Area Building Control Surveyor – AR

As a Registered Building Inspector, the postholder will carry out restricted activities within their level of registration and professional competence. The Area Building Control Surveyor is responsible for the administration, management and enforcement of building control legislation to ensure that building work within the Borough complies with statutory requirements and achieves appropriate standards of health, safety, accessibility, sustainability and energy efficiency. The postholder will undertake technical assessments and make informed regulatory decisions to effectively deliver the Building Control function across the Council’s jurisdiction and within any partnering or shared service arrangements.

Key Responsibilities

• Building Control and Regulatory Compliance
  • Administer and enforce the requirements of the Building Safety Act, Building Act, Building Regulations, London Building Acts and associated legislation.
  • Assess building proposals, plans, specifications and supporting information to determine compliance with relevant legislation and regulatory standards.
  • Issue decisions, approvals, notices and certificates in accordance with statutory requirements and delegated authority.
  • Ensure that all restricted functions are carried out within the limits of the postholder’s Registered Building Inspector class and competence.
• Site Inspections and Project Management
  • Manage a varied caseload of building control projects across the Borough, ranging from domestic works to complex developments within the postholder’s registration class.
  • Carry out site inspections at key stages of construction to verify compliance with approved plans, building regulations and relevant legislation.
  • Provide clear technical advice and guidance to developers, architects, contractors, property owners and members of the public.
  • Maintain accurate records of inspections, decisions and regulatory actions using approved systems and procedures.
• Enforcement and Dangerous Structures
  • Investigate non-compliant building work and determine appropriate enforcement action in accordance with statutory powers and Council procedures.
  • Prepare and issue enforcement notices and undertake associated legal and administrative processes.
  • Assess dangerous structures and respond to emergency situations affecting public safety.
  • Arrange, implement and monitor immediate remedial works where necessary to remove or reduce risks to the public.
• Supervision and Professional Support
  • Provide supervision, guidance and support to Registered Building Inspectors at lower classes of registration, including Class 1 RBIs.
  • Allocate, review and oversee work undertaken by less experienced colleagues, ensuring activities are undertaken within their competence and registration limits.
  • Contribute to the development, training and mentoring of colleagues within the Building Control service.
  • Where appropriate, undertake supervisory and management responsibilities in line with the Council’s management framework.
• Partnership Working
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal departments, emergency services, external agencies, developers, architects and other stakeholders.
  • Represent the Building Control service at meetings, forums and multi-agency partnerships as required.
  • Support the delivery of building control services within partnering or shared service arrangements.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain professional registration and continuing professional development requirements as a Registered Building Inspector.
• Keep up to date with changes to legislation, guidance, standards and industry best practice.
• Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with Council policies, procedures and codes of conduct.
• Comply with all health and safety requirements and promote safe working practices.
• Uphold the principles of equality, diversity, inclusion and customer service excellence.

Person Specification

Essential Knowledge and Experience

• Detailed knowledge of the Building Safety Act, Building Act, Building Regulations, London Building Acts and associated legislation.
• Experience of examining plans and carrying out building control inspections.
• Experience of managing a varied caseload of building control projects.
• Experience of undertaking enforcement action and dealing with non-compliant building work.
• Experience of assessing dangerous structures and responding to emergency situations.
• Understanding of construction methods, materials and building technology.
• Knowledge of health and safety, fire safety, accessibility, sustainability and energy conservation requirements.

Essential Skills and Abilities

• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and engineering information.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to prepare clear technical reports, notices and correspondence.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.
• Competence in supervising and supporting the work of others.

Essential Qualifications and Registration

• Registration as a Registered Building Inspector at the appropriate class for the role.
• Relevant qualification in building control, building surveying, construction, engineering or a related discipline.
• Evidence of ongoing continuing professional development.

Desirable

• Membership of a relevant professional body.
• Experience of working within a local authority building control environment.
• Experience of working within a shared service or partnership arrangement.
• Supervisory or management experience.