VACANCIES

Location:

Seymour Housing Cooperative Office, Seymour Buildings, with occasional visits to Daventry Street and Grove Dwellings; occasional remote working at Line Manager’s discretion

Hours:

21 hours per week, including an average of two evening meetings per month

Contract Type:

Fixed‑term, 18 months

Reporting to:

Line Manager designated by the Management Committee (MC)

Overall Purpose of the Role

To deliver a professional, proactive housing management service for tenants and applicants, oversee day‑to‑day Co‑op operations, and ensure high‑quality administrative, governance, and service delivery support to the Management Committee (MC). The role includes responsibility for managing external contractors and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, policies, and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Housing Management

• Lead and coordinate day‑to‑day housing management operations, ensuring efficient service delivery and high‑quality tenant support.
• Prepare and issue tenancy agreements, Good Neighbour Agreements and share certificates on behalf of the Co‑op.
• Provide guidance on transfers, mutual exchanges and other housing options.
• Enforce tenancy terms, working with the Maintenance Manager to ensure properties remain in good condition.
• Conduct regular tenancy audits to maintain accurate member records.
• Act as the Complaints Officer, resolving complaints in line with Co‑op policies and the Housing Ombudsman’s Complaint Handling Code, and providing required data and updates to the MC.
• Liaise with local authorities and relevant agencies, providing timely updates to the MC.
• Serve as the Co‑op’s designated safeguarding lead and escalate concerns to appropriate authorities.

2. Allocations and Lettings

• Maintain records of property allocations in line with nomination agreements.
• Monitor relevant housing legislation and advise the Allocations Subcommittee (ASC) and MC on necessary policy updates.
• Service the ASC and support the convenor.
• Organise and administer allocations panels, communicating outcomes to applicants and requesting additional documentation when needed.
• Maintain and monitor the internal transfer list, ensuring accuracy, eligibility verification and prevention of fraudulent claims.
• Complete thorough applicant checks to ensure eligibility and detect fraudulent applications.
• Ensure efficient void turnaround to minimise income loss.

3. Co‑op Governance

• Monitor changes in housing legislation and regulation and advise the MC when these require policy or procedural changes.
• Circulate updated or new policies to all members.
• Ensure the Co‑op meets statutory and regulatory requirements and follows good practice.
• Develop initiatives to increase member engagement and participation in governance and committee work.
• Provide administrative support to the MC and subcommittees, including preparing and issuing agendas, minutes, and reports within required deadlines (7 days prior).
• Assist the Secretary with AGM organisation, including minutes, timely document distribution and facilitation of the nomination and election process.
• Maintain clear, accessible informational resources to support member understanding of policies, procedures and Co‑op values.
• Identify and coordinate training opportunities for MC members, subcommittee members, officers, volunteers and staff.

4. Financial and Legal Management

Working within the authority delegated by the MC:

• Liaise with the outsourced rent‑management provider to produce arrears reports, monitor repayment agreements and ensure arrears actions follow Co‑op policy.
• Support members with housing benefit claims when required.
• Represent the Co‑op in County Court matters (including arrears cases) and accompany bailiffs where necessary.
• Arrange insurance renewals and obtain tenders when required.
• Support the Treasurer, Finance Subcommittee and Maintenance Manager in preparing the annual budget.
• Assist the Treasurer with calculations of rent and service‑charge increases and prepare communications to tenants.
• Liaise with accountants and auditors as required.
• Submit audited accounts and required documents to external bodies within deadlines.
• Maintain petty‑cash records and manage the deposit of income from the Seymour Building laundries.

5. Office Administration and General Responsibilities

• Ensure smooth day‑to‑day operation of the Co‑op office and maintain a professional, welcoming environment.
• Oversee incoming and outgoing communications, ensuring timely and appropriate responses.
• Maintain accurate, compliant electronic and physical records using relevant systems (including CHICs).
• Coordinate with the Maintenance Manager, MC officers, managing agents and consultants to support efficient Co‑op operations.
• Adhere to all Co‑op rules, policies and procedures including complaints, data protection, confidentiality, health and safety, equal opportunities, fraud prevention and value‑for‑money requirements.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding members, finances and Co‑op operations.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive office manual to support member participation in Co‑op operations.
• Provide cover for colleagues during absences to maintain continuity of essential functions.
• Undertake additional reasonable duties aligned with the Co‑op’s mission and agreed with the Line Manager or MC officers; boundaries of authority should be confirmed and documented as needed.

