Job Description
Job Title: Research Officers X 2
3 year fixed term contract
1 based at Shelter on a salary of £29,454 for 37.5 hours per week, with occasional weekend/evening work.
1 based at Crisis on a salary of £27,500 for 35 hours per week, with occasional weekend/evening work.
Closing date: 12 May 2010
Interview dates: 27-31 May 2010
Please state clearly on your application whether you are interested in both posts, just the post based at Shelter, or just the post based at Crisis.
Please read on for further information about each organisation
Including terms and conditions.

Well-being and housing sustainability in the private rented sector
Scope and aims
This post will work on a longitudinal research project, funded by the Big Lottery
Fund, entitled, “Well-being and housing sustainability in the private rented sector
(PRS).” This is a joint research project between Crisis and Shelter. It is a threeyear project, beginning in May 2010, looking at vulnerable households in housing need that have recently moved into the PRS in England. The aim of the study is to develop a robust evidence base for future policy and practice by examining what personal and social factors th at affect people’s ability to sustain tenancies in the PRS and what services are necessary and most effective in supporting sustainability in the PRS. A fuller project specification is attached.
The post holder will be one of three researchers appointed to work on the project
(with one based at Crisis and two at Shelter, which is the lead organisation).
There are two research officer posts. One will be responsible for contact with the households with children sub-group to be based at Shelter, and the other will be responsible for single households to be based at Crisis. The appointees will review and evaluate existing quantitative and qualitative data and collect new qualitative material throughout the project (including conducting regular interviews and collecting participant diaries) and write and prepare publications, briefing papers and reports.
The appointees will respectively carry out research as part of the wider Crisis’ and Shelter research programme and provide other forms of research support to the organisations in which they are based.

Location: 88 Old Street, London, EC1V 9HU
About Shelter
Britain is one of the richest countries in the world, and yet millions of people wake up every day in housing that is run down, overcrowded or dangerous. Many others have lost their home altogether. Bad housing robs us of security, health, and a fair chance in life. Shelter believes everyone should have a home and every year we help 100,000 people to fight for their rights, get back on their feet and find and keep a home. We also tackle the root causes of the housing crisis by campaigning for new laws, policies and solutions.
Shelter’s Research Team
Shelter’s research plays a significant role in influencing policy makers at the highest lev els of Government. Combined with Shelter’s direct services, its research ensures that the organisation is seen as a key authority on housing and homelessness. The Research Team carries out a programme of research and economic and statistical analysis, on issues related to housing and homelessness in order to feed into and influence the organisation’s policy and campaigning work. The team also provides support and advice on undertaking research and using statistics to colleagues within Shelter (such as the Media
Team, Campaigns Team, and Services and Fundraising Divisions). The work of the Research Team works closely with the Policy, Campaigns and Media Teams to maximise the impact of all our work.
The Research Team sits within the Communications, Policy and Campaigns
Division, and comprises 5 full-time members of staff: Head of Research, Senior
Research Officer, Research Officer, Senior Economic Analyst and Statistics
Analyst.
Location: 66 Commercial Street, London, E1 6LT
About Crisis
Crisis is the national charity for single homeless people. We are dedicated to ending homelessness by delivering life-changing services and campaigning for change. Our innovative education, employment, housing and well-being services address individual needs and help homeless people to transform their lives. We are determined campaigners, working to prevent people from becoming

homeless and advocating solutions informed by research and our direct experience.
Crisis’ Policy and External Affairs Department
If we are to end homelessness for good, as well as providing practical support and services for homeless people, it is vital that we increase public and political understanding of homelessness, its causes and consequences and campaign for change.
In over 40 years o f work, we’ve built up a huge body of expertise and experience directly influencing policy and practice in a number of areas. We commission and deliver research to better understand the causes and nature of homelessness and to find and make the case for innovative solutions. Using this and insights drawn from our services and clients, we work to influence national and local
Government to make the changes necessary to improve the lives of homeless people and to prevent and end homelessness.
Shelter/Crisis Research Officers
Work on Big Lottery programme
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To design and carry out qualitative research in order to explore what personal and social factors affect people’s ability to sustain tenancies in the PRS (e.g., design and conduct of semi-structured and in-depth interviews; analyse data and transcriptions; facilitate workshops)
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To build and maintain successful relationships with key stakeholders. This will include identifying and recruiting participants and stakeholder representatives to be involved in the research and liaise with participants to facilitate and maintain involvement
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To conduct project research both independently and in a team
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To assist in the undertaking a literature review of the PRS and its effectiveness as a means to prevent homelessness
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To assist in identifying and evaluating existing methods to account for the outcomes of vulnerable households housed in the PRS
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To develop new methods/a robust analytical framework for understanding the housing outcomes of households with children accessing the PRS
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The appointee will be expected to write papers (for publications in a variety of models including peer reviewed journals) and reports
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To attend meetings and to present research findings at workshops and conferences
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The appointee will be expected to have the ability to contribute creative solutions to research challenges faced during the course of the project

Work for Shelter/Crisis research teams
 To manage and carry out research as part of either Crisis’ or Shelter’s research programme and provide other forms of research support to the organisation.
This job description cannot cover every issue or task that may arise within the post at various times and the post-holder will be expected to carry out other duties from time to time which are broadly consistent with those in this document.
This job description does not form part of the contract of employment.

