You can do a foundation degree or degree in:
- housing studies
- social policy
- town planning
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- at least 1 A level for a foundation degree
- 2 to 3 A levels for a degree
Housing policy officer
Housing policy officers research and develop policies for local authorities and housing associations.
Average salary (a year)
£22,000 Starter
to£40,000 Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37 to 39 a week
You could work
9am to 5pm attending events or appointments
How to become a housing policy officer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- a trainee scheme
University
Apprenticeship
You can complete a policy officer higher apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and college qualifications like A levels for a higher or a degree apprenticeship
More information
Work
You can start as an office assistant or housing officer with a housing organisation.
With further training and experience, you could work your way up to become a housing policy officer.
Other routes
You can apply for a training scheme like the GEM programme. This is open to graduates of any subject and non graduates who are already working in housing.
More information
Further information
You can find out more about working in housing from the Chartered Institute of Housing and the National Housing Federation.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
- the ability to work well with others
- analytical thinking skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- knowledge of systems analysis and development
- persistence and determination
- business management skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- researching housing issues and identifying good practice
- collecting data relevant to housing, like health, employment and demographics
- representing housing services on corporate working groups
- producing reports, policy briefings and factsheets
- making recommendations as a result of government initiatives and new legislation
- giving presentations to groups, both inside and outside your organisation
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Career path and progression
You could specialise in a particular policy area, like equality issues, regeneration or research and data collection.
Training opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
Assistant Inquiry Manager (Policy Officer) Apprentice
- Wage : £26,715.00 Annually
- Location: SW1A 0AA
Courses In England
FdA Housing & Community Studies
- Provider: NEW COLLEGE DURHAM
- Start date: 05 June 2020
- Location: DURHAM
Diploma in Building Surveying & Housing Management
- Provider: Sava Ltd
- Start date: 01 June 2019
- Location: Milton Keynes
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