Role: Housing Officers

Industry: Social Housing

Employee count: 150+ FTE

Setting the Scene

In partnership with The Housing Network, we successfully completed a significant recruitment campaign, helping staff a national team to deliver Temporary Accommodation on the CAS3 programme. This initiative led to the hiring and retention of over 24 new staff members in 2023, involving a combination of internal promotions and external hires. Our tailored recruitment efforts ensured effective onboarding and long-term retention of candidates.

The Housing Network, committed to providing support for vulnerable individuals, implemented a robust induction programme, offering a buddy system, regular team events, and a structured onboarding plan. This ensured that new recruits were well-supported from day one, creating a cohesive and dedicated team.

The Challenge

The primary challenge was to recruit and retain a skilled team capable of delivering Temporary Accommodation services, a critical part of the CAS3 programme. The sector faced high turnover rates due to a shortage of new entrants, especially for frontline roles in Housing Management. The positions required individuals with a unique mix of experience and dedication, particularly those who could effectively support vulnerable individuals transitioning from custody to community life. Additionally, with little flex in remuneration and budgets, finding candidates motivated by more than just salary was crucial.

The Approach

We adopted a comprehensive, three-stage recruitment strategy that included in-depth role analysis, personalised candidate engagement, and extensive screening processes. Our steps included:

Preparation and Engagement:

• ·       Conducted detailed specification calls, interviewed current staff, and reviewed the organisation to fully understand the roles.
• ·       Developed targeted and personalised advertisements to highlight The Housing Network’s mission and values, utilising a mix of traditional platforms, social media, and MOJ (Ministry of Justice) networks.
• ·       Mapped out relevant organisations, including prisons, probation services, and police forces, to identify potential candidates with suitable experience.

Candidate Search and Screening:

• ·       Used a multi-channel approach for candidate sourcing, including headhunting and referrals.
• ·       Screened each candidate extensively, including psychometric testing and two interview stages, to ensure they were a good fit for the demanding roles.
• ·       Maintained candidate engagement through personalised communication, including an initial offer letter and congratulations cards.

Post-Placement Support:

• ·       Collaborated closely with The Housing Network’s leadership and People Team to address any early-stage concerns and ensure seamless onboarding.
• ·       Provided feedback loops from candidates to The Housing Network to improve the onboarding experience, resulting in strong long-term retention.

The Result

Our recruitment strategy resulted in a well-trained and motivated team delivering the CAS3 programme. The team provided temporary accommodation for up to 84 nights, contributing to a 50% reduction in repeat offences and supporting over 900 individuals annually. Key outcomes included:

• ·       Over 1,200 monthly resident visits conducted by the team, ensuring high-quality support.
• ·       Successful partnerships with local authorities to deliver safe, high-standard housing options tailored to residents' needs.
• ·       A strategic, well-structured recruitment and retention process, leading to long-term placements and a reduction in sector turnover.

Over the past three years, The Housing Network has housed 22,500 vulnerable individuals, contributing to community stability and reducing the need for repeated social support.

These efforts not only filled critical vacancies but also strengthened the organisation's reputation, ensuring a positive impact on both the individuals served and the local communities.