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- Tasks: Facilitate affordable housing development in rural Wiltshire by engaging with communities and stakeholders.
- Company: Community First, a dedicated organisation supporting local communities for over 60 years.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for job share or associate roles, with potential for contract extension.
- Why this job: Be a key player in creating brighter futures through community-led housing initiatives.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for community engagement and experience in housing or project management.
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.
- 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.
If you would like to find out more about this position, please contact Harry Tipple, Deputy CEO: 01380 732 824 or htipple@communityfirst.org.uk
To apply, please download the application form and click 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 Devizes employer: Wiltshire
Contact Detail:
Wiltshire Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Rural Housing Enabler in Devizes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with local communities, housing organisations, and other stakeholders. Attend events, workshops, or community meetings to meet people who can help you land that Rural Housing Enabler role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for affordable housing! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or partners, share your enthusiasm for making a difference in rural communities. Let them know why this role matters to you and how you can contribute.
✨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 align with 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 making a positive impact in Wiltshire and Swindon.
We think you need these skills to ace Rural Housing Enabler in Devizes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Rural Housing Enabler. Highlight the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description to tailor your application accordingly.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about affordable housing and how your experience aligns with our mission at Community First. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to get to know you!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out the application form, be sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in community engagement, housing development, or working with local authorities. We love seeing how your background can contribute to our goals.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the easiest way for us to receive your materials and ensures everything is in one place. Plus, it shows you're tech-savvy and ready to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wiltshire
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, dive deep into the communities you'll be working with. Understand their unique needs and challenges regarding affordable housing. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
Highlight your experience in working with various stakeholders like local authorities, community leaders, and housing organisations. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully facilitated partnerships in the past.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle specific situations, such as engaging a reluctant community or navigating planning applications. Think through potential scenarios and prepare your responses to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Rural Development
Communicate your enthusiasm for rural housing initiatives and community development. Share any relevant experiences or projects that reflect your commitment to improving the lives of those in rural areas.