Social Housing and Public Sector Job Ready Programme

How to Write an Effective Supporting Statement


Competency Framework

Person Specifications and Supporting Statements


The CV is a common method for job applications but often CV’s have a bland and generic format. CV applications can also be speculative with hundreds of CV’s sent out each week, with a focus on temporary jobs. (email your CV to info@gravitastraining.co.uk and we will provide a FREE CV review when you attend a taster course

Covering Letters are often an extension of the CV with more generalised statements about a person’s abilities without backing it up with firm or demonstrable examples and evidence.

Supporting Statements are specific and targeted toward a permanent job, where quite often a CV or covering letter application will not be accepted. Supporting statements are far more substantive and important than a CV, and should be developed closely based on the competency framework and person specification for that particular permanent job role.

To secure any professional job (£18-50K+) including social housing, public and private sector roles, you will need to overcome and effectively address the competency framework and person specification with a good supporting statement. Outlined below are the key elements which make up a good supporting statement:

Technical Knowledge (30%) Generic Skills, Experiences and Competencies (70%) An Effective Supporting Statement


Well rounded technical knowledge within the relevant area/job role (30%)

Social Housing Management Knowledge including:

  • Rent Management
  • Anti Social Behaviour Management
  • Tenancy Management
  • Voids and Lettings
  • Community Development
  • Housing Legislation
  • Community Development
  • Re-Housing Options





A comprehensive range of generic skills, competencies, and experiences (70%), including:

  • Customer Service Experience
  • Strong Written and Oral Communication
  • Customer Focus
  • Problem Solving Skills
  • Team Work
  • Planning and Organising
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Influencing Skills
  • Resilience
  • Initiative
  • Delivering Results
  • Administration Skills
  • Effective Time Management
  • IT Skills
  • Change Management
  • Equalities

The technical social housing management knowledge (30%) coupled with generic skills and competencies (70%), should now form an effective supporting statement, paying particular
attention to examples which are:

  • Specific
  • Relevant
  • Demonstrable
  • Succinct
  • Engaging
  • Evidenced












How Can Gravitas Training Help You Develop Supporting Statements?


  • GT will help you not just to “talk the talk”, but to effectively express your self on paper through well written supporting statements, CV’s and covering letters
  • GT will help amplify your knowledge, skills, and experiences by developing succinct and engaging narratives based on each individuals professional, academic and personal background
  • GT offers 6 months of support after the short 5 day course, to primarily help develop effective supporting statements