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- 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, 33 days holiday, pension contributions, and professional development.
- Other info: Join a friendly team committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local communities while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in community consultation and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 31295 - 31295 £ per year.
Community Action Suffolk is the county’s infrastructure organisation for the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise 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 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 and 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 excellent working knowledge of the issues affecting housing in Suffolk, and other issues affecting rural communities
- Have experience of working in supporting rural communities through consultation for affordable and/or community-led housing
- Possess a good knowledge and understanding of the principles of quality community consultation
- Be working with local authorities, parish councils, housing associations and similar organisations
- Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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.
You will work within a reputable charity which offers its employees benefits which include:
- Blended working where role allows
- Flexible working options to support work/life balance
- 33 days 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
- Staff Discounts Scheme for a range of retailers including shopping, holidays, insurance, eating out and health and leisure activities
- Company Sick Pay Scheme
- Continued Professional Development for job-related development
- Family Friendly policies and practices
- Tailored induction
If you are interested in the role and would like to learn more, please contact Alice Wade, Deputy Director of Operations and Business Development for an informal conversation by emailing alice.wade@communityactionssuffolk.org.uk.
Please submit your completed Application Form (Word) by email to Louise Bradshaw at louise.bradshaw@communityactionsuffolk.org.uk. Alternatively, please post to Louise Bradshaw, at Community Action Suffolk, 160 Hadleigh Road, Ipswich, IP2 0HH.
Closing date: 1pm, 7 May 2026. We 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. Should you not hear from us within 10 working days from receipt of your application you have not been selected for an interview. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, or on commencement of post.
Rural Housing Enabler in Ipswich employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
Contact Detail:
Suffolk Jobs Direct Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Rural Housing Enabler in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector, attend local events, and connect with community leaders. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for affordable housing! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or at networking events, share your thoughts on the importance of community-led housing. Your enthusiasm can make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Community Action Suffolk and their projects. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you articulate why you’re the perfect fit for the Rural Housing Enabler role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission to support communities in Suffolk.
We think you need these skills to ace Rural Housing Enabler in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role of a Rural Housing Enabler. Brush up on the issues affecting housing in Suffolk and how they impact rural communities. This knowledge will help you tailor your application to show that you're the right fit for us.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We want to see your communication skills shine through, so avoid jargon and keep it simple.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for affordable housing and community engagement come through in your application. Share any relevant experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in rural communities. We love to see candidates who are genuinely passionate about our mission!
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Plus, applying early gives you a better chance to stand out before we start reviewing applications.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the housing issues affecting Suffolk and rural communities. Brush up on local statistics, recent developments, and community needs. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since clear communication is key for this role, practice presenting your ideas clearly and confidently. You might want to rehearse with a friend or family member, focusing on how you would engage with different stakeholders like parish councils or housing organisations.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Community Action Suffolk values collaboration, so be ready to discuss examples of how you've worked effectively with others in the past. Think about times when you’ve facilitated discussions or built relationships with various groups, and be prepared to share those stories.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about their current projects, challenges they face in rural housing, or how they measure success in community engagement. It shows you're engaged and eager to contribute.