Seymour Housing Co‑op Management Committee, March 2026

1. Qualifications & Knowledge – Essential

• Minimum of 3 A‑levels or equivalent, with a good general standard of education.
• Strong understanding of housing management principles and practices, including governance arrangements for housing providers and co‑operatives.
• Knowledge of relevant housing legislation and regulatory frameworks, including RSH, Homes England, and the Housing Ombudsman.
• Clear understanding of data protection and confidentiality principles (GDPR).

Desirable Qualifications

• Degree‑level education or equivalent.
• CIH Level 4 or 5 qualification or working towards this.
• Understanding of co‑operative governance structures and principles.

2. Experience – Essential

• Demonstrable experience in housing management or a closely related field.
• Proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders (residents, committees, external agencies).
• Track record of delivering excellent customer service, including effective complaint handling and resolution.
• Experience liaising with external contractors and service providers.
• Experience in policy and procedure development and implementation.
• Experience of governance and record keeping, including minute taking and report writing.
• Proficiency using the Microsoft Office suite and relevant housing management systems (e.g., CHICS or similar).

Desirable Experience

• Experience working within co‑operatives or member‑led organisations.
• Experience supporting democratic, participatory decision‑making environments.

3. Skills & Abilities

• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, adaptable to a wide range of audiences.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating initiative, flexibility, and problem‑solving capability.
• Strong numerical skills and proficiency with databases and relevant software.
• Skills in conflict resolution and mediation.
• Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.

4. Personal Qualities

• Commitment to co‑operative values, equality, diversity, inclusion, and resident empowerment.
• Reliable, resilient, and adaptable, with a strong work ethic and attention to detail.
• Demonstrates confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Enthusiasm for member engagement and democratic participation.

5. Other Requirements

• Willingness to undertake further training and development.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings (approx. two meetings per month, TOIL provided).
• Enhanced DBS check and two recent satisfactory references required.

Additional Information

Organisational Structure

The Housing & Co‑operative Services Manager will work alongside a small Co‑op team—including the Maintenance Facilities Manager and the Finance & Rent Officer—and will report to the Management Committee Board through the designated Staff Line Manager. The role also requires close liaison with other Co‑op subcommittees and with external contractors. It carries responsibility across all housing services and Co‑op organisational functions.

Additional Job‑Specific Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Adherence to GDPR: Maintain a confidential, sensitive and discreet approach when handling personal, sensitive and organisational information.
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Contribute to a culture of equality and demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and eliminating all forms of discrimination.
• Values and Compliance: Act in accordance with Seymour Housing Co‑operative’s values, policies and procedures.
• Professional Conduct: Represent the organisation in a positive, professional manner at all times.
• Flexibility: Undertake additional duties commensurate with the role, as required from time to time.

All employees are expected to maintain high standards of service delivery, uphold the Co‑op’s policies in line with equality, diversity, health and safety requirements, and participate in any necessary training relevant to their role.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As a diverse social housing organisation, we recognise that diversity drives creativity and innovation. We want our staff community to reflect the diversity of our vibrant city. We are committed to equality of opportunity, fairness, inclusion and fostering a workplace where everyone feels they belong.

About Us

Seymour Housing Co‑operative was founded in January 1975 by a group of squatters. We are a fully mutual, independent co‑operative incorporated with limited liability as an Industrial and Provident Society. We are registered with the Registrar of Friendly Societies (1976) and the Housing Corporation, and we adopted the standard National Housing Federation Rules in 1976.

We own and manage our housing stock across three London locations (Marylebone and Whitechapel). All tenants are members, and Seymour is run by its Management Committee. The Officers of the Co‑op—Chair, Secretary and Treasurer—are elected, as are their deputies and the Staff Line Manager.

Our Values

Our aim is to provide high‑quality, affordable housing for people who:

• Are in housing need.
• Understand the principles of co‑operative housing.
• Are willing to participate in the running of Seymour Co‑op.
• Are committed to abiding by their tenancy agreement and Seymour’s wider policies and procedures.
• Support and uphold the democratic ethos of a fully mutual housing co‑operative.

As part of the wider co‑operative movement, we adhere to the core values and principles of co‑operatives.

Seymour Housing Co‑op Management Committee, March 2026