At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the EH Housing team to ensure safe housing for residents.
- Company: Join West Berkshire Council, a forward-thinking and ambitious local authority.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in environmental health and team management required.
The predicted salary is between 45091 - 53460 £ per year.
Location: Theale, West Berkshire or Bracknell
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week
Closing Date: 21/06/2026 at 23:59
Reference: OTH/26/338475
This vacancy is being advertised on behalf of West Berkshire Council - Public Protection Partnership (PPP). PPP is a shared environmental health, licensing and trading standards service for Bracknell Forest and West Berkshire in Berkshire.
About the Role
We are seeking an Environmental Health Practitioner to manage the EH Housing team and, as such, working under the Strategic Manager, provide the direction for this service. Housing is one of the highest priority areas for both Councils in the shared service and you will be leading the team to ensure that the residents in our Boroughs have safe housing. In addition, you will be ensuring the continued implementation of the Renters Rights Act.
We offer a unique and dynamic working environment across Boroughs. The work and structure of PPP is based on the National Intelligence Model and we operate under a number of multidisciplinary functional areas to achieve the approved priorities. This means there are plenty of exciting opportunities to experience a wide range of cases and projects.
What We Offer
- A commitment to your professional and personal development
- A generous leave entitlement
- The opportunity to work flexibly
In return, we expect you to:
- Be a leader
- Be comfortable working under pressure
- Be organised, flexible and enthusiastic
- Have good communication skills
- Be able to work on your own initiative
Main Duties and Responsibilities of the EH Housing Team
- Inspections of private rented sector properties, responding to tenant complaints irrespective of tenure, drawing up schedules of condition & disrepair, and formal action as necessary
- Inspection and licensing of HMOs in line with current legislation
- Inspection of caravan sites – both licenced and unlicensed
- Proactive inspections of Commercial to Residential Conversions
- Renters Rights Act Enforcement
The Role of Principal Officer EH Housing
- Directly and indirectly manage a group of professional officers in the discipline of EH Housing
- Preparation and presentation of reports for internal and external body
- Maintain a watching brief on all aspects of local, regional and national policy and legislative development
- Support the Strategic Management Team in ensuring the delivery of strong performance against operational objectives
- Be responsible for motivation, monitoring, mentoring, training and development of staff to maintain an efficient and effective team capable of delivering the PPP’s objectives
- Lead the officers through enforcement cases
- Ensure that our processes and procedures are up to date and audited
The ideal candidate would have the following qualifications, skills and attributes:
- Certificate of Registration of the Environmental Health Registration Board or on the CIEH Professional Register
- A proven track record in all aspects of inspection and enforcement of EH Housing
- Experience of managing people
- A valid driving licence and access to a car for work
This role has the option for offering less hours than advertised, providing you meet the requirements of the role and service as determined by the recruiting manager.
Our offer to you
- A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Flexible working wherever possible between the hours of 07.00-19.00
- Hybrid working wherever possible working 40% in the office
- Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities
- Family friendly policies
- A range of local discounts
- Wellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits
- A generous annual leave entitlement starting at 29 days per annum (plus public holidays) Rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service
Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
All roles will be subject to an annual banding pay review until the top of the pay grade is reached (following successfully passing probation). All roles will be eligible for the annual national pay award.
About us
West Berkshire council is a forward thinking and ambitious council. We have a positive attitude to our work and focus on excellent teamwork to deliver award winning services for our residents and businesses. We employ over 1,500 members of staff corporately, plus additional members of staff working across our local schools and education settings. We offer a wide array of opportunities for training and development and varied career progression opportunities.
If you are interested in working with us and want to know more, do not hesitate to contact Rosalynd Gater, Strategic Manager Compliance and Programme on 01635 519098, or by email at Rosalynd.Gater@westberks.gov.uk.
The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies.
AI in Applications
We recognise that candidates may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the preparation of their job applications. When used appropriately, AI can be a helpful aid in structuring responses, checking clarity, and improving presentation. However, applications must reflect your own skills, experience and understanding. If an application appears to rely excessively on AI-generated content, it may not meet the required standard and could be rejected. We encourage all applicants to ensure their submissions are authentic, tailored to the role, and clearly demonstrate their own knowledge, experience and suitability.
Bracknell Forest Council – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
How to apply
Please now complete a short online application form by following this link: You will then be able to upload your CV.
Principal Officer - Residential - 03863 - advertised on behalf of West Berkshire Council in Bracknell employer: Bracknell Forest Council
West Berkshire Council is an excellent employer that prioritises professional and personal development, offering a competitive salary alongside generous leave entitlements and flexible working options. With a commitment to teamwork and community service, employees benefit from a dynamic work environment that fosters growth through diverse projects and training opportunities, all while contributing to the safety and wellbeing of residents across the Boroughs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Officer - Residential - 03863 - advertised on behalf of West Berkshire Council in Bracknell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the environmental health field or related sectors. Attend local events or webinars where you can meet people from West Berkshire Council or similar organisations. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Public Protection Partnership and its priorities. Understand their approach to housing and enforcement, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! As a Principal Officer, you'll need to manage a team effectively. Be ready to discuss your past experiences in mentoring and motivating others during interviews. Highlight specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at West Berkshire Council. Get your application in early to avoid missing out!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Officer - Residential - 03863 - advertised on behalf of West Berkshire Council in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Principal Officer - Residential. Highlight your experience in environmental health and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention your understanding of the Renters Rights Act and your approach to managing a team.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Whether it's successful inspections or effective team management, we want to know how you've made a difference in your previous roles.
Apply Early!:We might close the application early if we get enough interest, so don’t wait until the last minute! Head over to our website and submit your application as soon as you can to avoid missing out on this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bracknell Forest Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Principal Officer role. Brush up on the Renters Rights Act and any recent changes in environmental health legislation. This will show that you’re not just interested, but also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Officer, you'll be managing a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them. This will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to inspections or tenant complaints. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills. This will help you convey your problem-solving abilities clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the Public Protection Partnership and its goals. Inquire about the team dynamics or upcoming projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
