You could complete a foundation degree or degree in:
- housing studies
- social policy
- building surveying
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
An Advocacy Officer is responsible for representing and promoting the interests of a particular group, organisation, or cause. This role is common in charities, NGOs, and public sector bodies. Advocacy Officers work to influence policy, raise public awareness, and drive social change through campaigns, research, and stakeholder engagement. Day-to-day tasks include preparing policy briefs, meeting with decision-makers, organising awareness events, and communicating through media channels and social networks. Strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups, are key to success in this role.
Advocacy Officers in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £38,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
There are over 8,000 Advocacy Officer roles in the UK, with many positions found in charities, NGOs, and public sector organisations.
Most Advocacy Officers work 35 to 40 hours per week, with some evening and weekend work required for events or campaigns.
Works specifically to promote and protect the rights and welfare of children, often within charities or public organisations.
Supports individuals with disabilities by helping them access services, voice their concerns, and ensure their rights are respected.
Focuses on representing and supporting people with mental health needs, ensuring their interests are considered in care and policy decisions.
Achieve good GCSEs, especially in English and humanities subjects.
Subjects like English, History, Citizenship, and Social Sciences will give you a strong foundation in critical thinking and communication. Consider taking A-levels in Politics, Sociology, or Law if you are planning to go on to further education.
Obtain a university degree in a relevant subject such as Politics, Social Policy, Law, or International Relations.
Most Advocacy Officer roles require a degree. Choose a course that covers research skills, policy analysis, and an understanding of social issues. Some universities offer sandwich courses with a year in industry, which can be particularly useful.
Gain experience by volunteering or interning with charities, NGOs, or campaign groups.
Look for opportunities to get involved in advocacy, campaigning, or policy work. Volunteering can provide hands-on experience, help you build a network, and may lead to paid positions in the future.
Develop strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to carry out research and analyse information.
Advocacy Officers often write reports, prepare briefings, and deliver presentations. You can develop these skills through your studies, extracurricular activities, or by joining student societies and debate clubs.
Look for job openings such as Policy Assistant, Campaign Assistant, or Junior Advocacy Officer.
Start by searching charity and NGO job boards, as well as local government and public sector websites. Tailor your CV to highlight your relevant experience, skills, and passion for advocacy work.
Once employed, continue developing your expertise through short courses, networking, and attending conferences.
Professional memberships, ongoing training, and staying up to date with policy developments will help you progress to more senior Advocacy Officer positions.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Advocacy Officer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
An Advocacy Officer and a Housing officer both work in roles that involve engaging with the public, supporting individual needs, and promoting key organisational or community objectives. Both positions require strong communication skills, advocacy abilities, and knowledge of relevant policies to effectively assist and represent their target groups.
You can get into this job through:
You could complete a foundation degree or degree in:
You'll usually need:
You can do a college course, which would give you some of the skills needed to get a trainee position. Courses include:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a housing organisation or local authority housing department.
These include:
You could also apply for a place on a Policy Officer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, if you want to work in a policy development role.
You'll usually need:
You may be able to start as a housing or admin assistant and work your way up. You could do this through on-the-job training leading to a qualification like the Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Housing Practice, offered by the Chartered Institute of Housing.
You may find it useful to get some work experience with a housing charity, local tenants' association or community organisation. This could help when you apply for housing officer jobs.
You can search for voluntary opportunities in your area through Do it and The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).
You may be able to apply to a local authority or housing association for a place on a graduate training scheme, like the GEM programme. This is open to graduates of any subject and non graduates who are already working in housing.
You could work for a local authority, a housing association or a charity like Shelter. You could also work for a university student accommodation service or property company.
You can get more advice about careers and training in housing from the Chartered Institute of Housing.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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