At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead housing enforcement cases and improve standards in the private rented sector.
- Company: Join Southwark Council, a leading local authority in London.
- Benefits: Full-time role with competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives and shape a safer community.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in housing enforcement required.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Do you see yourself using your housing enforcement expertise to protect residents and improve standards across the private rented sector? Can you use your knowledge of housing legislation to tackle complex cases and deliver meaningful outcomes for local communities? Does the idea of joining one of London's leading local authorities and helping shape a fairer, safer borough excite you? If yes, we have the perfect role for you!
Our Housing Enforcement Service is looking for a passionate and dedicated Principal Enforcement Officer to join our amazing team and help make a difference today. Working within Regulatory Services, you will play a key role in protecting residents, improving housing standards, and supporting robust enforcement activity across the borough.
What You'll Be Doing
As a Principal Enforcement Officer, you will provide specialist expertise within the Private Sector Housing Enforcement and Licensing Team, taking a leading role in investigating breaches of housing legislation and ensuring appropriate enforcement action is taken where required. You will:
- Lead on complex housing enforcement cases and investigations.
- Provide expert guidance and support to colleagues and stakeholders.
- Mentor and support junior officers and trainees.
- Work collaboratively with partner agencies, including the Police and London Fire Brigade.
- Represent the council in court proceedings, tribunals and public inquiries.
- Contribute to service development, performance improvement and policy implementation.
- Help ensure the private rented sector within Southwark is safe, compliant and well managed.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for a knowledgeable and proactive enforcement professional with a passion for protecting residents and delivering excellent regulatory services. You will have:
- A relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification.
- Demonstrable experience within Private Sector Housing Enforcement.
- In-depth knowledge of housing enforcement legislation, including tenancy-related enforcement matters.
- Experience of undertaking investigations and taking enforcement action in accordance with relevant legislation and enforcement protocols.
- Experience preparing legal documentation and presenting evidence in court.
- Strong stakeholder management and partnership-working skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to manage a complex and demanding caseload effectively.
- The confidence to provide specialist advice and support to colleagues and partners.
For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.
Additional Information
- Grade 11.
- Fixed Term Contract for 12 months.
- Full-time position (36 hours per week).
- The duties of this post may involve working outside normal working hours.
Benefits and more information: https://jobs.southwark.gov.uk/why-us/
Recruitment Timeline
- Advert go live: 31st of August 2026
- Advert close date: 11:59pm on 27th September
- Shortlisting date: W/C 28th September
- Interview date: W/C 5th October
The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
Southwark Council will only contact candidates through official Council recruitment channels. We will not ask you to provide passport details, proof of address, National Insurance number, bank details or payment at application stage. These checks are only requested at the onboarding process, once an offer of employment has been made. If you're unsure whether a communication you've received is genuine, please contact the Resourcing team directly before sharing any personal information.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
Principle Housing Enforcement Officer in London employer: Southwark Council Careers
As the largest local authority social landlord in London, Southwark is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where employees are empowered to thrive. With a strong commitment to tackling inequalities and enhancing community well-being, we offer our HR Business Partners the chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying professional growth opportunities within a supportive team. Join us in shaping a fairer future for Southwark's residents and experience the unique advantage of working in a vibrant borough that values its people and their contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principle Housing Enforcement Officer in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Principle Housing Enforcement Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Southwark Council Careers and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council Careers
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Southwark Council Careers, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
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Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Southwark Council Careers.
