Property Inspector - District Valuer Services

Location: Oxford, Wembley

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) are the public sector’s property valuation experts and advisers with a vision to be a world-leading provider of public sector valuations. Our work is vital to the collection of over £60 billion of revenue which goes back into communities, touching every citizen and every business across England and Wales. We champion the values of professionalism, integrity, respect and innovation. We are committed to providing a collaborative and supportive working environment that encourages every colleague to contribute, grow and excel together. With opportunities to drive your own development and growth, we empower our colleagues to succeed by ensuring support at every step of their career journey.

Property Inspector (Schools) – Role Overview

The Valuation Office Agency have an exciting opportunity for you to join the Department for Education Net Capacity Assessment (NCA) Programme in England. We currently have one position available in each of the advertised locations. As a Property Inspector you will be responsible for inspecting and measuring a broad range of primary schools and capturing high‑quality and consistent data to inform the programme. Your work will involve recording precise information such as room sizes and gathering information on how spaces are used, following a clear approach provided by the Department for Education. Full training will be provided to ensure you are confident in applying these standards.

A typical week will include inspecting two schools, with the remaining time dedicated to arranging future appointments and writing up your reports. Each inspection usually takes one day, and you will receive a list of schools every three months, giving you the flexibility to manage your own calendar. The VOA operates a hybrid working policy, requiring three days in the office per week, but inspection days will count towards this requirement. The role involves significant travel, generally within an hour of your office or home location, although some schools may require longer journeys. Flexibility is essential to meet the needs of this national programme. It is also a physically demanding position, with long periods of inspecting school sites and carrying the necessary equipment. If you are highly organised, detail‑oriented, and enjoy working independently in a fast‑paced environment, this is an excellent opportunity to make a real impact.

Property Inspector – Key responsibilities:

• Undertaking regular inspection and measurement work as allocated by the Team Manager.
• Organising and arranging inspections in three‑month blocks; independently and effectively managing your calendar whilst balancing workload, leave and personal commitments.
• Capturing accurate measurement data on‑site using bespoke IT software.
• Using Microsoft 365 programmes, iPads and iPhones to record accurate inspection data.
• Accurately determining the property’s key attributes in line with Net Capacity Methodology.
• Engaging with data quality assurance processes ensuring consistent and reliable data.
• Undertaking basic peer review quality control checks for colleagues.
• Engaging effectively with all stakeholders including individual schools, representing the NCA programme consistently and professionally.
• Undertaking inspections independently for most primary schools and potentially with a fellow inspector for larger schools.
• Being accountable for decisions that are taken within guidelines and under the technical leadership of the Team Manager and Project Lead.
• Logging daily activities to ensure accurate invoicing to the client.
• Achieving key programme milestones.

Person specification:

We are looking for property professionals with experience of inspection and measurement of properties alongside a good understanding of the working environment. Our ideal candidate will be able to communicate effectively with a broad range of people, manage their workload to ensure the timelines of the programme are met and remain organised and motivated whilst delivering a quality service.

Essential Criteria:

• Experience of measuring large buildings using a laser measure tool and the ability to read and interpret plans and accurately capture survey data.
• An awareness of the NCA methodology or the ability to demonstrate how you have applied a complex methodology.
• Well organised and motivated with experience of working to timelines to ensure programme milestones are met.
• Sound analytical skills, judgement and interpretative ability is required to measure and capture accurate, and consistent data.
• Confident in the use of Microsoft Office 365 programmes.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of people, both verbally and in writing.
• Proven ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with team members and a wide range of stakeholders, including other government bodies, local authorities, responsible bodies, and individual schools.
• A willingness to regularly travel to schools for inspections and client meetings, with an ability to be flexible in approach, supporting the geographical spread of the NCA programme.
• Hold a full UK driving licence as regular travel across designated regions will be required; if you are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 and do not hold a full driving licence, we will consider your application.
• Obtain enhanced DBS check as part of our pre‑employment checks.

Licences:

A full UK Driving Licence is essential to this role.

Behaviours:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together

Technical skills:

Knowledge and application of property inspection skills.

Benefits:

Alongside your salary of £37,168, Valuation Office Agency contributes £10,767 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. We offer a range of flexible working options, a generous leave allowance that starts at 25 days (increasing by a day for every year of qualifying service up to a maximum of 30 days) and a Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%. We also offer:

• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• An environment with flexible working options.
• Family friendly policies including 26 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption or shared parental leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme offering comprehensive wellbeing support.

If you would like further information and details on how to apply, please follow the 'Apply' button to the civil service jobs website.