According to recent reports social housing is one of the top ten recession-proof sectors to work in.
With a growing need for new homes, the social housing sector is buoyant and has become a credible and attractive career choice.
The government aims for 240,000 new homes to be built by 2016. This increase in the provision of social houses has fuelled an attractive housing jobs market, with more housing management and supported housing jobs available for housing specialists. Housing jobs provide opportunities to work for: housing associations, local authorities, ALMOs (Arm’s Length Management Organisations) charities and not-for-profit organisations.
There are many different roles in housing organisations which require a mix of knowledge and experience. Organisations are looking for a range of skills, including accountants, procurement specialists and construction workers. Other secure sectors include health and social care, education and risk and compliance and there are many different entry points.
Interesting developments which could affect those working in a housing career, include a new project – National Conversation – that aims to identify and promote best practice by social housing providers in England. This was launched just recently on 1 July 2009 by the Tenant Services Authority (TSA).
Providers such as housing associations, local authorities and ALMOs are invited to make bids to support the development of agreements between landlords and their tenants to develop ‘local deals’. The aim is to enhance the level of service in response to particular needs and also to strengthen landlord accountabilities to their local community.
The TSA is keen to learn from providers who already involve their residents in the design and delivery of locally responsive services so that this existing best practice can be shared and used to inform the development of the TSA’s Standards Framework. The project will provide a platform for residents to talk about the services which they are offered, from repairs and tenant empowerment to governance and value for money.
Those with jobs in housing will be keen to hear that the scheme follows the publication of a TSA discussion paper which, using results from the first consultation phase of the project, includes how to tackle antisocial behaviour and a focus on effective housing repairs, as being main priorities for landlords. With the bid scheme in place, this project could impact how Government spending is allocated within this sector in accordance with priority needs and services, therefore further impacting the demand for housing jobs in a positive way.
and further education jobs .