Location: Buckinghamshire County Wide
Overview
We are looking for a proactive Housing Strategy Officer to join our newly restructured Housing Development Team. Our primary goal is to help increase physical housing stock (primarily affordable housing) within Buckinghamshire to meet the needs of our residents.
This is an exciting time to join the Council as we are in the midst of change and transition, with a new Local Plan being developed, and the Housing Strategy being adopted last year. This role will therefore be integral to shaping the future affordable housing delivery in Buckinghamshire through a wide selection of projects.
About us
Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally.
About the role
As a Housing Strategy Officer working in Housing Development, you will be involved in a wide range of enabling activities such as providing advice to colleagues on planning applications and liaising with critical third party partners. The role offers a unique opportunity to understand legislative impacts, shape strategies, work practically with housing providers and see physical delivery of properties on the ground. We are able to offer you training opportunities to grow into the role.
Key responsibilities:
1. Evaluate planning applications and advise on affordable housing provision in line with policy.
2. Lead, develop, monitor and ensure implementation of the Council’s wider Housing Strategy and its associated delivery plans. This includes collecting KPI monitoring data from Registered Providers.
3. Provide insight on housing trends, risks, and best practices in a data-driven manner to inform decision-making.
4. Maintain strong stakeholder relationships and represent the Council in forums and partnerships.
5. Support the management team in working across the Council to ensure homelessness and housing delivery are core elements to other relevant strategies.
6. Engage with development scheme management and the governance processes.
Any-Desk:
As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.
About you
The ideal candidate will have:
7. Essential: A solid background in planning and development.
8. Desirable: Knowledge of Registered Provider operations, affordable housing delivery and/or an understanding of wider housing services such as temporary accommodation.
9. Analytical mindset: Strong data analysis skills with the ability to interpret and present insights clearly.
10. Adaptability: A proactive approach to learning, with a willingness to grow and develop on the job.
11. Communication skills: Confident in communicating effectively across a range of platforms and audiences.