At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Building Safety Team to ensure compliance with safety regulations and provide expert advice.
- Company: Portsmouth City Council is dedicated to enhancing community safety and well-being through effective building management.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment, opportunities for professional development, and potential remote work options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community safety while working on diverse projects in a collaborative culture.
- Qualifications: Degree in building surveying or related field; experience with high-rise buildings and relevant safety legislation required.
- Other info: A full driving licence is necessary for site visits across Portsmouth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Building Safety Officer (Building Services) – Portsmouth, PO12AL, United Kingdom
Job Category: SurveyorsRegion / Division: UK RegionLocation: Civic Offices, Guildhall Square, PortsmouthWorking Hours: 37
About Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.
We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours .
Job introduction
We are looking for a Building Safety Officer to join our Building Services team. This is a full-time, permanent role based at the Civic Offices in Portsmouth, with hybrid working available. The role is office based at least 3 days per week and you will need to travel as required between PCC Assets in Portsmouth, Havant, Gosport, Fareham and Winchester.
Your new role
We are seeking individuals to work as part of the Building Safety Team within the Compliance Service at Portsmouth City Council. The Building Safety Team is responsible for cooperating with the Principal Accountable Person and Responsible Person\’s in relation to whole building safety and ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022, Fire Safety Act 2021 and other legislation.
The officer will assist the Building Safety and Fire Manager regarding building safety including structural safety and fire safety on the Council\’s housing stock and commercial properties as well as the buildings that private sector housing regulate. To provide advice to other areas of the council on building safety including social housing, private sector housing and other directorates on both housing and commercial assets.
Please see the full job profile attached at the bottom of this page for all details of the role and responsibilities
Who is the person?
The ideal candidate is someone who will:
- Have a degree qualification in a relevant building surveying, fire safety or construction related subject and either hold or be working towards full IFE member status. Where candidate doesn\’t currently hold member status, they are to demonstrate significant practical experience. Where candidates are not full members then assistance will be given to obtain membership.
- Have a level 4 diploma in fire safety.
- Have or be willing to work towards a level 6 Diploma in Building Safety Management.
- Have good knowledge of building design, building construction technology and fire safety.
- Have demonstrable experience of working on high-rise buildings.
- Have excellent working knowledge and understanding of building related legislation and its application. Specifically, the Building Safety Act, Fire Safety Act, building regulations, fire safety, the Housing Act including the HHSRS and the Social Housing Act including Consumer Standards.
- Have good knowledge, experience and be able to apply construction related health & safety legislation, specifically, the CDM Regulations 2015 and asbestos at work regulations.
- Have experience of preparing and delivering high quality, written and verbal reports as well as the ability to write, disseminate and assess detailed technical reports and advise on the findings.
- Experience of managing and leading complex construction projects ideally in buildings which are considered high risk with multiple external consultants from feasibility, procurement, contract administration until practical completion.
- Have knowledge of contracts, contract law and guidance including their application and administration. Specifically, to include a range of contracts within the JCT and NEC contract suites.
- Have relevant experience of using all Microsoft packages; in particular be able to demonstrate practical IT skills using MS Excel spreadsheets to analyse data and MS Project to assist planning projects and deliver of works as well as the ability to use various software packages as part of undertaking the role.
- Have a working knowledge of AutoCAD or similar drawing packages to produce and be able to interpret and comment on complex drawings to ensure design proposals meet the customer brief.
- Be an excellent communicator and assertive as necessary ensuring excellent working relationships are maintained. Be able to engage with resident groups regarding building safety and investigate complaints.
- Be able to interrogate, analyse and evaluate stock data, project information and repair details providing updates to government agencies as required. Be able to manage the Building Projects Database, ensuring consistency and quality of recording of information.
- Ability to work independently, multi-task and prioritise work to ensure that deadlines are met.
- Have a full driving licence and provide a car for work, as you will be visiting sites across Portsmouth and the surrounding areas so will need to travel effectively between them.
Our recruitment process
Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants\’ page: Support for applicants – Careers portal
You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the \’Who is the Person\’ points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion – Careers portal
Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact or call the recruitment team on .
If you have any questions, or would like an informal discussion about the role, please call Amy Holmes, Head of Compliance on or email
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career\’s portal homepage: Careers Portal – Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council
Assessment day: 2nd March 2026
Building Safety Officer employer: Portsmouth City Council
Contact Detail:
Portsmouth City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Building Safety Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Building Safety Act 2022 and Fire Safety Act 2021. Understanding these legislations in depth will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to building safety.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the building safety field. Attend relevant seminars or workshops where you can meet people who work in similar roles, as they might provide insights or even referrals that could help you land the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with high-rise buildings and complex construction projects. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed safety compliance and worked with external consultants.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your IT skills, especially with MS Excel and project management software. Being able to analyse data and manage project timelines effectively will be crucial in this role, so showcasing these skills can set you apart.
We think you need these skills to ace Building Safety Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant qualifications, such as your degree in building surveying or fire safety. Emphasise any practical experience you have that aligns with the requirements of the Building Safety Officer role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly express your understanding of the Building Safety Act 2022 and Fire Safety Act 2021. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your knowledge of building design and construction technology.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, provide examples in your application of how you've successfully engaged with resident groups or delivered high-quality reports. This will show your ability to maintain strong working relationships.
Highlight Technical Proficiency: Mention your experience with Microsoft packages, particularly Excel and Project, as well as any familiarity with AutoCAD or similar software. This will demonstrate your technical skills and readiness for the role's demands.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Showcase Your Qualifications
Make sure to highlight your degree in building surveying, fire safety, or a related field. If you're working towards IFE membership, mention your practical experience and how it relates to the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Legislation
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the Building Safety Act 2022, Fire Safety Act 2021, and other relevant legislation. Providing examples of how you've applied this knowledge in past roles can really impress the interviewers.
✨Communicate Effectively
As an excellent communicator, you should be ready to explain complex concepts clearly. Practice discussing technical reports and your experience with resident groups, as strong communication skills are essential for this role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to manage high-risk projects and work with multiple stakeholders. Think of specific examples from your experience where you successfully navigated challenges in building safety or construction management.