At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspect properties and ensure accurate Business Rates assessments for local councils.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking partnership dedicated to community service and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in property inspection or regulatory roles with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and professional growth.
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: Richmond and Wandsworth Council
Contact Detail:
Richmond and Wandsworth Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Rates Inspector
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company and its values before your interview. Research the Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership and understand their commitment to equality and diversity. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Business Rates Inspector, you'll need to liaise with various stakeholders. Try role-playing scenarios with a friend or family member to boost your confidence and ensure you can articulate your thoughts clearly during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for questions about your investigative skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully identified issues or made improvements. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and problem-solving abilities, which are key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you're tech-savvy and comfortable using digital tools, which is essential for the role of a Business Rates Inspector.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Rates Inspector
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Rates Inspector role. Highlight your experience in property inspection and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background fits with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your investigative skills can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail: As a Business Rates Inspector, accuracy is key. Make sure your application is free from typos and errors. We appreciate candidates who take the time to double-check their work, so show us you’re detail-oriented right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Richmond and Wandsworth Council
✨Know Your Business Rates Legislation
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Business Rates legislation and NNDR processes. Being able to discuss specific laws and how they apply to the role will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re genuinely invested in the position.
✨Show Off Your Investigative Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully carried out property inspections or similar tasks. Highlight your investigative and observational skills, as these are crucial for identifying changes that could affect liability.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex topics like taxbase growth and compliance. Remember, strong communication skills are key, so be ready to demonstrate how you can liaise effectively with businesses and stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Be prepared to discuss how you ensure accuracy when reviewing property data and records. You might even want to bring along a sample of your work or a case study that showcases your attention to detail and ability to manage a varied caseload.