senior housing and homelessness leaders in local authorities across England. ADoH is currently hosted by the London Borough of Southwark.

Our vision is to be the leading professional voice for local authorities in England on housing and homelessness issues, bridging the gap between local expertise and national policy, and driving informed and impactful solutions to the housing crisis. We believe everyone has a right to a good, secure, affordable home in a place where they want to live. By harnessing the collective knowledge and experience of our members, we work with communities, industry experts, sector partners and government to share best practice, learnings and skills – strengthening the delivery of vital housing and homelessness services.

Our members are experts in helping local people to access good quality, affordable homes, in addition to tackling and preventing homelessness. They lead the delivery of new build homes, bring empty properties back into use, and oversee the refurbishment of existing stock – including homes owned and managed by councils as custodians of social housing.

As ADoH approaches its second year of operation, we are looking for a Senior Policy and Programmes Officer to support the ongoing growth, coordination and influence of the Association. The role is hosted on behalf of ADoH by the London Borough of Southwark. This is a hands‑on and highly visible role at the heart of a national network, working closely with ADoH’s Leadership Board, local authority housing and homelessness directors, and a wide range of partners.

Reporting to the Director of Strategy, Impact and Operations, the Senior Policy and Programmes Officer will play a central role in advancing ADoH’s policy, research, programme and network activity. This will involve turning member insight into clear, evidence‑based policy positions, supporting collaborative work across councils, and contributing to the development of our growing national network. The role brings together research and analysis, programme coordination, senior stakeholder engagement and practical support for key events.

What You'll Be Doing

The postholder will operate with a high degree of autonomy, leading workstreams independently and representing ADoH credibly at national level with senior leaders in central government, local government and a wide range of partners.

As Senior Policy and Programmes Officer, your responsibilities will include:

• Policy, Research and Insight
  • Leading the development of ADoH’s policy positions through research, horizon scanning and analysis.
  • Turning member insight into clear, evidence‑based briefings, reports and consultation responses.
  • Monitoring national policy developments and advising the Director of Strategy, Impact and Operations and ADoH members on implications for local government housing and homelessness services.
• Programme and Network Coordination
  • Coordinating and leading ADoH’s programmes of work, including thematic groups, research commissions and collaborative projects, with responsibility for setting priorities and managing delivery with minimal oversight.
  • Supporting the planning and delivery of member events, workshops and national meetings.
  • Helping to strengthen ADoH’s national network by maintaining effective communication channels and facilitating shared learning.
• Member and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Building and maintaining strong relationships with housing and homelessness directors, senior officials within central government departments, national sector bodies and system partners.
  • Gathering intelligence from members to inform ADoH activity and ensure local government voices influence national discussions.
  • Engaging at director-level and equivalent to influence thinking, broker consensus and support collaborative approaches to complex housing and homelessness challenges.
• Organisational Support
  • Contributing to the development of ADoH’s internal processes, communications and member services as the Association grows.
  • Budget monitoring and reporting.
  • Providing high‑quality organisational and project support to ensure the smooth delivery of ADoH’s workplan.

What We're Looking For

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who brings strong policy instincts, confidence working with senior stakeholders, and a genuine commitment to improving housing and homelessness services. You’ll be analytical, organised and collaborative, able to balance detailed policy work with programme coordination and relationship‑building across a national network. You’ll be proactive and adaptable, comfortable working in a growing organisation where ideas develop quickly and teamwork is central.

To Be Considered, You’ll Need To Demonstrate

• Experience working in housing, local government, or a related public policy or membership‑based organisation.
• Strong knowledge of the housing and homelessness landscape and the challenges facing local authorities.
• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement, policy development and project or programme delivery.
• Excellent research and analytical skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise and compelling written outputs.
• Demonstrable experience of engaging at a national level with senior stakeholders, including local authority leaders, government officials and sector partners to influence policy or programme outcomes.
• Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and communicate complex information effectively to diverse audiences.

Additional Information

Recruitment Timeline

• Closing date: 07 June 2026
• Shortlisting: 10 June 2026
• Interviews: 22 June 2026

This role is also available as a secondment to internal and external applicants from associated local and central government organisations.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care or have previously been in care.
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition.

Benefits

Working for Southwark Council – Southwark. There are shift enhancements for out of hours and weekend working associated with this post. Benefits include: 29 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays, competitive pension scheme and excellent support for learning and development.