Rural Housing Enabler

• Community Action Suffolk
• Address:Brightspace Ipswich Suffolk IP2 0HH or Kirkley Centre Lowestoft Suffolk NR33 0AZ
• Salary:31295 FTE (28374.13 actual)
• Hours:Up to 34 hours per week
• Contract:Fixed Term until 31 March 2027 (with the potential to extend subject funding) required to start as soon as possible
• Reference:0698

About us

Community Action Suffolk is the countys infrastructure organisation for the Voluntary Community Faith and Social Enterprise sector. We exist to ensure our sector and its volunteers are supported safe and sustainable and that our communities are active and resilient.

Our values of collaborative enabling person centre responsive and trusted are the golden thread which runs through who we are and how we operate and we aim to make them real every day.

About the role

We are seeking a Rural Housing Enabler to join our friendly this role you will play a crucial part in increasing the supply of affordable housing in Suffolk. You will engage with communities and provide a range of support from raising awareness of the need for affordable housing facilitating initial discussions gathering of evidence of need and liaising with other stakeholders. You will assist them throughout the journey of developing their own local housing schemes.

In this role clear communication is essential. Youll be presenting to a range of audiences and working in partnership with communities and community leaders parish councils district and county authorities landowners developers housing organisations and other partners to bring forward affordable rural housing projects in Suffolk. Good IT skills and the ability to build strong relationships are crucial.

You will:

• Have excellent working knowledge of the issues affecting housing in Suffolk and other issues affecting rural communities
• Have experience of working in supporting rural communities thorough consultation for affordable and/or community led housing
• possess a good knowledge and understanding of the principles of quality community consultation
• be working with local authorities parish councils housing associations and similar organisations
• have excellent written and verbal communication skills.

We are a friendly organisation committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive culture in all that we do and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We aim to create a workplace which is welcoming fair and inclusive where people can be themselves and contribute to our vision and values.

You will work within a reputable charity which offers its employees benefits which include:

• Blended working where role allows
• Flexible working options to support work/life balance
• 33 days increasing to a maximum 36 (FTE) annual holiday which includes an allowance for bank holidays
• Up to 4% matched pension contribution
• 2 days pro rata volunteering days to support volunteering in Suffolk
• Staff Discounts Scheme for a range of retailers including shopping holidays insurance eating out and health and leisure activities
• Company Sick Pay Scheme
• Continued Professional Development for job related development
• Family Friendly policies and practices
• Tailored induction

For more information

Please read the Recruitment Pack (pdf).

To find out more about us please visit our website.

If you are interested in the role and would like to learn more please contact Alice WadeDeputy Director of Operations and Business Development for an informal conversation by emailing .

How to apply

Please submit your completed Application Form (Word) by email to Louise Bradshaw at .

Alternatively please post to Louise Bradshaw at Community Action Suffolk 160 Hadleigh Road Ipswich IP2 0HH

Closing date:1pm 7 May 2026

We encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as we reserve the right to close this job listing once a successful candidate is appointed.

Should you not hear from us within 10 working days from receipt of your application you have not been selected for an interview.

We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process or on commencement of post.