Recruitment pack Policy Manager Location: Aldgate, London Contract type: Permanent Hours: Full time Salary: 34,000 (incl ILW) Closing Date: 9am Monday 30th April 2018 Interviews: Tuesday 8th May 2018
Introduction From Caroline Bernard, Head of Policy and Communications (Job Share) Dear Candidate Thank you for your interest in this post. This pack will give you some more information about the role. Please feel free to contact us if anything is not clear or you have further questions. Homelss Link is the national membership charity for frontline homelessness agencies and the wider housing with health, care and support sector in England. With around 800 members, we work to improve services and campaign for policy change that will help end homelessness and ensure that everyone has a place to call home and the support they need to keep it. Our member agencies range from hostels, day centres, street-based outreach work and resettlement suppport to wider supported housing, health and social care provders. Our focus is to change the way that we, as a society, think and act towards single people who become homeless and other vulnerable groups. We do this by influencing policy and strategy at a national and local level. We also work, in partnership with our members, to ensure services for the most vulnerable in society are the best they can be and to seek out alternative solutions. We give information, advice and a fresh perspective; connecting organisations and people. In addition, we provide a range of support to our members via events, training, consultancy and other services, including In-Form, our client monitoring system. We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Policy Manager to work on a range of policy issues relating to homelessness and supported housing to help us to maintain our high profile with policy makers, national and local government and other stakeholders. We are looking for someone with the right set of skills, attitude and approach, and who is able to gather evidence and analyse policy impacts to achieve positive change for people who are homeless. The successful candidate will be an effective communicator who is confident in managing a varied workload and building relationships across the voluntary and statutory sectors. The role is offered as a permanent contract. The starting salary is 34,000.00 per annum, including inner London weighting, plus a generous package of benefits including 30 days annual leave, flexible working and a contributory pension scheme. Please note, it is our policy for new appointees to commence employment at the starting salary. Finally, we are actively seeking to increase diversity within our organisation and would greatly welcome interest from people with direct experience of homelessness, from a black or minority ethnic background and/or with a disability. We thank you for your interest and look forward to receiving your application. Caroline Bernard Head of Policy & Communications (Job Share) Recruitment Pack 2
About us Our vision Our vision is a country free of homelessness where everyone has a place to call home and can expect the support they need to keep it. To achieve this ambition, as a society, we need to: Act faster to prevent people losing their homes Ensure that if some becomes homeless, it s for the shortest time possible Provide long-term accommodation and help for people with complex problems Support people to realise their potential and avoid homelessness in the future. What we do We are the national membership charity for organisations working directly with people who experience homelessness in England. We work to make services better and campaign for policy change that will help end homelessness. Advice and support We look for and share good practice from the front line, helping others to boost the quality of their work. We also develop new products that can help improve services and fund our campaign to end homelessness. Our national and regional teams offer support, link up agencies, and provide advice, consultancy and tools to help improve services. Information, research and training We provide access to a wealth of up-to-date information, including good practice toolkits, the latest research, sector news and policy updates. We also pilot new approaches to tackling homelessness and supports staff to improve their skills through training. With data on thousands of services, we use information to identify trends and enable the public and professionals to find local help and support. Influencing We work with local and national Government to improve the policies that affect people experiencing homelessness. Using our detailed knowledge of what s happening on the ground we campaign to challenge preconceptions and help bring about change. Networking and events Through our national, regional and online events we provide professionals with the opportunity to network with others in the sector sharing knowledge, experiences and solutions. For more information Visit our website: www.homeless.org.uk Recruitment Pack 3
The job Role Description JOB PURPOSE To lead on identified policy areas and policy projects to effectively underpin and support Homeless Link s ability to influence government at all levels (national and local). To provide high level policy and research analysis to ensure there is an informed understanding of key policy issues in Government and among other key decision makers and to motivate them to make changes that will have a positive impact for the most vulnerable and marginalised in society. To ensure Homeless Link members are informed of critical policy impacts and our analysis is widely disseminated. To lead on and develop knowledge and expertise on specific policy areas, with a particular focus on the supported housing sector (via our Supported Housing Alliance work-stream), health and social care sectors, as well as on other policy issues impacting on homelessness. To support the Head of Policy and Communications and Director of Policy and Communications on developing campaigns and to lead on the delivery of our campaigning work. ACCOUNTABILITY The Policy Manager reports to the Head of Policy and Communications. LOCATION Office based. Willingness to travel within the UK and occasionally overseas. