At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex housing enforcement investigations and ensure compliance with housing legislation.
- Company: Local Authority committed to community safety and housing standards.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on community impact and legal processes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives by improving housing conditions.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing enforcement and strong investigative skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 42000 £ per year.
Aatom Recruitment is looking for Principal Enforcement Officer on behalf of a Local Authority.
Job Title: Principal Enforcement Officer Contract Duration: 3 Months Hours Per Week: 36
Main Purpose of the Job
To lead and deliver complex housing enforcement activities and investigations to ensure compliance with housing legislation, licensing requirements, and regulatory standards in the private rented sector.
To provide expert advice, guidance and support on housing enforcement matters, protecting residents from poor housing conditions, unlawful housing practices and associated risks to health, safety and wellbeing, while contributing to the Council's strategic housing and community safety objectives.
Main Responsibilities / Accountabilities / Key Results Areas
The postholder will be expected to effectively deliver the following responsibilities and outcomes:
- Lead on the investigation and enforcement of complex housing cases involving breaches of housing legislation, licensing conditions, property standards and management regulations.
- Provide specialist advice and guidance to managers, senior officers, elected Members and partner agencies on housing enforcement legislation, policy and procedure.
- Ensure that enforcement decisions are evidence-based, proportionate, consistent and compliant with relevant legislation, statutory guidance, Council policies and procedures.
- Conduct inspections of residential premises, including Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), licensed properties and privately rented accommodation, identifying hazards and determining appropriate interventions.
- Prepare, serve and monitor statutory notices, civil penalties, prohibition orders, improvement notices, emergency remedial actions and other formal enforcement measures as appropriate.
- Lead and undertake investigations into housing offences, including breaches of the Housing Act 2004, Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation Regulations, licensing schemes and associated legislation.
- Prepare detailed reports, witness statements, prosecution files and evidential records for legal proceedings, ensuring compliance with criminal procedure and evidential requirements.
- Represent the Council in court proceedings, tribunals, interviews under caution, public inquiries and other formal hearings as required.
- Work closely with Legal Services to progress prosecutions, appeals, injunctions, rent repayment orders and other enforcement actions.
- Develop and maintain effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to support coordinated enforcement activity and improve outcomes for residents.
Undertake the general work of a Principal Enforcement Officer (Housing Enforcement) including:
- Managing a substantial caseload of complex enforcement investigations, operating with a high degree of autonomy and professional judgement.
- Planning, coordinating and delivering enforcement activities in accordance with service priorities, performance targets and statutory obligations.
- Conducting site inspections, property surveys and evidence-gathering exercises to assess compliance with legislative and licensing requirements.
- Undertaking interviews under caution and gathering evidence in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) and associated codes of practice.
- Preparing enforcement notices, legal documentation, schedules of works and prosecution files to the required evidential standards.
- Instructing and liaising with Legal Services, Counsel and external experts where appropriate, ensuring effective progression of legal proceedings.
- Attending court, tribunal and appeal hearings, giving professional evidence and representing the Council's interests as required.
- Providing technical advice, training and guidance to colleagues, internal departments, elected Members and external stakeholders.
- Monitoring and reviewing compliance with statutory notices, licence conditions and enforcement actions, taking further action where necessary.
- Maintaining accurate records and making effective use of case management systems, databases and regulatory enforcement software
OR109669 - Principal Enforcement Officer employer: Aatom Recruitment
Aatom Recruitment is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional development. As a Building Control Surveyor in the vibrant locations of London, Berkshire, Kent, or Merseyside, you will benefit from flexible working hours and opportunities for career advancement within a dynamic local authority environment, making your role both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land OR109669 - Principal Enforcement Officer
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace OR109669 - Principal Enforcement Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aatom Recruitment
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Aatom Recruitment.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Aatom Recruitment that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
