Building Control Surveyor in London

Job Purpose

Undertake examination and site inspection of Building Regulation submissions to ensure compliance with Building Regulations, London Building Acts (Amendment) Act 1939, Building Safety Act 2022 and other associated legislation. Assessing dangerous structures and implementing immediate remedial works. Supervising of RBI’s with a registration Class junior to the Class held in this post, when requested by team management and within the limits of their competence.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Undertake a case-load of Building Regulations submissions, including the site inspection and examination of compliance with relevant building control legislation, including the Building Act and Regulations, and the London Building Acts. This will include:
• Plan assessments and issue Decision Notices.
• Appraisal of calculations and other details.
• Preparation and authorisation of letters.
• Undertaking a wide variety of daily site inspections throughout the Borough.
• Enforcement, including attendance at Court.
• The formation of site inspection records and maintenance of application administration.

Ensure that applicants are aware of any statutory requirements affecting their proposals. Advise builders, architects and other clients on the Building Control requirements and fees in relation to relevant legislation. Appraise application for compliance with the Building Regulations to ensure the application of appropriate standards and/or codes of practice, and ensure that statutory consultation with external agencies is carried out as necessary. Appraise dangerous structures as requested by Senior Structural Engineer or Deputy Building Control Manager and advise on appropriate remedial action. Participate in any action required in the event of the Authority’s Civil Emergency Plan being activated, or when dealing with demanding Dangerous Structures cases. This may require working outside of normal office hours. Collaborative with and report on matters relating to the activities of other sections, as required, including Development Management, Regulatory Services, Environmental Health and Local Land Charges. Protect the Authority’s interests in all aspects of financial transactions with which the post holder is involved, and assist with the assessment and recovery of fees and charges. Contribute to the development and implementation of service delivery, of marketing and quality initiatives, and promote the Authority’s Building Control Service during normal contacts with building professionals.

It is essential that you can meet the following requirements for the role and be able to give evidence or examples of your proven experience in each of the short-listing criteria marked Application (A). You should expect that all areas listed below will be assessed as part of the interview and assessment process should you be shortlisted.

If you are applying under the Disability Confident scheme, you will need to give evidence or examples of your proven experience in the areas marked with “Ticks” (?) on the person specification when you complete the application form.

Shortlisting Criteria

Key Knowledge

• Knowledge and ability to provide expert advice and assistance on all building control applications and enforcement, and knowledge and understanding of the main legislation including the London Building Acts, Building Act 1984 and the Building Regulations.
• Detailed knowledge of all of the following areas:
• Building construction, including reinforced concrete, structural steel/timber work.
• Structural engineering, including ability to check and comment on structural calculations.
• Fire safety and means of escape in buildings, including appropriate standards and codes of practice.
• Supervision of building work on site.
• Dangerous structures, including appropriate remedial action to make safe.

Ability to handle a range of applications/projects simultaneously to meet conflicting demands and objectives.

Experience

• Experience of examining plans for compliance with building regulations and experience of handling and/or leading on more complex plans and applications, and/or project-related work, without immediate close supervision. (This may include, for example, large scale commercial developments).
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with building professionals by delivering excellent service—whether face-to-face or through other appropriate communication channels—while actively supporting the development of the building control service and exploring innovative techniques to enhance service delivery and promote regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrate experience in leading negotiations with senior professionals, including local authority officers, builders, developers, and architects, on schemes and applications to ensure successful outcomes.

Qualification

• All those required for a Class Building Control Surveyor.
• Degree or HNC in building, building surveying, civil or structural engineering and relevant post qualification experience, or able to demonstrate a comparable level of knowledge and skills obtained through relevant experience.
• Member of a relevant professional body such as RICS, CABE, CIOB or equivalent with relevant Building Control bias and evidence of achieving CPD requirement.
• Authorised by the Building Safety Regulator to act as a Class 2A – 2F Registered Building Inspector, with proven skills and competency to work either:
• without supervision on Class 2A – 2F projects
• or; under supervision on Class 3G – 3H buildings.