Senior Communications and Policy Officer

Introduction to TDS

TDS is a not-for-profit organisation with a clear social purpose: to raise standards in the private rented sector. Established to create a fairer and more professional rental market by protecting deposits and resolving deposit disputes, TDS has since expanded its mission. Today, we invest in a range of additional services and initiatives that further our commitment to improving the sector.

Key initiatives relevant to this role include:

• Developing an influential research programme to ensure that laws and regulations are informed by robust evidence.
• Funding a range of projects and organisations through our two independent charities.
• Leveraging our direct communication channels with millions of tenants, landlords, and letting agents to educate and inform all parties.

Introduction to the Role

We are excited to introduce a new role: Senior Communications and Policy Officer, joining our growing Policy and Research department, which also oversees the TDS Charitable Foundation.

This role will play a key part in monitoring and analysing policy developments, producing accessible content, and engaging with key stakeholders to support our policy and research programme. The successful candidate will help shape and implement the communications and policy engagement strategy, ensuring our research and insights inform sector discussions, influence policy, and reach the right audiences.

We're looking for someone with knowledge of housing policy or the ability to quickly get up to speed with new policy areas, alongside excellent writing, verbal communication, and stakeholder engagement skills to translate complex policy issues into clear, impactful messaging for diverse audiences.

No job description can capture every aspect of this role, and the post holder will be expected to take on additional duties as needed, consistent with the responsibilities outlined below.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Content Creation and Dissemination

1. Lead on creating content to support dissemination of the research programme, including flagship projects such as "Voice of the Tenant" and "Voice of the Landlord".
2. Draft a regular stream of social media content for the TDS Marketing team to share.
3. Write regular policy-focused content tailored for various audiences, distributed via TDS websites, newsletters and other channels.
4. Oversee the quarterly tenant newsletter, including content creation and securing guest contributions from external stakeholders.
5. Create tenant-focused educational materials on policy developments (e.g., FAQs, case studies, blogs) for platforms such as the TDS Tylfe tenant app and theMy Housing Issue Gatewaywebsite.

Policy and Stakeholder Engagement

1. Monitor and analyse relevant policy developments, drafting accessible content to explain their impact on tenants, landlords, and the sector, and identifying areas where TDS can provide thought leadership or advocate for change.
2. Develop expert knowledge in areas relevant to the work of the Policy and Research team, using this insight to shape TDS research outputs, briefings, and responses to consultations or legislative changes.
3. Represent TDS at internal and external meetings and events, including policy roundtables, government consultations, and sector forums, drafting and delivering presentations where required.
4. Negotiate with external stakeholders and contributors to secure relevant content and perspectives for TDS platforms.

Strategic Communications and Media Management

1. Work with internal teams, including TDS Marketing, and external consultants. Help to deliver the monthly Policy Drop-In session for internal stakeholders, summarising key legislative and regulatory developments and their implications for TDS and the sector.
2. Provide regular content for the internal communications team to share, ensuring consistent messaging across the organisation.
3. Communicate with charity-funded projects to ensure their activities and outcomes are effectively promoted through TDS platforms and other communication channels.
4. Write the monthly Policy and Research e-bulletin to engage and inform internal stakeholders.
5. Support Head of Policy and Research to develop and execute a program of learning outputs for customer segments ensuring insights from research and policy changes inform best practice in the sector

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Characteristics

1. Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in a relevant subject (e.g., communications, public policy, journalism, or related field 
• At least 3 years’ experience in a policy-focused communications role (or equivalent relevant experience).
• Knowledge of housing policy, or a proven ability to quickly yourself with new policy areas.
• Experience engaging with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to adapt content for different platforms and audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

2. Job Knowledge

• Ability to assess and explain the implications of policy developments.
• Proven ability to produce engaging informative materials (e.g., blogs, newsletters, policy briefings) that communicate policy insights effectively.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Proficient in relevant IT tools, including MS Office.

3. Communication and Collaboration

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Confident in communicating with colleagues, funded projects, and external stakeholders.
• Confident in presenting and delivering information in meetings, public forums, and sector policy discussions

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

• Must be able to demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion.

GENERAL

• Show exceptional attention to detail and be organised enough to juggle projects, meet deadlines and work under your own initiative.
• Demonstrate common sense and good judgement.
• Have a flexible attitude to work.
• Work unsupervised.
• Identify with the aims and objectives of The Dispute Service;

HOURS OF THE ROLE

35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

In return we will be able to provide a competitive salary, a holiday entitlement of 25 days (plus an additional day off for your birthday) and a remote working options (with occasional travel to Hemel Hempstead required).

TDS offers a plethora of benefits inclusive of:

• 33 days holiday inc bank holidays
• BUPA Private healthcare
• BUPA Wellbeing cash plan
• Pension Scheme
• Additional day off for your birthday
• Plus many more!

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letting outlining how your skills and experience match the person specification.