Co-optee Vacancies on the Housing Studies Association (HSA) Executive Committee

The Housing Studies Association (HSA) is currently recruiting four co-optees to join our Executive Committee. We are encouraging applications from those who will bring new experiences and viewpoints to the Committee. We are particularly keen to hear from people with expertise in any of the following areas: diversity and inclusion; financial management; policy-making; health; and the climate emergency. You do not need to be a member of the HSA to apply to be a co-optee.

The role of the co-optee is to support and champion the work of the HSA and its members. Co-optees provide input, advice and professional expertise to assist the HSA Executive Committee in their work, arising from their experience and expertise on matters pertaining to the strategic direction of the HSA. 

Prior experience of being on a Board, Committees or as a Trustee is welcome but not essential. The HSA embraces diversity and seeks to promote the benefits of diversity in all of our activities. We acknowledge the unique contribution that all potential candidates can bring in terms of their education, experiences, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, gender, nationality, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs. You will be a good communicator and experienced in working within a team. We welcome interest from all sectors including academics and practitioners.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact the Chair Prof. Phil Brown [email protected]

To express an interest please send your CV and a covering note that:

• Details your experience
• Provides an overview of what you will bring to the role

Deadlines for applications is 12th March @ 5pm and should be sent to [email protected]

About the Housing Studies Association

The Housing Studies Association (HSA) was established in 1990 to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and information among all those with interests in housing research and education. The Association has become established as the leading independent forum for the promotion of housing studies, embracing the interests of researchers and students across a broad range of organisations and academic disciplines. The HSA is a UK wide organisation with active membership throughout the country and well-established international links. The HSA has the following aims:

• to promote the study of housing
• to bring together researchers, practitioners and policy makers interested in housing research and education
• to encourage the practical application of social research to the field of housing studies
• to represent the interests of those researching or teaching housing studies in higher education to funding and development organisations, and to government.

The HSA undertakes several core activities:

• The delivery of an annual international conference
• The delivery of an autumn lecture
• Provision of grants for events run by members
• Provision of grants for conference attendances
• An annual award (the Valerie Karn prize) to early-career researchers

We also network with other key organisations in the sector and strive to connect knowledge with policy-making and vice versa.

The HSA is led by an elected Committee of people who are involved in housing research and education. Each year three members retire and are replaced by postal ballot of membership. All members are eligible to stand for election to the committee. To support the elected Committee we draw on the strengths, perspectives and expertise from co-opted members.

What is the level of commitment?

We meet formally four times a year and each meeting requires around 1-2 hours of preparation involving reading reports. When we meet in person reasonable travel expenses are paid. There is no upper limit on the length of time a co-optee sits on the Committee but we undertake an annual review to ensure the arrangement remains appropriate.