Private Housing Standards Officer - High Rise

Job Description – Building Safety & Fire Safety Officer (High-Rise Residential Buildings) Job Purpose

The Building Safety & Fire Safety Officer is responsible for ensuring the safety and regulatory compliance of high-rise buildings (HRBs) and mid-rise residential buildings (MRRBs).

The postholder will undertake inspections, assess fire safety risks, review technical documentation, and enforce relevant housing and building safety legislation to protect residents and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out inspections of High-Rise Buildings (HRBs) and Mid-Rise Residential Buildings (MRRBs) to identify fire safety hazards and building safety risks.
• Apply the Housing Act 2004 and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) to assess fire safety hazards and determine appropriate enforcement action.
• Implement and enforce the requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022, including supporting or preparing applications for Remediation Orders and Remediation Contribution Orders where appropriate.
• Promote and maintain the principles of the "Golden Thread" of building information throughout the building lifecycle.

• Review and evaluate fire safety documentation, including

• Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs)
• Fire Strategies
• Intrusive Inspection Reports
• External Wall System (EWS) reports
• EWS1 Forms
• FRAEWs
• Periodic inspection and maintenance certificates

• Assess technical reports relating to

• External wall systems
• Cladding attachments
• Compartmentation
• Insulation materials
• Cavity barriers
• Fire stopping
• Apply PAS 9980 methodology when assessing external wall fire risks and evaluating FRAEW reports.
• Assess the effectiveness of both active and passive fire protection measures within residential buildings.
• Take a whole-building, risk-based approach to fire safety, ensuring the protection of residents and compliance with statutory duties.
• Investigate building safety concerns and determine appropriate regulatory or enforcement action.

• Work collaboratively with key stakeholders including

• London Fire Brigade (LFB)
• Greater London Authority (GLA)
• Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)
• Homes England
• London Councils
• Building Safety Regulator (BSR)
• Building owners, managing agents and residents
• Prepare detailed inspection reports, evidence files and enforcement documentation.
• Maintain accurate building safety records in line with Golden Thread requirements.
• Provide professional advice and guidance to internal teams, residents and external partners on building and fire safety matters.
• Keep up to date with changes in legislation, guidance and industry best practice.

Essential Knowledge and Experience

The successful candidate will demonstrate

• Thorough working knowledge of the Housing Act 2004 and application of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) in relation to fire safety within high-rise and mid-rise residential buildings.
• Thorough working knowledge of the Building Safety Act 2022, including Remediation Orders and Remediation Contribution Orders.
• Good understanding of the Golden Thread principles for building safety.

• Knowledge of

• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
• Fire Safety Act 2021
• Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
• Experience inspecting HRBs and MRRBs, identifying hazards and undertaking enforcement action.
• Strong understanding of active and passive fire protection systems.
• Experience assessing technical reports relating to external wall systems, compartmentation, cavity barriers, insulation materials and fire stopping.

• Ability to critically review and interpret

• Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs)
• Fire Strategies
• Intrusive Inspection Reports
• EWS1 Forms
• FRAEWs
• PAS 9980 assessments
• Fire safety certificates and maintenance records
• Experience working with regulatory bodies, local authorities, fire and rescue services and other housing partners.
• Ability to adopt a holistic, whole-building approach to building and fire safety.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Completion of JIT Level 1 and Level 2 Training for inspection of High-Rise Buildings (HRBs) and Mid-Rise Residential Buildings (MRRBs).
• Relevant qualification in Environmental Health, Building Control, Fire Safety, Building Surveying or a related discipline.
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e. g. CIEH, CABE, IFE, RICS or CIOB).
• Experience within a local authority or housing regulator environment.
• Key Skills
• Excellent analytical and technical assessment skills.
• Strong report writing and evidence gathering abilities.
• Ability to interpret complex legislation and technical guidance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong decision-making and enforcement capability.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to resident safety.
• Overall Objective

To ensure that high-rise and mid-rise residential buildings comply with current housing and building safety legislation by identifying fire safety risks, assessing technical evidence, enforcing statutory requirements where necessary, and working collaboratively with partners to improve resident safety and building standards.

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