At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with communities to boost affordable housing in rural Suffolk.
- Company: Community Action Suffolk, a supportive charity focused on community resilience.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous holiday, pension contributions, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a friendly, inclusive team dedicated to positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing issues and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28374 - 28374 € per year.
Community Action Suffolk (CAS) is the county’s infrastructure organisation for the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector. We exist to ensure our sector, and its volunteers are supported, safe and sustainable and that our communities are active and resilient. Our values of collaborative, enabling, person centred, responsive and trusted are the golden thread which runs through who we are and how we operate, and we aim to make them real every day.
We are seeking a Rural Housing Enabler to join our friendly team. In this role, you will play a crucial part in increasing the supply of affordable housing in Suffolk. You will engage with communities and provide a range of support, from raising awareness of the need for affordable housing, facilitating initial discussions, gathering of evidence of need and liaising with other stakeholders. You will assist them throughout the journey of developing their own local housing schemes. In this role, clear communication is essential. You’ll be presenting to a range of audiences, and working in partnership with communities / community leaders, parish councils, district and county authorities, landowners, developers, housing organisations, and other partners to bring forward affordable rural housing projects in Suffolk. Good IT skills, and the ability to build strong relationships are crucial.
You will have the following experience/skills:
- Excellent working knowledge of the issues affecting housing in Suffolk, and other issues affecting rural communities
- Experience of working in supporting rural communities’ thorough consultation for affordable and/or community led housing
- A good knowledge and understanding of the principles of quality community consultation
- Working with local authorities, parish councils, housing associations and similar organisations
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
We will offer you:
- Blended working where role allows
- Flexible working options to support work/life balance
- 33 days (FTE) increasing to a maximum 36 (FTE) annual holiday which includes an allowance for bank holidays
- Up to 4% matched pension contribution
- 2 days pro rata volunteering days to support volunteering in Suffolk
- A staff discounts scheme for a range of retailers including shopping, holidays, insurance, eating out and health and leisure activities
- A company sick pay scheme
- Continued professional development for job related development
- Family friendly policies and practices
- A tailored induction.
To find out more, if you are interested in the role and would like to learn more, please email alice.wade@communityactionssuffolk.org.uk for an informal conversation. We are a friendly organisation, committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive culture in all that we do, and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We aim to create a workplace which is welcoming, fair, and inclusive, where people can be themselves and contribute to our vision and values. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, or on commencement of post.
How to apply: For more information and for a copy of our application pack, please visit our website. Alternatively, please email Louise Bradshaw on louise.bradshaw@communityactionsuffolk.org.uk. Completed applications should be emailed to louise.bradshaw@communityactionsuffolk.org.uk or sent via post to Louise Bradshaw, at Community Action Suffolk, 160 Hadleigh Road, Ipswich, IP2 0HH by the closing date below.
Closing date: 1 pm, 16 June 2026. Applications for this role will be reviewed and considered on an ongoing basis until the role is filled. Interviews will be arranged according to availability. We therefore encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment, as we reserve the right to close this job listing once a successful candidate is appointed.
Rural Housing Enabler in Suffolk employer: Suffolk County Council
Community Action Suffolk is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working options, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to continued development, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in their communities while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. Join our friendly team in Ipswich, where your contributions will help shape the future of affordable housing in rural Suffolk.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Rural Housing Enabler in Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Community Action Suffolk. Understand their values and mission, and think about how your skills as a Rural Housing Enabler can align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since clear communication is key for this role, try rehearsing your presentation skills. You could even ask a friend to role-play as a community leader or stakeholder to help you get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the VCFSE sector or those who have worked with Community Action Suffolk before. They might give you insider tips or even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application early to avoid missing out. Plus, applying directly through our site shows your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Rural Housing Enabler in Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Community:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for community work shine through. We want to see how much you care about affordable housing and supporting rural communities in Suffolk.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in your application. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've engaged with communities or worked on housing projects, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Clear communication is key in this role, so make sure your application reflects that. Keep your language straightforward and to the point, ensuring we can easily see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Early!:We review applications on an ongoing basis, so don’t wait until the last minute! Submit your application through our website as soon as you can to increase your chances of being considered.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, dive deep into the housing issues affecting Suffolk and rural communities. Familiarise yourself with local statistics, recent developments, and community needs. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since clear communication is key for this position, prepare to demonstrate your verbal and written skills. Think of examples where you've successfully engaged with diverse audiences or facilitated discussions. Practising a mock presentation can also help you feel more confident.
✨Build Relationships in Mind
Reflect on your past experiences working with local authorities, parish councils, and housing associations. Be ready to share specific instances where you built strong relationships and how that contributed to successful projects. This will highlight your collaborative nature.
✨Emphasise Your IT Proficiency
Good IT skills are crucial for this role, so be prepared to discuss your experience with relevant software or tools. If you have examples of how you've used technology to support community consultation or project management, make sure to bring those up during the interview.
