Community Connections is a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team delivering vital services across Homelessness, Housing Improvement, Disabled Facilities Grants, Community Safety, Community Youth, and Community Development.
We are looking for a dedicated and forward thinking Senior Officer to join our Housing Improvement Team on a permanent basis. This pivotal enforcement role helps ensure that our community lives in safe, healthy, and well maintained homes, with a strong emphasis on upholding standards under the Housing Act 2004 and the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
Conducting Inspections, Investigations, And Evidence Gathering
You will carry out comprehensive property inspections using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) to identify hazards within homes across our community. This will include gathering and documenting evidence in line with statutory requirements and internal procedures. Where necessary, you will also serve enforcement notices to ensure that essential remedial works are completed.
Civil Penalties and Prosecution: Where appropriate, enforcement action will be taken through the issuance of Civil Penalty Notices or by initiating prosecution proceedings under relevant housing legislation.
Key Responsibilities
- Inspecting homes under HHSRS
- Lead enforcement activities under relevant housing legislation.
- Investigate complaints and identify/remediate non-compliance
- Provide clear, accurate advice to landlords and tenants regarding their rights and responsibilities.
- Conduct investigations, maintain detailed case records, produce and serve enforcement documentation.
- Monitor compliance and undertake follow-up enforcement actions as required.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience in HHSRS is desirable but not essential – full training and mentoring will be provided.
- Experience in enforcement is desirable but not essential – full training and mentoring will be provided.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage complex caseloads and administrative duties.
- Confidence in using technology and maintaining accurate records.
- Ability to work independently and flexibly across various locations, including home working and site visits.
- A collaborative approach to working with internal teams and external partners.
Why Join Us?
This is an exciting time to be part of Community Connections. We are committed to improving housing standards across Plymouth and ensuring all residents have access to safe, quality accommodation. You’ll be part of a supportive team, receive comprehensive training, and have the opportunity to make a real impact in the community.
The Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is: Basic Check
We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.
Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation.
As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK
For more information or an informal discussion, please contact Richard Colrein on Richard.colrein@plymouth.gov.uk
Closing Date: Monday 8 June
