Empty Homes Strategy & Policy Officer - Council HQ

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic professional to join our Housing Strategy Team - on a 2‑year temporary basis - and play a key role in tackling empty homes across the Scottish Borders.

This is an exciting opportunity to help bring private sector empty properties back into use, making a real contribution to meeting housing need and strengthening communities. Working closely with property owners, colleagues across the Council and external partners, you will provide expert advice, practical support and creative solutions to encourage the reuse of empty homes.

You will contribute to the development and delivery of the Council’s Empty Homes Strategy and Local Housing Strategy, help shape and deliver targeted initiatives, and support the provision of information, advice and incentive schemes for owners. The role also involves maintaining and analysing empty homes data, monitoring progress, and helping to secure and manage funding to support this important work.

This role would suit someone with experience in private sector housing who enjoys working collaboratively, has strong communication and negotiation skills, and is keen to make a positive difference through proactive and innovative housing solutions.

A degree or equivalent in a Housing, Environmental Health or Building related discipline.

Membership of a professional body (e.g. CIH or equivalent)

A current driving licence and use of a vehicle is an essential requirement of this post.

* If you have a disability which precludes you from holding a drivers licence, Scottish Borders Council will take into account its responsibility to make reasonable adjustments to allow for your disability. Should it be possible to make such an adjustment in order that you can undertake the travel responsibilities of the post, this will be taken into account in consideration for this role.

Informal enquiries may be made to Gareth Knox by telephone on 01896661393 or by email at gknox@scotborders.gov.uk

Scottish Borders Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all minority groups and individuals who identify with one or more of the protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010. In particular from candidates who assess themselves as having a disability, under the Disability Confident Employer scheme this guarantees an interview to those individuals who meet the essential criteria of the post. All appointments will be made on merit.