Sanctuary is one of the UK’s leading providers of housing, care and community services. With around 13,000 employees, we maintain a culture where diversity is valued and talent is nurtured and rewarded.

Graduate Development Programme - (2 Year Fixed Term Contract)

Worcester based with a balance of home and office working 

35 hours per week

£28,500 per annum, rising to £30,000 following the successful completion of Year 1

Do you want to work for an organisation that is commercially and customer focused with a social purpose?

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, and this year we are offering the opportunity to work across our Affordable Housing, New Home Development and Commercial (Care, Students and Sanctuary Support Living) business areas. You will network with other graduates, build relationships across the entire business, and watch your career grow within a commercially driven organisation.

About the programme:

• We have 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 along with meeting our current and past graduates.
• You will complete four six-month rotational placements across our New Home Development, Commercial or Affordable Housing business areas
• 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.

What will happen after you complete the Graduate Programme?

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 can we offer you in return?

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 and Race equality (REN) networks
• Relocation allowance of £1,500 if moving more than 50 miles
• £28,500 per annum, rising to £30,000 following the successful completion of Year 1

What is the 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 2025

The application process:

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 above, alongside completing a number of application questions. Watch our how to guide here - Graduate application video guide

Before completing your application, view our website https://www.sanctuary-group.co.uk/graduates to explore the values and behaviours that are important to us and hear from our current and previous graduates about their experiences. We have also attached a guidance video here to support you in uploading your video.

Using Artificial Intelligence to support your application:

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.

Building Equality and Diversity

Sanctuary Group encourages and welcomes applications from people from diverse backgrounds to support our commitment to offering an inclusive environment for our employees and customers. 
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.