Food Safety Specialist

Environmental Health Officer / Public Protection Food Safety Practitioner Location: London Local Authority Contract: 6 months (potential for extension) Pay Rate: up to £55.00 per hour (Umbrella)OverviewTo safeguard public health by enforcing food hygiene, food standards, infectious disease control, and health and safety regulations across commercial premises.Key ResponsibilitiesConduct inspections of high-risk (A and B category), low-risk, and approved food premises in line with the Food Standards Agency Code of Practice and the new Food Standards Delivery Model (FSDM).Investigate notifiable infectious diseases and food poisoning outbreaks, participating in outbreak control teams as required.Enforce health and safety regulations in commercial settings.Provide clear, accurate advice to businesses, members of the public, senior managers, councillors, and external professionals.Undertake enforcement actions, including serving notices, issuing penalties, seizing goods, closures, and preparing legal cases for prosecution.Lead investigations, including conducting PACE interviews, collecting evidence, and presenting at court or tribunal as required.Maintain high standards of record-keeping, data protection, and evidence integrity.Supervise junior, agency, or temporary staff when required.Use IT systems to support service delivery and performance monitoring.Essential RequirementsBSc in Environmental Health (or equivalent) and EHRB registration.Proven competency and up-to-date knowledge in food hygiene, food standards, and health and safety enforcement.Experience in complex investigations, including food poisoning outbreaks and infectious disease control.Ability to manage high-risk premises, prepare legal cases, and lead enforcement actions.Strong working knowledge of relevant legislation, enforcement processes, and statutory requirements.Ability to work independently, manage workload effectively, and contribute to team targets.Flexibility to work across locations and outside standard hours when necessary.How to ApplyIf you have the required qualifications and experience and are ready to take on this vital role protecting public health, please submit your CV without delay. Immediate starts are available, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.