Head of Policy
Closing date: Monday 27 January 2020 at 11.30 pm
Interviews: Monday 10 February 2020 in London
Do you have a good understanding of social policy and broader policy context, coupled with specific knowledge of housing and homelessness issues? Experience of developing and leading large and complex policy programmes of significant impact? Then join Shelter as Head of Policy and you could soon be providing us with the policy expertise we need to develop new thinking and solutions for housing and homelessness issues.
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.
About the Role
At Shelter we pride ourselves on rooting our campaigning in deep expertise on housing and homelessness and a thorough understanding of what needs to change in order that everyone can have a decent place to call home. We have a strong reputation for bringing solutions and raising awareness of problems, accordingly, the role of Head of Policy is an absolutely critical one within the charity. There could hardly be a better time to take on this challenge either. A year into our new strategy, and with a new government in place, we need someone who can help define the vision for the future of housing in this country. Thanks in large part to our campaigning over the years, housing is now high up the public and political agenda. However, we need to turn this into change that genuinely transforms people’s lives. You’ll help lead the way.
About you
We’re seeking someone with a real passion for ending the housing crisis and the intellectual capacity and curiosity to seek out and develop the best ideas for doing this. As well as strong political nous, you’ll need the communication and leadership skills it takes to work with the wider Shelter team in making these ideas a reality. You’ll also need a track record in devising fresh, creative and workable policy solutions, a good understanding of Westminster, Whitehall, and local and regional government and experience of influencing politicians and decision makers.
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.
To find out more about the role and the benefits of working for Shelter please visit our website. Apply to be part of our Policy team and be the change you want to see in society.
Safeguarding is everyone’s business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.
At Shelter, we welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, gender, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation. We also encourage applications from people, who have been homeless or have been at risk of homelessness. We are facing diverse problems, so need diverse people to tackle them.
Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.