At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us in ensuring safe housing for all residents and tackling complex enforcement cases.
- Company: Barnet Council, dedicated to improving community welfare and safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days annual leave, flexible working options, and excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Housing Enforcement Officer with strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
- Other info: We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Barnet Council
Barnet is a borough with much to be proud of. Our excellent schools, vibrant town centres, vast green spaces and diverse communities all help make it a great place to live and work. As a council we want to build on these strengths as we move into the future. We are growing and developing as an organisation to meet the challenges facing our borough and we are committed to working with partner organisations and residents to make Barnet even better. Our staff are committed to Our Values: Learning to Improve, Caring, Inclusive, Collaborative – which drive everything we do.
About Housing Regulatory Services
In Housing Regulatory Services we are committed to helping all residents to live safely in their homes. Staff are empowered to make enforcement decisions and use the full breadth of the legal options available to them to ensure that tenants are safe, landlords informed and actions taken are legally compliant and expedient. The service covers the full range of housing enforcement related service areas including HMO licensing, Fire Safety in tower blocks and empty properties. We work closely with other departments and agencies to ensure that the most appropriate action is taken and the full breadth of the law considered.
About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to join Housing Regulatory Services at Barnet Council providing technical, professional enforcement services with the overall aim of protecting and improving the health, safety and welfare of every resident, worker and visitor within the Borough. The post will be working in the HMO Licensing Team investigating complaints, following up on compliance and taking enforcement action as appropriate. You will be expected to work independently in a hybrid manner ensuring that the most appropriate enforcement actions and decisions are made at all times. You will be required to be flexible, dealing with or supporting other officers on the most complex enforcement cases. As a principal officer you will also take on specific additional relevant specialisms and lead on these for the department.
About you
We are looking for a candidate who has considerable experience working as a Housing Enforcement Officer. You will need to have demonstrable experience of completing HHSRS assessments, and taking enforcement action under the Housing Act 2004 and associated legislation. You will be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills both verbally and in writing, and feel comfortable in working with a wide range of people and organisations to deal with difficult or complex issues. As this is an enforcement role you will need to be experienced in obtaining evidence and taking enforcement action including issuing penalty notices and taking prosecutions.
What we offer
- 31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, which provides a valuable guaranteed income in your retirement together with security for your dependents
- Work-life balance options may include hybrid working, flexitime, job share, home working, part-time
- A vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers and more
- Broad range of payroll benefits including cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership
- Excellent training and development opportunities
- Employee well-being training programs including confidential employee assistance
How to apply
Read the job description and person specification before clicking Apply to commence the online application form. If you would like any further information about the role before applying, please contact Belinda Livesey, Head of Housing Regulatory Services at belinda.livesey@barnet.gov.uk.
Barnet Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Barnet operates stringent safer recruitment procedures, this may include AI Detection Screening, Biometric ID/Right to Work Checks, Qualification and Registration Checks, Up to 6 years of Employment Data and Insights to Accelerate Screening (Konfir), Up to 5 years of Employment History References, DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) Checks, Credit Checks and Social Media, Sanctions and Occupational Health Screening.
To deliver Barnet Council’s commitment to equality of opportunity in the provision of services, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. As such we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Barnet Council embraces all forms of flexible working (including part-time, compressed hours, and hybrid working) and is committed to offering employees a healthy work-life balance. Candidates are encouraged to talk about relevant requirements and preferences at interview. We can’t promise to give you exactly what you want, but we do promise not to judge you for asking. Barnet Council is a Disability Confident Committed Employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process.
We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply. All posts with the council are subject to a probationary period of six months, during which time you will be required to demonstrate to the council satisfaction your suitability for the position in which you will be employed. Due to the high number of applications that are received for some posts we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient number of applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible. Please ensure you regularly check the email account (including JUNK MAIL folders) that you use to submit your application, as any further communication regarding your application will be sent electronically. Should you not hear from us within four working weeks of the closing date for this post, then regretfully in this instance, you have not been shortlisted.
Principal Environmental Health Officer employer: Borough of Barnet
Contact Detail:
Borough of Barnet Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Environmental Health Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Barnet Council and its values! Research their commitment to community and safety, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out in interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn to gain insights into the role and the team. A friendly chat can give you an edge and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about scenarios where you've had to enforce regulations or handle complex issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on your email for updates – you don’t want to miss any communication from us!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Environmental Health Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description and person specification. This will help you understand what Barnet Council is looking for and tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience.
Showcase Your Experience: Make sure to emphasise your experience as a Housing Enforcement Officer. Include specific examples of HHSRS assessments you've completed and any enforcement actions you've taken under the Housing Act 2004. We want to see how your background aligns with the role!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. Remember, we’re looking for excellent written communication skills, so make sure your application reflects that!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, if you have any questions, you can reach out to Belinda Livesey for more info before hitting that 'Apply' button.
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Barnet
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Housing Act 2004 and associated legislation. Being able to discuss specific cases where you've applied these laws will show your expertise and confidence in handling enforcement actions.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Since this role involves working with a diverse range of people, prepare examples that highlight your negotiation and communication skills. Think of situations where you successfully resolved conflicts or built relationships with stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss complex enforcement cases you've managed. Highlight your approach to obtaining evidence and making decisions, as this will illustrate your ability to work independently while still being a team player.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Values
Barnet Council values inclusivity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Prepare to share how your personal values align with theirs and provide examples of how you've embodied these principles in your previous roles.