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES Policy Analysis, Influencing and Campaigning To identify, plan, lead, deliver and evaluate policy projects that will contribute to Homeless Link s strategic aims, in consultation with the Head of Policy & Communications. To analyse a wide range of relevant policy, research and other data and quickly reach conclusions, identify potential impacts and alternative solutions, and develop action plans in order for Homeless Link to effectively influence and bring about change. To develop a thorough understanding of policies and strategies that have the most impact on those experiencing multiple disadvantage and on the work of our members. To monitor the implications of legislation before and during its passage through Parliament and to advise on appropriate interventions. Where relevant to seek out and use the direct experience of homeless people and incorporate into the policy work, including through supporting Homeless Link s Expert Advisory Panel. To establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with members, policy makers in government, opinion formers and the homelessness, housing, health and social care sectors. To put persuasive arguments to key decisions makers and other audiences to gain support for the changes we seek. To proactively identify and build up relationships with key champions for homelessness within Parliament, in the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Recruitment Pack 4
To prepare succinct and influential reports, consultation responses, briefings, articles and web pages on policy issues for a range of audiences. To build up contact with members and offer support on policy issues. To develop campaign ideas with the Communications Manager, Head of Policy and Communications and the Director of Policy and Communications and to lead on the implementation of agreed campaigns. To represent Homeless Link on external partnerships and at external events, including giving presentations. To develop and identify new initiatives and opportunities that stimulate new ways of thinking in relation to homelessness, the wider supported housing, health and social care sectors. To effectively plan, manage and monitor the resources for the policy projects (including budgets, knowledge and contacts). Team To deputise for the Head of Policy and Communications, as required. To work with fellow Policy Manager to ensure delivery of the policy work plan and to coordinate and align stakeholder relationships. To contribute to the overall work of the Policy and Communications team, responding to changing requirements, including the development and delivery of policy consultancy projects. To work with the Head of Policy and Communications and the Communications staff to ensure the effective external communication of our policy work and impact, and to contribute to the development of organisational policy positions and key messages. To support the Head of Policy and Communications in developing new ideas and proposals for fundraising bids to sustain the work of the Policy and Communications team. Working across Homeless Link To work across Homeless Link s teams to ensure that our policy work complements and effectively supports the wider work of the organisation. To assist with coordinating the work of Homeless Link s National Advisory Council to ensure it is an effective strategic forum for informing policy responses, initiatives and development. GENERAL Roles and objectives in Homeless Link may change. All members of staff are expected to be prepared to work flexibly in response to changing business needs. All members of staff are expected to undertake any other responsibilities or tasks that are consistent with their role and/or reasonably required by the Chief Executive. All members of staff are required to operate in accordance with Homeless Link s values, policies and procedures. This is a description of the job as it is presently constituted. It is the practice of Homeless Link to examine job descriptions from time to time and to update them to ensure they relate to the job as then being performed, or to incorporate whatever changes are required to reflect business needs. This will be conducted in consultation with you. It is the organisation s aim to reach agreement on changes, but if agreement is not possible, the organisation reserves the right to insist on changes to your job description, after consultation with you. Recruitment Pack 5
PERSON SPECIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE FOR THE ROLE Essential Knowledge of political and policymaking processes in the UK at national, regional and local levels Knowledge of the current policy context in relation to homelessness, social exclusion, health and social care, or a related field Knowledge and understanding of effective methods and approaches to public affairs and policy influencing Expert knowledge on one or more of the following policy areas homelessness, housing (in particular, supported housing), health, social care, and/or multiple needs EXPERIENCE AND TRACK RECORD Essential Project management planning and setting up new projects/ideas and effective delivery and evaluation of projects that have effected change across or within organisations Analysing public policy, drawing conclusions and making recommendations and monitoring the impact of policy and legislation Effectively influencing policy makers and opinions formers and experience of lobbying on legislation and/or public affairs experience Using evidence to develop alternative solutions and presenting a persuasive case for change