The housing sector is undergoing profound transformation, marked by a growing need for skilled professionals and shifts in how local authorities deliver services.

Some key strategies are impacting the sector:

Population Growth and Urban Expansion

As urban areas absorb higher population numbers, the surge in housing demand requires a larger workforce to manage projects, develop policies, and enhance service delivery.

Complex Regulatory Frameworks

The housing sector is facing stricter regulations. Property law, sustainability, and affordable housing are all under scrutiny and professionals with specialised knowledge and experience are essential to navigate these complexities and ensure compliance.

Integration of Technology

Modern housing increasingly relies on technological solutions like smart homes and digital tenant services. As take-up for these options develops, we’re going to need people with traditional housing management skills, and those ready to exploit innovative tech solutions.

Insourcing Housing Services

After a period when local authorities were keen to outsource management solutions, many are now reverting to in-house management. The aim is for greater control and accountability and to improve tenant satisfaction.

This shift will increase the demand for skilled housing professionals who can oversee operations and implement strategic initiatives effectively.

Tackling Homelessness

Homelessness remains a significant challenge and requires expertise in housing options, temporary accommodation, and homelessness prevention strategies.

New research from Shelter shows at least 354,000 people in England, including 161,500 children are homeless at the end of 2024. This is a significant increase of 14%, 44,500 people, in one year.

The implications for the housing workforce are acute – Housing Officers are required to help individuals find and secure affordable housing, and Property Managers, to manage and maintain housing units designated for homeless individuals.

Strategies for Recruitment

Historically, public sector employers may not have considered ‘competition’, but it’s more important than ever to stand out from the competition – other authorities, and private sector organisations. They need to think about what they have to offer. Enhanced work-life balance, career development opportunities, and a supportive culture can make local authorities more attractive employers. Candidates will also be interested in their unique benefits, training opportunities, and the organisation’s values.

Housing is central to the mission of local authorities.

Communicating the job itself is, of course, crucial. Housing roles are pivotal in the complex issues often central to the mission of the local authority, and candidates will want to see how their skills, experience and energy will impact the longer-term sustainability of the community that they support.

A proactive approach to sourcing candidates can provide access to a broader talent pool, including the passive candidates who may miss the advertising campaign. Specialist recruiters like Vitalis will seek out housing professionals who understand the nuances of the sector and are focused on improving recruitment outcomes and service delivery while reducing time and costs.

Workforce Development

Investing in employee training—focusing on sustainability, digital tools, and regulatory changes—bridges skill gaps and supports career progression. Offering roles with broader responsibilities can help employees seamlessly transition into higher-level positions.
The housing sector’s evolving landscape necessitates a strategic focus on recruitment and workforce development. By adapting hiring strategies, fostering partnerships with recruitment specialists, and prioritising professional growth, local authorities can build a skilled workforce ready to address the challenges of modern housing demands.

Embracing these approaches ensures resilient services and a sustainable future for the sector.