Housing associations today face complex challenges that go beyond simply providing affordable homes—they’re tasked with fostering resilient communities, addressing social inequality, and offering holistic support to residents.
To meet these needs, housing associations are increasingly looking to the voluntary and community sector (VCS) to find talent with specialised skills in community building, advocacy, and social impact. Here’s why people with experience in the voluntary sector are uniquely positioned to help housing associations meet their goals and make a lasting difference.
A strong commitment to social impact
Housing associations have missions that often mirror those of voluntary and community organisations: they exist to improve lives, create opportunity, and serve as lifelines for vulnerable individuals. VCS professionals are drawn to purpose-driven work and understand the power of social impact. This mindset is invaluable in housing, where every role—from management to front-line support—benefits from an understanding of social purpose. Housing associations are on the lookout for people with this dedication, knowing they will bring passion and a drive for positive change.
Expertise in community engagement and development
People from the voluntary sector are skilled in fostering community engagement, an essential part of housing association work. These professionals know how to empower residents, establish trust, and facilitate participation in community decisions. For housing associations, this ability to build community cohesion is vital, especially as they strive to create inclusive, vibrant neighbourhoods where residents feel safe and connected. VCS talent can bring proven methods for resident engagement, experience running community programs, and a deep understanding of the local community’s needs.
Crisis management and resilience building
Housing associations support many individuals and families facing challenging circumstances, from homelessness to unemployment and mental health struggles. Voluntary sector professionals are experienced in working with people in crisis, often in highly pressurised environments with limited resources. This background equips them with the adaptability, empathy, and resilience needed to handle sensitive and complex situations within housing associations. VCS talent is also accustomed to working alongside diverse groups and stakeholders, a skill that helps housing associations navigate the complexities of providing tailored support to residents.
Experience in advocacy and social policy
Advocacy is a cornerstone of the voluntary sector, and many VCS professionals bring a wealth of experience in navigating policy landscapes and championing social causes. Housing associations face ever-evolving regulations and policies that directly affect their work and residents’ lives. VCS professionals understand how to advocate for change, influence policy, and work with local authorities to ensure vulnerable populations receive necessary support. They also bring skills in raising awareness and influencing social policy that align perfectly with housing associations’ goals to drive systemic change in housing and social care.
Proven track record in delivering social care
The VCS is known for delivering essential services that address issues like poverty, mental health, and employment—all of which intersect with housing. Housing associations increasingly recognise the need for holistic support services to address the wider needs of their residents. VCS professionals often bring frontline experience from roles that have involved direct service delivery, whether through homelessness support, mental health programmes, or employment assistance. This experience enables housing associations to expand and deepen the services they provide, enhancing support for residents and contributing to sustainable outcomes.
A people-first approach to management
In the voluntary sector, organisations prioritise people over profit, developing people-centred policies and compassionate management practices. Housing associations benefit from this approach, as it aligns with their mission to serve residents effectively. VCS professionals are typically skilled in inclusive, supportive leadership and understand the importance of building a positive, respectful workplace culture. For housing associations looking to improve staff engagement, well-being, and retention, hiring leaders from the voluntary sector can foster a culture where empathy, support, and collaboration drive success.
Innovation and adaptability in complex environments
The VCS is known for its resourcefulness and ability to innovate within complex, ever-changing environments. People working in this sector are used to thinking on their feet, adapting quickly to new challenges, and finding creative solutions with limited resources. Housing associations often operate within similar constraints, making VCS talent a perfect match for roles that require innovation, flexibility, and resilience. These professionals are experienced in adjusting to change and bring fresh perspectives that can help housing associations adapt to new technologies, policy changes, and emerging community needs.
The way forward: Why housing associations should seek out VCS talent
As housing associations tackle social inequality and work to create supportive, inclusive communities, they need professionals with the empathy, resilience, and strategic skills found in the voluntary sector. VCS professionals bring a unique blend of mission-driven experience, hands-on community engagement, and deep-rooted advocacy skills that align perfectly with the work housing associations are doing.
Author
Bev Garside has over thirty years experience supporting organisations within the Civil Society.
She is senior partner at Charity Job Finder which hosts and manages two recruitment websites www.charityjobfinder.co.uk and www.housingjobs.wales
She also runs her 3rd sector consultancy www.thefemalealchemist.com