Job Description

• Community Action Suffolk
• Address: Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 0HH
• Salary: £28,374 actual per annum (£31,295 pro rata)
• Hours: Up to 34 hours per week
• Contract: Fixed term to 31 March 2027 (potential to extend subject to funding). Required as soon as possible
• Reference: 0759

Location: Office base Brightspace, Ipswich or Kirkley Centre, Lowestoft with blended working.

Community Action Suffolk (CAS) is the county’s infrastructure organisation for the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) 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 centred, 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.

We are seeking a Rural Housing Enabler to join our friendly team. In 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. You’ll be presenting to a range of audiences, and working in partnership with communities / 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 the following experience/skills:

• excellent working knowledge of the issues affecting housing in Suffolk, and other issues affecting rural communities

• experience of working in supporting rural communities’ thorough consultation for affordable and/or community led housing

• a good knowledge and understanding of the principles of quality community consultation

• working with local authorities, parish councils, housing associations and similar organisations

• excellent written and verbal communication skills.

We will offer you:

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 (FTE) 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

• a staff discounts scheme for a range of retailers including; shopping, holidays, insurance, eating out and health and leisure activities

• a company sick pay scheme

• continued professional development for job related development

• family friendly policies and practices

• a tailored induction.

To find out more

If you are interested in the role and would like to learn more, please email alice.wade@communityactionssuffolk.org.ukDeputy Director of Operations and Business Development for an informal conversation.

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.

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

How to apply

For more information and for a copy of our application pack, please visit our website

Alternatively, please email Louise Bradshaw on louise.bradshaw@communityactionsuffolk.org.uk

Completed applications should be emailed to louise.bradshaw@communityactionsuffolk.org.ukor sent via post to Louise Bradshaw, at Community Action Suffolk, 160 Hadleigh Road, Ipswich, IP2 0HH by the closing date below.

Closing date: 1 pm, 16 June 2026.
Applications for this role will be reviewed and considered on an ongoing basis until the role is filled. Interviews will be arranged according to availability.

We therefore 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.