At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct food hygiene inspections and ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Company: Royal Borough of Kingston, committed to public health and safety.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, flexible project duration, and impactful work.
- Why this job: Make a difference in public health while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Must hold relevant food safety qualifications and have inspection experience.
- Other info: Ideal for those seeking interim roles with clear timelines.
Job Title: Food Safety Officer (Project)
Check out the role overview below If you are confident you have got the right skills and experience, apply today.
Location: Kingston upon Thames, KT1
Contract: Interim Assignment (cover for long-term sickness)
Start Date: 19th October 2025
Hours: 48 hours per week (09:00 – 19:00)
IR35 Status: Inside IR35
About the Role
We are seeking a fully qualified and food-competent Environmental Health Officer to join the Royal Borough of Kingston on a project basis. This role will provide essential cover for a colleague on long-term sick leave, ensuring that food safety standards across the borough remain compliant and consistently high.
You will be responsible for conducting inspections across a wide range of food premises, from low to high risk, and will play a vital role in safeguarding public health.
Key Responsibilities
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Undertake 120–150 food hygiene and food standards inspections over a 3-month period.
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Provide food business operators with detailed inspection reports, setting out legal responsibilities and offering best practice advice.
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Issue Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) scores in line with brand standards.
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Ensure all inspection paperwork is returned and uploaded to the database within 48 hours of each visit.
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Carry out revisits where necessary.
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Escalate serious or complex cases to the Lead Officer for Food and Safety.
Requirements
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Must hold either:
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Higher Certificate in Food Control (HCFC), or
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Advanced Professional Certificate in Food Hygiene and Standards Control (APC-Food).
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Demonstrable experience carrying out food hygiene and standards inspections in both low and high-risk settings.
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Strong knowledge of food safety legislation and enforcement practices.
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Ability to work independently and manage a busy caseload effectively.
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Excellent report writing and communication skills.
Why Join?
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High-impact role within a respected London Borough Council.
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Opportunity to contribute to public health and safety in a busy, varied environment.
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Competitive day rate – inside IR35.
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Flexible project with a clear start and end date, ideal for an interim professional.
How to Apply:
If you meet the above requirements and are available from October 2025, please apply by 29th September 2025 to be considered
Food Safety Officer (Project) employer: Public Sector Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Public Sector Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Safety Officer (Project)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the food safety sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of food safety legislation and best practices. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with inspections and how you've handled various situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your inspection reports or any relevant documentation to demonstrate your expertise during interviews. This will help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Food Safety Officer (Project)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in food safety and inspections. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing your qualifications!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Food Safety Officer role. We love seeing your personality come through, so keep it engaging and relevant.
Showcase Your Knowledge: In your application, demonstrate your understanding of food safety legislation and enforcement practices. We’re looking for someone who knows their stuff, so don’t hold back on sharing your expertise!
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Public Sector Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on food safety legislation and enforcement practices. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the role, like the Higher Certificate in Food Control or Advanced Professional Certificate in Food Hygiene. Being able to discuss these qualifications confidently will show that you're serious about the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past work where you've conducted food hygiene inspections, especially in both low and high-risk settings. Be ready to discuss how you managed your caseload and any challenges you faced. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of the role effectively.
✨Communication is Key
Since you'll be providing detailed inspection reports and advice to food business operators, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might even want to prepare a mock report to showcase your report writing skills during the interview. Good communication can set you apart!
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role and the team you'll be working with. This shows your interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. For example, ask about the types of food premises you'll be inspecting or how the team handles complex cases.