Communications and Policy Officer

at  Tenancy Deposit Scheme

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.

We have an opportunity within our Policy, Research and Strategy team which oversees the TDS Charitable Foundation to join them as a Communications and Policy Office.
This is a full-time, permanent position that will be based in our TDS office in Hemel Hempstead and will follow our hybrid working policy of a minimum of 2 days in the office per week. Flexible arrangements may be available for the right candidate.
The purpose of this role is to deliver a dynamic communications programme, crafting and maintaining content for online channels such as websites, social media platforms, newsletters, and publications. The successful candidate will help shape and implement the communications strategy for the Policy and Research team and the TDS Charitable Foundation, ensuring effective dissemination, audience targeting, and the creation of engaging, impactful content.

SOME OF THE KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• 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”.
• Draft a regular stream of social media content for the TDS Marketing team to share.
• Write regular online blogs tailored for various audiences, distributed via TDS websites and newsletters.
• Monitor and analyse relevant policy developments, writing accessible blogs to explain and assess their impact or implications.
• Develop expert knowledge in areas relevant to the work of the Policy and Research team, making recommendations for proactive and reactive content.
• Represent TDS at internal and external meetings and events, including drafting and delivering presentations and some public speaking.
• Lead the monthly Policy Drop-In session for internal stakeholders, providing updates on key policy developments.

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