At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a team of Environmental Health officers in housing inspections.
- Company: Join West Berkshire Council, a supportive and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Great opportunities for training and career development await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in community housing and tenant rights.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant Environmental Health certification and management experience.
The predicted salary is between 45091 - 53460 £ per year.
Location: Theale, West Berkshire or Bracknell (PPP areas).
Contract: Permanent; Full Time 37 hours per week.
Closing Date: 21/06/2026 at 23:59.
About the Role
As Principal Officer EH Housing you will lead, manage and develop a team of Environmental Health officers within the Public Protection Partnership (PPP) across Bracknell Forest and West Berkshire.
Key Responsibilities
- Directly and indirectly manage a group of professional officers in EH Housing.
- Plan, coordinate and conduct inspections of private rented sector properties, HMOs, caravan sites, commercial-to-residential conversions and other relevant premises.
- Respond to tenant complaints, draft schedules of condition and disrepair, and apply formal action when necessary.
- Enforce the Renters Rights Act and related legislation.
- Prepare and present reports to internal and external bodies.
- Maintain a watching brief on all changes to local, regional and national policy and legislation.
- Support the Strategic Management Team to achieve performance targets and operational objectives.
- Motivate, monitor, mentor, train and develop staff to maintain an efficient, effective team.
- Lead officers through enforcement cases and ensure processes and procedures are up to date and audited.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience
- Certificate of Registration with the Environmental Health Registration Board or the CIEH Professional Register.
- Proven track record in all aspects of EH Housing inspection and enforcement.
- Experience of managing people.
- A valid driving licence and access to a car for work.
Benefits
- Competitive salary (Grade K, £45,091 to £53,460 per annum).
- Flexible working – choose hours between 07:00 and 19:00 and a hybrid model (40% office).
- Generous annual leave (starting at 29 days plus public holidays, increasing to 34 days after 5 years).
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Well‑being programme including Employee Assistance Programme.
- Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities.
- Family‑friendly policies and range of local discounts.
- Death in service benefit.
Equal Opportunities
West Berkshire Council is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, as required by the Equality Act 2010.
How to Apply
Please complete the online application form and upload your CV via the link provided in the original posting.
Principal Officer - Residential - 03863 - advertised on behalf of West Berkshire Council employer: Bracknell Forest Council
West Berkshire Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. With flexible working hours, generous annual leave, and a commitment to equal opportunities, employees can thrive in their roles while contributing to the community. The role of Principal Officer in Environmental Health Housing provides a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team, ensuring impactful work within a collaborative environment in the picturesque setting of West Berkshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Officer - Residential - 03863 - advertised on behalf of West Berkshire Council
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at West Berkshire Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of the Renters Rights Act and recent changes in environmental health legislation. We want to show that we’re not just qualified, but also passionate about the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. We need to nail our responses, especially around managing teams and handling tenant complaints.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Officer - Residential - 03863 - advertised on behalf of West Berkshire Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Officer role. Highlight your experience in Environmental Health Housing and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves managing a team, don’t forget to showcase your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've motivated and developed staff in the past. We love seeing how you can inspire others!
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website using the link provided in the job posting. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bracknell Forest Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key responsibilities of the Principal Officer role. Familiarise yourself with the Renters Rights Act and any recent changes in legislation. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but that you’re also proactive about staying informed.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, be ready to discuss your experience in leading and developing staff. Prepare examples of how you've motivated teams in the past and how you handle challenges. This will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively within the Public Protection Partnership.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations, like handling tenant complaints or conducting inspections. Think through your approach to these scenarios beforehand, so you can articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
