About Policy and Advocacy Roles
Policy and Advocacy covers the roles that work to influence housing and homelessness policy, campaign for systemic change, and advocate on behalf of people experiencing homelessness. Typical job titles include Policy Officer, Policy & Public Affairs Manager, Campaigns Officer, Advocacy Worker and Research & Policy Analyst.
What Policy and Advocacy Staff Typically Do
Day to day, policy staff research homelessness and housing issues, write briefings and consultation responses, monitor legislation, and build relationships with government, local authorities and sector partners to influence policy. Advocacy Workers support individual service users to understand and exercise their rights — for example around housing, benefits or immigration status — often representing them in meetings or appeals. Campaigns Officers plan and deliver public-facing campaigns to raise awareness and build support for policy change.
Typical Salary
Salaries for Policy and Advocacy roles on Homeless Hostel Jobs typically range from around £26,000 to £34,000 a year for Policy Officer and Advocacy Worker posts, with more senior roles such as Policy & Public Affairs Manager reaching £38,000 to £48,000+. Pay varies by organisation and seniority — check each individual listing for the exact salary offered.
Skills Employers Look For
Employers typically look for strong research and analytical skills, excellent written communication, and the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, persuasive briefings. Other commonly requested skills include: knowledge of housing/welfare law and the political process, stakeholder engagement and relationship-building, campaigning and public affairs experience, and (for Advocacy Worker roles) direct casework or rights-based advocacy experience.
Do I Need Experience?
Policy Officer and Campaigns Officer roles usually ask for some background in policy, research, public affairs or campaigning — from within the charity sector, government, or a related field. Advocacy Worker roles more often value direct experience supporting vulnerable people with casework, rights or welfare issues. Entry-level Policy Assistant or Officer posts do exist, particularly at larger national charities, and can be a good route in for graduates with relevant academic or internship experience.
Qualifications & DBS
A degree in a relevant subject (such as social policy, law, politics or a related field) is often desirable for Policy roles, though not always essential. Because Advocacy Worker roles typically involve direct one-to-one work with vulnerable service users, an Enhanced DBS check is standard for these posts; policy-focused roles without direct service-user contact less commonly require one — check the individual listing.
Where Currently Recruiting
Policy and Advocacy vacancies are currently live across the UK, with most national policy and public affairs roles based in or around London, close to Parliament and national charity head offices. Browse jobs in London, or use the location filter on this page to search by city or region — some policy roles also offer hybrid or remote working.
Related Categories
You may also be interested in Management & Leadership and Fundraising & Income Generation roles.
FAQs
What does a Policy Officer do in the homelessness sector?A Policy Officer researches housing and homelessness issues, writes briefings and consultation responses, and works to influence government and local authority policy.
What is an Advocacy Worker?An Advocacy Worker supports individuals experiencing homelessness to understand and exercise their rights, often representing them in meetings, appeals or negotiations with statutory services.
Do these roles offer remote or hybrid working?Many policy-focused roles do, particularly at national charities, though some advocacy and casework roles require regular in-person contact with service users.
Is a DBS check required?Usually for Advocacy Worker roles involving direct service-user contact; less commonly for policy-only positions — check the individual listing.
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