At a Glance
- Tasks: Facilitate affordable housing projects in rural Wiltshire by engaging with communities and stakeholders.
- Company: Community First, dedicated to improving lives in Wiltshire and Swindon for 60 years.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real difference in communities.
- Other info: Opportunity for job share or associate roles, with potential for contract extension.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping affordable housing solutions for rural communities.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for community engagement and experience in housing development preferred.
The predicted salary is between 32164 - 32164 € per year.
Salary: 32,164 FTE (17,624 pro rata for 20 hours)
Hours of work: 20 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends (Open to Job share or associate)
Contract: Fixed term until the end of March 2027 with possible extension
A bit about us: Community First has been supporting Wiltshire and Swindon communities for 60 years. Our team goes the extra mile to create brighter futures for those living and working in the county. Putting people first is at the heart of everything we do.
We are looking for an enthusiastic facilitator who can bring together professional stakeholders and communities to help plan for a better future through appropriate small-scale housing development. You will be working in partnership with local communities and Local Authorities to achieve affordable rural housing across rural Wiltshire. You will engage with communities, housing organisations, Parish Councils, Local Authorities, landowners, developers, agents, planners, other partners and community leaders to bring forward sites and solutions to meet local need through the provision of affordable housing projects on rural sites.
Main Duties:
- Support, advise and steer communities, and town and parish councillors from their initial interest in providing affordable housing, through scheme inception and pre-development phases to completion.
- Contribute to the delivery of the Action with Communities in Rural England Rural Housing Enabler (RHE) programme through active cooperation and consultation across the network, including participation in meetings and knowledge sharing (with a focus on collaboration with neighbouring Counties such as Dorset and Somerset).
- Attend training and development activities, contribute to policy consultations, and provide timely advice and support in response to requests from network members.
- Assist communities identify the nature and extent of affordable local housing need in their community, including where appropriate through a Housing Needs Survey.
- Support rural communities to choose a delivery option that best suits their capacity and in the knowledge of the availability of local technical support.
- Assist communities identify a deliverable site for development of affordable housing and/or secure affordable housing as part of market led schemes.
- Work with communities to build and maintain support for the scheme, ensuring the community is meaningfully engaged throughout the pre-development process, including during scheme design.
- Work collaboratively with Wiltshire Community Land Trust (WCLT), where appropriate, to support the development and delivery of community-led housing initiatives and affordable rural housing schemes.
- Building collaborative partnerships with key partners to provide a clear pathway to a successful planning application and delivery. Partners may include, but are not limited to, local communities, parish councils, housing association staff, officers from the Local Housing Authority and the Local Planning authority and local developers.
- Act as an honest broker between the different parties, providing informed and impartial advice.
- Support Neighbourhood and Community Plan groups implement their proposals and policies for delivering rural affordable housing.
- Create a supportive policy and political environment for rural affordable housing by providing training and advice to key stakeholders.
Due to the nature of the work, you will be required to undertake a satisfactory DBS check.
Find out more and apply: If you would like to find out more about this position, please contact Harry Tipple, Deputy CEO.
To apply, please download the application form and click apply now below to upload your completed application form and covering letter online. CV's will not be considered.
Closing date (and time): Midday on 1st of June 2026
Interview date: 9th of June 2026
Commencement date: As soon as possible
Rural Housing Enabler in England employer: Wiltshire Council
Community First is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment in the heart of Wiltshire. With a strong focus on community engagement and professional development, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on rural housing initiatives while enjoying flexible working hours and opportunities for job sharing. Join us in creating brighter futures for local communities and be part of a team that values your contributions and growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Rural Housing Enabler in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with local communities, housing organisations, and councils. Attend events, workshops, or even casual meet-ups to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for rural housing! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or stakeholders, share your enthusiasm for affordable housing and community development. Let them see how much you care about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for interviews by researching Community First and their projects. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to take that next step in your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Rural Housing Enabler in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand Community First and what we stand for. We’re all about putting people first, so make sure your application reflects that ethos!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Make sure to highlight your experience and skills that align with the role of Rural Housing Enabler. Show us how you can engage with communities and stakeholders effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application form and writing your covering letter, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about why you’re the right fit for us.
Follow the Instructions:Make sure you download the application form and fill it out as instructed. Remember, CVs won’t be considered, so focus on completing the form and uploading it along with your covering letter through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wiltshire Council
✨Know Your Community
Familiarise yourself with the specific rural communities in Wiltshire and Swindon. Understand their unique housing needs and challenges. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to supporting local residents during the interview.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with various stakeholders in the past. Highlight your ability to engage with community members, local authorities, and other partners. This role is all about collaboration, so demonstrating your teamwork skills is crucial.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as resolving conflicts between stakeholders or engaging a reluctant community. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and prepare your responses to showcase your problem-solving abilities.
✨Demonstrate Passion for Affordable Housing
Express your enthusiasm for affordable housing initiatives and community development. Share any relevant experiences or projects you've been involved in that align with the mission of Community First. Your passion can set you apart from other candidates.
