At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspect properties and ensure accurate Business Rates assessments for local councils.
- Company: Join the Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership, a forward-thinking organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local businesses while developing your investigative skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in property inspection or regulatory roles is essential.
The predicted salary is between 35391 - 42888 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint two proactive and knowledgeable Business Rates Inspectors to join our Finance Directorate within the Better Service Partnership. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong investigative and analytical skills to support the accurate assessment and maintenance of the Council’s Non‑Domestic Rates (NNDR) taxbase.
As a Business Rates Inspector, you will be responsible for carrying out property inspections, identifying changes that could affect liability, and ensuring that the Council’s records are precise, up to date, and fully compliant with legislation. Your work will play a crucial role in supporting income collection and ensuring businesses are charged correctly.
About The Role
You will be an enthusiastic and confident professional with a solid understanding of Business Rates legislation and the practical application of NNDR processes. You will bring:
- Experience working within Business Rates, property inspection, valuation, or a similar regulatory role
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to liaise professionally with businesses, agents, and stakeholders
- Good investigative and observational skills, with the confidence to carry out site visits independently
- Accuracy and attention to detail when reviewing property data, plans, and records
- Ability to manage a varied caseload and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
- A proactive, solution‑focused approach to identifying taxbase growth and ensuring compliance
- Competence in using relevant systems, mapping tools, and digital devices for recording inspection outcomes
Essential Qualifications, Skills And Experience
- Carrying out inspections of commercial properties across the London Boroughs of Richmond-upon-Thames and the London Borough of Wandsworth to verify Business Rates liability
- Identifying new builds, alterations, and changes of use that may affect NNDR charges
- Maintaining accurate property records and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements
- Working collaboratively with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), Planning, Building Control, and other internal teams
- Creating and serving Completion Notices where appropriate
- Analysing site information, plans, and GIS/mapping data to support assessments
- Providing clear guidance to ratepayers and stakeholders on liability, reliefs, and legislation
- Supporting wider taxbase growth and service improvement initiatives
Indicative Recruitment Timeline
- Closing Date: Sunday 05th April 2026
- Shortlisting Date: W/C 06th April 2026
- Interview Date: TBC
We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Useful Information
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
Business Rates Inspector employer: London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values flexibility and employee well-being. With generous benefits such as 40 days of annual leave and opportunities for professional growth, this role as a Business Rates Inspector allows you to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a balanced work-life dynamic.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Rates Inspector
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research the Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership and understand their values, mission, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn, attend relevant events, or join local business groups. Building relationships can give you insider info about the role and even lead to referrals, which can be a game-changer in landing that job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Practice common questions related to Business Rates and property inspections. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the skills they're looking for. Confidence is key, so rehearse until you feel ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the opportunity. So, get your application in early and keep an eye on that closing date!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Rates Inspector
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Business Rates and property inspection. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Off Your Skills:Use specific examples to demonstrate your investigative and analytical skills. We love seeing how you’ve tackled challenges in the past, especially when it comes to compliance and accuracy in property records.
Be Professional and Personable:When writing your application, keep a professional tone but let your personality shine through. Strong communication skills are key for this role, so show us you can engage effectively with stakeholders and businesses right from the start!
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We may close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so get yours in through our website as soon as possible to avoid disappointment!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
✨Know Your Business Rates Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the key aspects of Business Rates legislation before your interview. Understanding the practical application of NNDR processes will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also ready to hit the ground running.
✨Show Off Your Investigative Skills
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences with property inspections or similar regulatory roles. Be ready to share specific examples where your investigative skills made a difference, as this is crucial for the role of a Business Rates Inspector.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since strong communication skills are essential, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think about how you would explain complex information to ratepayers or stakeholders, as this will demonstrate your ability to liaise professionally.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
During the interview, highlight your accuracy and attention to detail when reviewing property data and records. You might even want to bring along examples of how you've maintained precise records in the past to back up your claims.
