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- Tasks: Make impactful decisions on building regulations and mentor fellow inspectors.
- Company: Join a supportive council team dedicated to public safety and building quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous holidays, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Play a key role in safeguarding communities while enjoying a balanced work-life.
- Qualifications: Must be registered with the Building Safety Regulator and have relevant experience.
- Other info: Enjoy a tight-knit team atmosphere with clear progression paths.
The predicted salary is between 51038 - 53724 £ per year.
We're looking for a confident, pragmatic Principal Registered Building Inspector to play a pivotal role in our Building Control Service. You'll be trusted to make sound, timely decisions across a varied caseload, mentor colleagues, and represent the Council on matters from plan checking to dangerous structures. You'll report to our Building Control Team Leader and help deliver an excellent, responsive service to residents, designers and contractors across our mix of urban and rural communities.
Why Join Us
- Impact that matters. From plan assessments to site inspections and enforcement, your decisions will directly safeguard building quality and public safety across the borough.
- Supportive, tight‑knit team. You'll join a team of six who genuinely enjoy working together, share knowledge, and actively support each other's CPD. Development is encouraged and embedded in how we work.
- Clear progression. We'll support training and supervised experience to help you progress towards Class 2F registration with the Building Safety Regulator.
- Work‑life balance. Our standard hours are 9‑5 with hybrid working available on non‑team days; the team is in the office on Monday and Thursday.
What You'll Do
- Examine and determine Building Regulations applications within your registration scope (Class 2A, B and D), issuing decisions within statutory timescales.
- Carry out site inspections across the borough (urban and rural), recording clear evidence and making timely, accurate compliance decisions.
- Advise and support colleagues on Building Regulations and associated legislation; mentor Class 1 and 2A Registered Building Inspectors.
- Provide fee quotations and responsive technical guidance to applicants, agents, architects and homeowners.
- Manage dangerous structures/demolitions work, including participation in an out‑of‑hours rota.
- Pursue enforcement where necessary, including preparing evidence and giving testimony in court proceedings.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Registration with the Building Safety Regulator at Class 2A, B and D (essential) and the ability to maintain registration.
- Membership of RICS or CABE is expected, supported by a relevant degree (or equivalent experience).
- Depth of expertise in the Building Regulations, the Building Act 1984 and related legislation/updates.
- Technical acuity to check plans independently, make concise decisions at pace, and offer pragmatic, well‑reasoned solutions.
- People skills to build effective relationships internally and with designers, contractors and homeowners—communicating complex issues clearly in writing and in person.
- IT fluency and experience with case management databases (e.g., Uniform).
Special Requirements
- Full UK driving licence with access to a car for work.
- Ability to undertake site inspections in all weathers (including working at height/climbing ladders).
- Willingness to join the out‑of‑hours rota for dangerous structures.
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary: £51,038, rising to £52,381 (Year 1) and £53,724 (Year 2).
- Hybrid working on non‑team days; standard hours 9‑5.
- Holidays: 26 days, rising to 29 days after five years' continuous local government service.
- Essential Car User Allowance: £1,000 p.a. and free parking.
- Professional development: Active CPD culture and structured support towards Class 2F registration (classroom learning plus supervised practice).
- Pensions: Membership of the Local Government (CARE – Career Average (Revalued Earnings) Pension Scheme – Employer contribution of 19.7 %).
Take a look at all the additional benefits that we offer.
Recruitment Process
- Shortlisting: Week commencing Tuesday, 7 April 2026.
- Interviews: Tuesday, 14 April 2026, including a short plan‑check exercise to showcase your technical judgement.
Principal Registered Building Inspector in Royal Tunbridge Wells employer: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Registered Building Inspector in Royal Tunbridge Wells
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the building inspection field. Attend industry events or local meet-ups to chat with professionals who might know about openings or can give you insider tips.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for Principal Registered Building Inspectors and practice your responses. We want you to showcase your decision-making skills and technical knowledge confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Registered Building Inspector in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Expertise: Make sure to highlight your registration with the Building Safety Regulator and any relevant qualifications. We want to see your depth of knowledge in Building Regulations and how you can apply it practically.
Be Clear and Concise: When detailing your experience, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to describe your past roles and responsibilities, especially those that relate to plan checking and site inspections. We appreciate a no-nonsense approach!
Demonstrate Your People Skills: Since you'll be mentoring colleagues and liaising with various stakeholders, it's important to showcase your communication skills. Share examples of how you've built effective relationships in previous roles—this will resonate with us.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
✨Know Your Building Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the Building Regulations, the Building Act 1984, and any recent updates. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the rules but can apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.
✨Prepare for the Plan-Check Exercise
Since there's a plan-check exercise during the interview, practice reviewing plans and making decisions quickly. This will help you demonstrate your technical judgement and ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As a Principal Registered Building Inspector, you'll need to build relationships with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex issues in the past, whether in writing or face-to-face.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Research the team culture and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their supportive environment. Mention your mentoring experience and how you can help develop less experienced colleagues, as this aligns with their emphasis on teamwork and CPD.