PhD student Richard Dunning discusses his work placement at Sheffield City Council

What is your current placement?

I am working for the Affordable Housing Team in Sheffield City Council. The internship is for 30 days over a period of 6 months. Currently, I average two days a week, working flexibly according to the requirements of the projects which have been assigned to me. All this work takes place at the City Council or out in the field.

How did you find out about the placement?

I heard about the possibility of funding for an internship through an internal university email from the Public Service Academy (PSA). To take advantage of this opportunity I needed to identify a suitable placement which would complement my research into housing economics and make an application. My supervisor helped me. The whole process took about six weeks.

Can you tell us about your role as a Project Officer?

Working for the Affordable housing Team I have been assigned to four main projects:

a) A feasibility study for a 'One-Stop Shop' for first time buyers (FTBs) who are interested in low cost home ownership (LCHO) schemes, as well as those interested in quality properties for rent.
b) A clear guideline document for the public relating to Shariah compliant mortgages. (Islamic law forbids Muslims to take out mortgage, therefore there is a need to identify alternative ways of purchasing accommodation e.g. equity share.)
c) Linking Sheffield City Council's Housing Development database to a Geographic Information System (GIS)
d) Setting up and facilitating a range of meetings which involve the Affordable Housing Scheme.

How have you benefitted from the placement?

The conversations I have had with the members of the Affordable Housing Team have been invaluable. Journeys to and from meetings with my manager have been particularly valuable when she has explained the context of the meeting ahead, the aims and the outcomes we are aiming for as well explaining the political and policy context. The internship has challenged and extended my understanding of the issues related to affordable housing beyond the scope of my PhD. It has increased my confidence and I am sure that I will perform better at job interviews, whether inside or outside academia.

What do you think you have learnt from the experience?

"Time management – it’s hard work, keeping on top of my work and fulfilling the project requirements of the internship, but I have learned that it is possible as long as I am organised! Writing for different audiences/ public engagement – previously, I have written either for an academic audience or for a client when I worked for a surveying practice after my Masters. This role requires me to write in a way which is accessible to a range of audiences – people who know a lot (colleagues), people who know a little (councillors)"