paid placements break down barriers to work 

Two paid work placements have been created by believe housing, and they are offered exclusively to customers of the housing association.  

The part-time administrative roles are open to people aged 24 or older, who have no prior experience but are looking to start or change their career.  

The successful applicants will work in the housing association’s Community Investment Team, which awards grant funding to not-for-profit projects improving the lives and wellbeing of people in County Durham.  

Throughout the placement they will be supported by an employability coordinator, and they can gain a Level 2 information, advice and guidance qualification.  

At the end of the six-month contract, they are guaranteed an interview for this job or another within believe housing.  

County Durham-based believe housing created the positions to build on the success of New Start, a joint approach to employability by a number of North East housing providers.  

The New Start initiative was launched in 2021 and, in ten months, created 73 career-starter placements which helped many participants go on to secure employment.  

Members of the Housing Employment Network North East (HENNE), including Karbon Homes, Your Homes Newcastle and believe housing, hope New Start 2 will give more customers the skills and experience needed to enter the world of work.  

Rachel Edmunds, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at believe housing, said: “We’ve created this opportunity specifically for customers with no previous admin experience, who might otherwise struggle to make the shortlist for such a role.  

“This is us living our values and vision of ‘life without barriers’.  

“It is a chance for someone to gain real paid work experience, to discover if it is the right sort of role for them, with holistic wraparound support that will help with their future.  

“And the role they’ll have will be both rewarding and important.  

“They’ll be the linchpins of the Community Investment Team, developing relationships with charitable groups and performing essential admin tasks that ensure we can continue to support people and communities through our grant funding.”  

Both positions are for 2.5 days a week, which can be flexible, and will be paid the living wage.   

To apply contact the Employability Team by emailing Employability@believehousing.co.uk or calling 0300 1311 999.   

The closing date for applications is noon on Friday, 17 March 2023.