Developing, brokering and sustaining effective relationships with a wide range of people at different levels within different sectors, for example, national and/or local government, senior government officials, public bodies and the voluntary sector Producing timely, clear, succinct and accessible reports and policy briefings Planning and managing a workload with conflicting demands to ensure deadlines are met and tasks are completed Negotiation and problem solving Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and ability to adapt tone and content to a variety of different audiences in order to effectively engage and influence Being self-administering, including strong IT skills, and able to work independently without close supervision Experience of resource management Desirable Experience of working in health and/or social care and/or supported housing sectors. Experience of fundraising and income generation, including writing fundraising proposals GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ROLES AT HOMELESS LINK Essential Willingness and ability to work outside normal office hours and travel within the UK and occasionally overseas Willingness and ability to operate in accordance with the values and policies of Homeless Link Willingness and ability to work flexibly in response to changing organisational requirements Commitment to bring into the work the views, needs and voices of people with direct experience of homelessness Recruitment Pack 6
Desirable A sound understanding of the causes, consequences and solutions to homelessness based on direct experience KEY COMPETENCIES Please note that these are for your information only at this stage. You do not have to address them in your application. We will look for evidence of these during the interview and testing stage if you are shortlisted. Personal Contribution Personal effectiveness: Motivated, perseverant and well-organised, takes responsibility for results. Problem solving: analyses problems and takes responsibility for identifying solutions Initiative: shows initiative in considering options for delivering objectives Working with others Team member: committed member of broader teams and takes responsibility to contribute to problem solving for organisation more widely. Customer focused: Focused on views and needs of service customer. Communication: Concise and accurate & where appropriate influential. Organisational Contribution Systematic: uses and contributes to organisational systems to manage resources and knowledge Project management: plans and organises projects that may involve many elements of the organisation and its membership. Resource management: Plans, develops and manages resources efficiently to deliver best maximum results. Recruitment Pack 7
How to apply Explanation of terms used Role description: gives details of the duties of the post. Use this as a guide to decide whether or not you think the job would suit you. Person specification: lists the criteria, which will be used to assess your application & covers the qualifications, specialist knowledge, experience and track record that we are looking for. Key competencies: these are for your information. We will look for evidence of all these during the interview and testing stage if you are shortlisted. Supporting people with disabilities Homeless Link is committed to improving its employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Please let us know if you have a disability we should take into consideration in this section. If you require support, modifications, adjustments, or special equipment to assist you with the recruitment process, please also include brief details about this. The line manager for the role will contact you to discuss your requirements if you are shortlisted. Supporting people with experience of homelessness As part of Homeless Link s commitment to support people with experience of homelessness, we have committed to giving feedback to applicants who have experience of homelessness. If you are happy for the panel to know if you have had experience of homelessness and you would like to contact us for feedback on your application, please tick the Yes box in this section. All applicants are able to request feedback following the interview stage. Referees One of the referees that you provide should be your present or most recent employer. If you have not been employed, or have been out of employment for a period of time, you may wish to give the name of anyone who knows you sufficiently well to confirm the information that you have given and to comment on your ability to do the job. Notifying you about your application Please note we are not able to acknowledge receipt of individual applications or notify applicants individually if you have not been shortlisted. We will notify shortlisted applicants within 5 working days of the closing date. Homeless Link is unable to give feedback on applications that have not been shortlisted. Sending in your application Please submit your Application form and the equal opportunities monitoring form and email them to recruitment@homelesslink.org.uk. The closing date is 9am on Monday 30 April with interviews on Tuesday 8 May. Applications received after the published closing date will not be considered. For any queries about the post, please call 020 7840 4458 or email recruitment@homelesslink.org.uk quoting the job title. Recruitment Pack 8
What we do Homeless Link is the national membership charity for organisations working directly with people who become homeless in England. We work to make services better and campaign for policy change that will help end homelessness. Let s end homelessness together Homeless Link Minories House, 2-5 Minories London EC3N 1BJ 020 7840 4430 www.homeless.org.uk www.in-form.org.uk Twitter: @Homelesslink Facebook: www.facebook.com/homelesslink Recruitment Pack 9 Homeless Link 2017. All rights reserved. Homeless Link is a charity no. 1089173 and