Policy Officer

As the UK's leading Social Enterprise, we move lives forward every day by building, managing and supporting thriving Communities. From new homes, social housing and student accommodation to leisure, education and Community initiatives, our work makes a positive difference to millions of People across the UK. And that takes People who care about doing the right thing. People who are ambitious, ready to grow and motivated to make a difference through the work they do.

We're looking for Colleagues who bring energy, curiosity and ownership. People who enjoy being challenged, support those around them and want to keep raising the bar. Because when we perform at our best, we create more opportunities to invest in our Customers, our Communities and each other.

Experience matters, but it's only part of the story. If you share our values and want to build a career where your work has real impact, we'd love to hear from you.

More about the role

The role is FTC for 12 months

As a Policy Officer, you will help the business understand changes in the policy, political, economic and regulatory environment, assessing respective impacts.

This entails leading horizon scanning and providing regular, accessible updates on the operating environment. Drawing on evidence and data from a range of sources, you will research key sector developments, assess their implications and help shape practical responses where applicable.

You are expected to lead consultation responses and influencing activity, supporting the development of public policy positions. Other responsibilities include leading or co-leading policy projects from initial research through to implementation.

More about you

You can turn complex policy, economic, political and regulatory developments into clear, practical insight. Ownership is key to your working ethos, alongside confidence and adaptability when working with senior stakeholders.

With an open mind, you approach problems thoughtfully, identify effective solutions and use evidence to make well-reasoned recommendations. You are also comfortable working with substantial amounts of written information and data, and using digital tools to improve quality and productivity. As a self-starter, ambiguity and uncertainty are seen as an opportunities to influence and be proactive.

Knowledge of public/housing policy and an understanding of the UK political and economic environment would be particularly valuable.

Essential qualities

• An undergraduate or post-graduate degree in one or more of the following fields: politics, economics, public policy or any related fields.
• An understanding of the policy development process, i.e. the ability to problem solve and think critically.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable with large amounts of written information and data.
• Adept with software such Microsoft tools (word, excel, power point, co-pilot) and comfortable with using AI to enhance quality and productivity.

Preferred qualities

• Strong knowledge of housing-related policy and/or economics.
• Experience of working in a policy, public affairs or regulatory environment.

What you'll get

We know rewarding work deserves rewarding benefits. That's why, alongside a competitive salary, you'll have access to a package designed to support you at work and beyond.

You'll receive:

• Competitive salary, with a salary review yearly

• Pension with matched contributions up to 7%

• Excellent holiday package – up to 35 days annual leave with the option to buy or sell leave

• Cashback plan for healthcare costs – up to £500 saving per year

• A bonus scheme for all colleagues at 2%

• Training and development

• Extra perks including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much more

What's next?

If you meet the criteria and are ready to make the next step in your career then apply following our simple 5 minute application process, upload a CV and a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the role. If you have any questions please email the recruitment team [email protected]

As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we offer a guaranteed interview to candidates who are disabled, neurodiverse, or have served in the Armed Forces, provided you meet the essential criteria for the role. If you would like to be considered under this scheme, please indicate this in your application. 

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview experience, please let us know. We're happy to work with you to ensure you have the opportunity to perform at your best.

If you are a Places for People customer and you're looking for support with your application, please contact our skills and employment team on [email protected] .

Please note that we may bring the closing date forward, if we receive a large number of quality applications. If you are interested in this role we would advise applying immediately to avoid disappointment.

If you are using a mobile device such as an iPad then ensure your CV is stored in the cloud, we currently support Google Drive, OneDrive and Dropbox.

W e understand the importance of a supportive and inclusive work culture so please talk to us at interview about flexibility you may need. We can't promise to give you exactly what you want, but we promise not to judge you for asking. For this role we are open to discussing the possibility of reduced hours, flexible start and finish times or compressed hours.

If you are a recruitment agency please note we operate a PSL and do not take cold calls

Safeguarding

At Places for People, safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We are committed to creating safe communities for our customers and colleagues by protecting children, young people, and adults at risk from harm, abuse, and neglect.

We follow robust safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring all employees, volunteers, and contractors uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and accountability. Our recruitment process includes pre-employment checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where applicable, to promote a safe and secure working environment.

By joining Places for People, you are expected to contribute to our safeguarding culture, following our policies and reporting concerns to protect those in our communities