Strategic Research Graduate

Title: Strategic ResearchGraduate

Contract Type: 2-year Fixed-Term Contract, 35 hours

Working Pattern: Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00

Salary: £30,000 per annum

Reporting Office: London, Stratford

Persona: Agile Worker: 20% - 40% of contractual hours to be worked from reporting office/working location (hybrid working)

Closing Date: Sunday 26th October 2025 at 23:00

Interview Dates: W/C 3rd/10th November 2025. Please note that in person interviews will be held for at least one of the interview stages for this role.

Please click here for the role profile Strategic Research Graduate Role Profile.docx

Benefits include: Excellent pension plan (up to 6% double contribution), 28 days Annual Leave rising to 31 days with length of service + Bank Holidays, Westfield Health Cash Plan, non-contributory life assurance, up to 21 hours volunteering paid days, lifestyle benefits, Employee Assistance Programme and many more…

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to close the advertisement and interview earlier than stated.

NB: To qualify for apprenticeship funding, the individual must have a valid and eligible residency status. This requires residency in the UK (or British Overseas Territories) for at least 3 years prior to the start of the apprenticeship.

The L&Q Early Talent Programme has been designed to help you get the career you have always wanted. This role provides the opportunity to start a new career path with a values-led organisation that will support you to learn and develop throughout the programme and beyond.

Join our Strategic Research Team at L&Q:

We are looking for a Graduate to join the Strategic Research team. The role offers a unique opportunity to work at one of the UK’s largest housing associations, at a pivotal moment for the housing sector.

L&Q is a not-for-profit organisation, driven by our social purpose of providing safe, high-quality affordable homes, as well as services and support to residents. Like many social landlords, we are facing significant challenges as we strive to improve services, the safety and quality of our buildings, and deliver the affordable homes the country desperately needs. The Strategic Research team sits at the heart of the organisation and holds significant influence over the way these things happen.

Your impact in the role:

The role of the team is to translate what is happening in the world of policy, society and the economy for colleagues at L&Q, as well as using research to influence our external environment. The Graduate will play an important supporting role in this, and you will be part of a small team that carries out a key and high-profile role. The team’s regular tasks include:

• Horizon scanning public policy issues, to support Executive and Group Board in strategy setting
• Managing responses to consultations and calls for evidence
• Carrying out housing market monitoring and analysis
• Equipping colleagues to understand and effectively respond to changes in the world of policy (including legislation and regulation), society and the economy
• Evaluating current/new housing products against housing need in the areas L&Q operates in
• Delivering L&Q’s thought leadership programme
• Engaging with relevant (internal and external) stakeholders

As part of our membership of the G15, the group of London’s largest housing associations, there will be a strong focus on building and maintaining external stakeholder relationships, and liaising with other policy and research leads at peer landlords on consultation responses and influencing pieces. Reporting into the Strategic Research Analyst, you will work with them, as well as another Analyst, an Assistant Analyst and Manager. The team forms part of the Governance and Accountability team. You will also need to work closely and maintain strong working relationships with the Public Affairs team, Communications team and other people in analytical roles around the organisation. You will have the opportunity to deepen your housing knowledge, work on research projects that influence policy and strategy and to undertake data compilation and analysis. This is role for someone who has recently completed their university education or is early in their career and keen to develop their analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills within a collaborative and supportive team environment. It will also offer lots of opportunity for professional development. What you'll bring: We are specifically looking for someone who can demonstrate the following:

• A strong interest in housing and some knowledge of policy issues affecting the housing sector
• Some experience related to research and a desire to undertake housing-based research and analysis projects
• Emerging analytical skills, with some ability to interpret data and draw meaningful insights
• Strong written communication skills, with an ability to tailor messages to different audiences
• Confidence in engaging with a range of stakeholders and a desire to build influencing skills over time
• Demonstrable ability to produce written work for the Strategic Research team and senior leaders to tight deadlines
• Ability to manage time effectively and a willingness to contribute to multiple projects
• A proactive attitude and willingness to learn from experienced colleagues

If thissounds like you, we would love for you to apply!Qualification Requirements:

• Applicants with all degrees are welcome to apply, although we particularly encourage those with humanities and social science degrees.
• You will need to demonstrate that you have an emerging understanding of the political, social, and economic context of housing, with a willingness to deepen this knowledge.
• GCSE grade C/4 or above in English and maths (or equivalent)

Graduate programme details:This opportunity will ensure that you gain experience and professional development, ultimately working towards a Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) qualification.

If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage during this process, including application stage, please email lqcareers@lqgroup.org.uk

About L&Q:

We’re one of the UK’s leading housing associations and developers. We were founded on a simple belief: high quality housing is vital for people’s health, happiness and security. Everyone deserves a quality home that gives them the chance to live a better life.

250,000 people call our properties ‘home’, and we’re proud to serve diverse communities across London, the South East and North West of England.

At L&Q, people are at the heart of our business and our success depends on employing the best people and getting the best from them. The foundation of everything that we are is built on our corporate values and behavioural framework, which outlines our core expectations and should be demonstrated at all times, and all levels, when representing L&Q.

L&Q strongly believe a diverse and inclusive workforce is important, and inclusion is part of our core values and everyday working practices. We make hiring decisions based on your experiences, skills and merits and we are recognised externally for our commitment to inclusion. We are a Stonewall Diversity Champion, a Disability Confident (Committed) employer and have signed the Time to Change Employer Pledge to demonstrate our commitment to end mental health discrimination in the workplace. Click here to read more.

At L&Q, sustainability is at the heart of what we do. We recognise the responsibility we hold as one of the UK’s largest housing associations.

Click here to find out more about L&Q and why you should join us!

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