Community Engagement Officer

CIH International Housing Group; Bedford; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading housing group seeks a passionate Community Engagement Officer to empower residents and drive positive change in communities. In this part-time role, you will deliver community-led projects and build strong partnerships, ensuring all voices are amplified. You will join a dedicated team committed to creating sustainable communities.

Benefits

28-33 days holiday entitlement per year

Contributory pension scheme

Competitive pay

Private healthcare

Mental Health First Aid support

Annual volunteering day

Opportunities for professional training and qualifications

Qualifications

• Proven experience (at least 2 years) in community development or engagement.
• Strong skills in planning, delivering, and evaluating impactful projects.

Responsibilities

• Identify community trends and develop impactful projects.
• Lead initiatives promoting regeneration and quality of life.
• Build strong networks with diverse stakeholders.

Skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Project management

Collaboration

Inclusion

Job description

The vacancy

Part Time (18.5 hours per week)

Permanent

Join Our Team as a Community Engagement Officer

Are you passionate about making a real difference in communities? Do you believe in empowering residents to shape their neighbourhoods and thrive together? At bpha, we're looking for a committed Community Engagement Officer to help drive lasting, positive change.

What You'll Be Doing: You'll play a leading role in delivering community-led solutions, building partnerships, and supporting both established and new neighbourhoods. From regeneration initiatives to quality-of-life projects, you'll bring people together to tackle what matters most to them-creating stronger, more connected communities.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Identify community trends and develop targeted, impactful projects

• Lead on initiatives that promote regeneration, cohesion and quality of life

• Support and guide new resident groups and secure funding opportunities

• Build strong networks across stakeholders, residents and partner organisations

• Promote resident involvement and amplify community voices

• Encourage volunteering and learning opportunities that empower individuals

• Ensure inclusion and outreach to all, especially marginalised communities

What We're Looking For:

• A natural communicator and problem-solver with strong project management skills

• Proven experience (at least 2 years' experience) in community development or engagement

• Ability to build trust and work collaboratively with diverse groups

• Skilled in planning, delivering, and evaluating impactful community projects

• Passion for inclusion, learning, and long-term transformation

• IT proficiency and a good understanding of social housing challenges

Please note the post holder must have a valid driving licence and access to a vehicle during working hours to be successfully carry out the duties of the role.

Desirable but not essential:

• Knowledge of welfare reform and social housing policy

• Experience securing external funding

• Familiarity with MS PowerPoint and Visio

Whether you're hands-on at community events, liaising with local partners, or helping residents find their collective voice-you'll be at the heart of something meaningful.

Why bpha? We're a values-led housing association on a mission to build sustainable communities. You'll join a supportive, ambitious team that values innovation, impact, and inclusivity.

Ready to be a catalyst for community change? Apply now.

For an informal conversation about this role contact Community Engagement Manager Rosetta Triolo - [e-mail] or telephone [phone]

Please note, applications will be reviewed as received and bpha reserves the right to close the advertisement prior to the scheduled closing date. Apply early to avoid disappointment.

Any offer of employment made will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment screening including references and DBS checks.

About us

bpha is a Housing Association located in the Oxford to Cambridge arc, which is committed to providing its customers with high quality, value for money services whilst continuing to develop energy efficient, sustainable and affordable housing.

We are a leading provider and developer of affordable homes - for rent, sheltered, residential care and shared ownership.

We work together with communities - to improve opportunities, independence and quality of life for our residents, and to benefit the wider community. We bring people together, and run and support a wide range of community activities.

All the money we make is used to invest in existing homes, to enable us to build new homes, and to deliver new and improved services.

We own or manage over 19,500 homes and over 500 staff.

Our vision and values

To build communities where people can live happily in a home they can afford.

Our values underpin the work that we do and are ingrained in our culture at bpha. We are looking for people who can share these values and translate them into day-to-day practices for the benefit of our communities, customers and fellow colleagues. So that we can realise our vision, together.

We are ambitious

We are better together

We show empathy

We take responsibility

Benefits

We believe that benefits should be more than just perks. For us, they aren't simply little extras added on at the end, they're fundamental parts of what we stand for, from the very beginning. As standard.

That's why at bpha, we reward our employees by making sure we give them a supportive and caring environment, that empowers them to be happy, healthy and inspired, every day.

Money & Time

• Holiday entitlement of 28-33 days a year, plus public holidays
• Contributory pension scheme
• Competitive pay
• Life assurance cover

Health & Wellbeing

• Private healthcare
• Mental Health First Aid
• Counselling service
• Eye tests
• Discounted gym membership
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Free annual flu jabs
• Wellbeing activities and events
• Free fruit and refreshments

Recognition

• Long service award
• Annual staff recognition awards
• Discretionary reward scheme

Lifestyle

• Annual volunteering day
• Social events, clubs and activities
• Breakout areas
• Onsite cafe/restaurant at headquarters

Development

• Opportunities for professional training and qualifications
• Workshops and training sessions for new skills
• A fresh and modern eLearning platform