At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage housing standards, enforce regulations, and improve residential properties.
- Company: Join Swale Borough Council, a progressive local authority in Kent.
- Benefits: Generous holidays, flexible working, free parking, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid role with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in housing improvement while enjoying work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Degree in Environmental Health and relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 48000 £ per year.
Principal Housing Standards and Assistance Officer
Section: Housing & Community
Salary: Grade 9 £48,657 - £54,727 pa
Location: Sittingbourne, Kent
Contract Type: Full-Time/Permanent
About the role
A vacancy has arisen to join the Housing Standards and Assistance Team as Principal Housing Standards and Assistance Officer. In this role, you will manage your own caseload and undertake appropriate enforcement action to tackle disrepair and energy deficiencies in residential properties using HHSRS and relevant enforcement powers. You will undertake HMO licensing and enforcement activities and oversee the operational delivery and continuous improvement of the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) programme. This is a great opportunity for an experienced environmental-health housing professional to make a real difference to housing improvement within the borough. This is a full-time position, working 34 hours per week on a permanent contract. This is a hybrid role with the expectation to attend the office at least two days per week.
About Swale Borough Council
Swale Borough Council is a progressive and ambitious Local Authority, located less than an hour from Central London in an attractive and diverse part of Kent, involving urban, rural, and coastal areas. We believe that staff are our most valuable asset, and we’re committed to attracting and retaining the very best. In recent times, we have adapted and evolved to meet the current world by introducing a highly flexible, hybrid working policy, along with a 34-hour week, recognising that staff wellbeing and work-life balance are high on our agenda.
Our Offer
- Generous holiday entitlement, which increases after five years\' LG service, plus bank holidays, with the option to buy additional leave.
- An additional three days\' leave given to enable a closure of the offices between Christmas and New Year.
- Free parking.
- Invitations to staff events to celebrate success and support wellbeing that include holistic therapies and outdoor activities.
- Employee Assistance Programme, which provides confidential and independent information and access to counsellors.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with valuable life cover and financial protection for your family.
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
- Season Ticket Loan – to help with the cost of your rail/bus journey, to and from work.
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme, allowing you to lease a brand-new car; the monthly fee includes insurance, servicing, and road tax.
- Annual flu vaccine.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Staff benefits, including discounts on leisure, eating out, holidays, and shopping.
- Excellent learning and career opportunities for committed individuals.
- A professional fee payment, if required for the role.
About You
- A degree in Environmental Health or equivalent and a Certificate of Registration with the Environmental Health Board.
- A Certificate in HHSRS and experience in using the rating system to assess properties, or an equivalent qualification with substantial relevant experience.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills with significant experience and knowledge of the relevant legislation.
- The ability to lead and motivate others to achieve the aims and responsibilities of the Council.
We are open to applicants with substantial experience in the private rented sector, especially those who have worked in regulatory compliance roles with a robust enforcement background.
This role will require you to carry out site visits where needed, and so you will need to have a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle. We have adopted a flexible working approach to improve work-life balance, which includes working from home, attending the office two days a week or more, and face-to-face meetings to ensure the functions of the department are managed and maintained.
Selection Process
Following the submission of your application form, it will be reviewed by the recruiting manager. Those who are successful in securing an interview can expect a job-specific interview assessment, followed by an interview.
As this role requires you to hold a valid UK driving licence, please ensure you include this information in your application.
Swale Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. If you would like to discuss this position, please contact San Nyunt, Housing Standards and Assistance Manager, 0179 541 7238.
To apply for the position, please select the Apply button shown.
Closing Date: 16th November 2025
Interview Date: 26th November 2025
Principal Housing Standards and Assistance Officer in Faversham employer: Swale Borough Council
Swale Borough Council is an excellent employer that prioritises staff wellbeing and work-life balance, offering a flexible hybrid working policy and a 34-hour week. With generous holiday entitlements, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work culture, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact on housing standards in the diverse and attractive area of Sittingbourne, Kent.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Housing Standards and Assistance Officer in Faversham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the housing and environmental health sectors. Attend local events or webinars to meet people who might know about job openings or can give you insider tips on the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Swale Borough Council and its initiatives. Understand their approach to housing standards and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to housing standards and enforcement. Think about specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your skills and achievements. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel during the interview!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Housing Standards and Assistance Officer in Faversham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Principal Housing Standards and Assistance Officer.
Showcase Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your degree in Environmental Health and any relevant certifications, like HHSRS. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their expertise and knowledge in housing standards.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Include Your Driving Licence Info:Since this role requires a valid UK driving licence, be sure to include this detail in your application. It’s a small but crucial piece of information that we need to know upfront!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swale Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of HHSRS and relevant housing legislation. Being able to discuss specific cases or examples where you've successfully tackled disrepair or energy deficiencies will show that you're not just familiar with the theory, but also have practical experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Officer, you'll need to lead and motivate others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Think about times when you’ve inspired colleagues or improved processes – this will demonstrate your capability to drive change within the council.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to enforcement actions or HMO licensing. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these scenarios. This will help you convey your problem-solving abilities effectively during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role and the council's future plans for housing standards. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if the council’s values align with yours. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers on a deeper level.
