Graduate Development Programme - Cross-Business Leadership

Inclusion and Diversity

Inclusion is one of our core values. Our goal is to be a diverse, inclusive organisation where our people thrive and meet our customers’ needs with fairness and empathy. We know having a range of ideas and opinions makes a difference. We encourage and welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds to support this mission. We will make adjustments throughout your application process, in line with Sanctuary's commitment to our Disability Confident employer status.

About the Programme

Our mission is to build affordable homes and sustainable communities where people choose to live. We provide housing, care and support to more than a quarter of a million customers in England and Scotland and employ over 14,000 people. This includes managing and maintaining much needed social and affordable housing, as well as playing our part in tackling the national housing crisis by building good quality affordable homes.

We are a fast growing, multi-million-pound company that will give you the opportunity to make decisions that have a positive impact on communities throughout the UK. Our Graduate Development Programme offers the perfect blend of personal and professional development to develop to become a leader of the future. Your placements will give you the opportunity to work across Housing & Property, Commercial (Care, Students and Sanctuary Support Living) and Corporate Services, providing a holistic view of how Sanctuary operates. You will network with other graduates, build relationships across the entire business, and watch your career grow within a commercially driven organisation.

Programme Structure

• A comprehensive induction where you will be introduced to key senior leaders throughout the business and visit a range of our operations across the UK.
• You will complete four six-month rotational placements across our Commercial, Housing & Property and Corporate Services.
• Developing your commercial skills whilst making an active contribution to the development of our organisation.
• Involvement in projects that will have a measurable impact on the business.

About You

Graduating in any degree subject, you will be in your final year of study, or have finished your studies within the past two years, and you will need a 2:1 degree as a minimum. Remember your personal skills will be just as important as your qualifications and we are interested in your potential and look for graduates who are:

• Determined and focused, a natural at building relationships and inspiring others.
• Adaptable with strong problem-solving skills and confident in your own ability.
• Commercially astute and have the desire to take us forward as a leader of the future.

Learning and Development

The Sanctuary Learning Academy provides effective and high-quality learning opportunities throughout the organisation, supporting our employees to achieve their ambitions and enabling Sanctuary to meet its business objectives. You will also have access to a buddy and mentor.

Post Programme Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the programme, our Graduates can typically expect to move into senior roles with increased remuneration packages. We therefore enjoy considerably higher retention rates when compared to other graduate schemes.

What We Offer

As part of our commitment to making Sanctuary a great place to work, we offer extensive development and training opportunities as well as a comprehensive reward and benefits package:

• A pension scheme with matching employer contributions from Sanctuary up to set limits.
• 25 days leave (rising to a maximum of 30 days) plus public holidays.
• A hybrid working arrangement, with a balance of home and office working.
• Life assurance.
• Health & wellbeing plans.
• Discounted products and services.
• Personal advice and counselling.
• Family-friendly arrangements.
• Tax efficient savings through our Cycle to Work scheme.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Access to Employee network groups, including our Parent, Disability, Race equality (REN) and LGBTQ+ (PRISM) networks.
• Relocation allowance if moving more than 50 miles.
• £28,500 per annum, rising to £30,000 following the successful completion of Year 1.

Application Process

• Stage 1: Complete an online application form and submit a 60 second video.
• Stage 2: Virtual first stage interviews – held via MS Teams.
• Stage 3: Assessment Centre held in our Worcester Head Office in early March 2027.

As part of your application, we will be asking you to submit a 60 second video, showcasing your interests and passion for one or more of the business areas, alongside completing a number of application questions.

Before completing your application, explore the values and behaviours that are important to us and hear from our current and previous graduates about their experiences. Guidance will be provided to support you in uploading your video.

AI Usage Caution

We understand the benefits of using AI in work. However, if you are thinking of using AI to support your application, we ask you to think carefully about what value it adds. AI tools can lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. Therefore, we encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice in your application video and free-text answers.

Closing Date: 10 January 2027

We work closely with the Home Office in order to prevent unlawful working.

Sanctuary Group is a trading name of Sanctuary Housing Association, an exempt charity.