What are Shelter/Crisis looking for? How will we check if you have it?
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
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Experience of working in a housing organisation, in a housing (or directly related) research or policy team, or in the field of social policy or social research.
Good knowledge of housing and homelessness issues.
Good understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods and their appropriate application.
Ability to interpret and analyse statistics.
Ability to use Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, email and internet
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Competencies Working with others
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Develops effective working relationships and networks.
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Identifies common ground and mutual interests with diverse groups and individuals
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Identifies and utilises contacts effectively.
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Aids a sense of team spirit by encouraging cooperation and open communication.
Effective Communication
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Communicates clearly - verbally and in writing.
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Presents opinion logically, checking for understanding and encouraging open discussion.
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Identifies appropriate people
(internally & externally) to communicate with.
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Tailors the message to fit needs of specific audience.
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Listens closely and is engaging in both one to one, and group scenarios.
Problem Solving and Analysis of
Information
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Takes in and understands information quickly.
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Sifts for key information, summarises and draws correct conclusions from business related written and numeric information.
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Makes rational and sound judgments based on consideration of the facts and options available.
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Identifies a range of practical solutions to address issues.
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Time & Workload Management
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Establishes priorities and develops clear and logical plans to achieve goals.
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Monitors performance and progress against objectives.
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Takes action to ensure deadlines and outcomes are achieved.
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Manages time and resources effectively.
Specialist knowledge & application
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Demonstrates the specialist knowledge and technical requirements of the job.
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Applies skills and experience to perform the job effectively.
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Completes work to a high standard and always seeks to improve performance.
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Generates new ideas to improve existing approaches.
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Identifies learning from previous experiences and applies it to new situations.
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Shares knowledge across the organisation.
Valuing others
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Sensitive to the needs of others and demonstrates interest in their views.
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Diplomatic in difficult situations and inspires trust in others by treating all individuals in a fair and consistent manner.
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Relates well to people of all backgrounds and cultures and adapts style accordingly.
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As this post is not exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act only complete section
A in the ‘Disclosure of criminal convictions’ section of the application form.
The following terms and conditions are set out here for your information only. Terms and conditions may vary according to circumstances and this summary does not form part of any subsequent employment contract.

Terms and Conditions Summary for Candidates
Pension : Contributory pension through Scottish Equitable. Shelter contributes 10% of salary on condition the member of staff contributes at least 2%. The pension is portable and may be taken with the member of staff on termination of employment with Shelter.
Life Assurance: 2 times your salary, payable on death in service.
Probationary period: 3 months, during which time the contract may be terminated with 1 week’s notice.
Notice:
Holidays:
1 month
30 days annual leave and 8 bank holidays pro rata per annum.
Season Ticket
Maternity / Adoption
Leave:
A loan to purchase an annual season ticket for travel to and from work may be obtained with the agreement of your line manager.
The statutory minimum is enhanced for staff with one year’s service. 52 weeks leave may be taken, with 12 weeks full pay and 14 weeks half pay.
Co-parental leave: Up to 20 days paid leave.
Sick pay: This applies from the first day that the member of staff actually starts work. It increases on a sliding scale from 8 weeks full pay and 8 weeks half pay to 24 weeks full and 24 weeks half
Carers Leave :
Childcare costs : pay after 4 years of service.
Up to 5 days paid leave per year for the care of a sick dependant.
In certain circumstance, e.g., where staff work outside normal
Employee
Assistance
Programme: working hours additional costs will be met.
Access to Shelter’s free personal support service.

Terms and Conditions
Pension - Crisis will contribute a sum equivalent to 5% of your salary into our group personal pension scheme with Scottish Equitable. You will be entitled to join this after three months service with contributions backdated to your start date.
Hours - Full time is 35 hours per week. Employees usually have some flexibility around start and finish time around a core time of 10h00 – 16h00. This depends on operational needs of the department in which employees are working.
Probationary Period - Six months, during which time the contract may be terminated with 1 month’s notice.
Notice - Following the successful completion of the probationary period, the notice period for this post is 1 month
Holidays - 25 annual leave days, plus 8 public holidays per annum. Part-time employees are entitled to 25 days pro rata which is based on 2.08 days per month. The holiday year runs from 1 July – 30 June.
Additional Annual Leave Scheme - Permits employees to “BUY” up to two weeks annual leave per leave year.
Sick pay - In the first six months of service, employees are entitled to three working days sick leave and 43 working days full pay and 43 working days half pay after six months. This rises to a maximum of 65 working days full pay and 65 working days half pay after 2 year service.
Season Ticket Loan - A loan to purchase an annual season ticket for travel to and from work may be obtained with agreement of your line manager.
Maternity Leave and Adoption Leave - For employees with one year’s experience at
15 weeks before EWC. 52 weeks leave may be taken, with 12 weeks full pay and 14 weeks at half pay.
Childcare Voucher Scheme - This scheme allows parents greater flexibility for providing childcare support with savings to be made
Bicycle loan scheme - Up to £500
Paternity leave - Up to 20 days paid leave.
Employees Assistant Programme - Access to Crisis free personal support service
Staff volunteering policy - Crisis gives staff up to 21 hours per year which employees can volunteer at Crisis or external organisations.