Do you have proven knowledge of social and/or economic policy issues, strong political nous and a campaigning mindset? Then join Shelter as a Policy Officer and help us create real and effective policy changes through successful campaigning.
About Shelter
A home is a fundamental human need, as essential as education or healthcare. Yet millions of people across Britain struggle on a daily basis with homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. So, we are striving for change, with individuals, in communities, across society, and leading the way to a safe home. We need ambitious, best-in-class individuals who are passionate about our cause to join us at this exciting time. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.
At Shelter we are united by our purpose to defend the right to a safe home. Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. We believe that to win that fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement for change. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, fair, equitable and transparent.
We have committed to combat racism both within and outside Shelter and welcome you on our journey to becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.
About the team
Part of our Communication, Policy and Campaigns Division, Shelter’s Policy team is responsible for developing policy on housing and homelessness issues. Grounded in the experience of the people who use Shelter’s services every day, as well as in expert research, the team combines work on short term change in policy and practice at a national and local level with innovative policy development aimed at tackling the root causes of Britain’s housing emergency. Whatever the challenge however, the central focus of the team’s work remains the same - to maximise its contribution to our core mission of delivering positive change for those in housing need.
About the Role
We are recruiting for two Policy Officers, one working on the private rented sector (PRS) and one on Shelter’s campaign for social housing. Working as part of Shelter’s Policy Team, the successful applicant will be responsible for helping to develop Shelter’s policy and responding to government initiatives on a range of housing policy areas. It includes helping to develop innovative and workable proactive policy solutions to fix the housing emergency.
As Policy Officer, you will develop high quality policy outputs and respond to Government initiatives on a range of policy issues. These will include playing a leading role in our work to improve the housing rights of immigrants and marginalised communities and prevention of homelessness amidst the looming cost of living crisis. You will identify policy issues by maintaining your knowledge of relevant policy areas and monitoring emerging issues to develop new policy ideas and solutions. You will also build relationships with government officials, other housing organisations, think tanks and stakeholders in the housing and social policy field to develop and promote our policy and campaign objectives and build consensus.
About you
- Proven knowledge of social and/or economic policy issues and ability to undertake policy development work on specific issues in a wider context;
- Experience of analysing evidence, assessing policy options and developing new ideas;
- Experience in linking policy outputs to communications activities, campaign objectives and the wider political context;
- An understanding of the challenges and barriers private renters, social renters and those in need of social housing experience;
- A passion for tackling inequality and standing for social justice and equity in the housing system;
- Apply an anti-racist approach and lens to your work.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.
Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.