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- Tasks: Lead a team to improve housing standards and enforce regulations in Westminster.
- Company: Westminster City Council, committed to equality and community engagement.
- Benefits: Flexible working, commitment to diversity, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community by tackling poor housing and supporting residents.
- Qualifications: Experience in environmental health and housing licensing; strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to creating a fairer, safer Westminster.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As Principal Officer, you will contribute to delivering a selective licensing scheme within Westminster’s private rented sector. The Council is expanding selective licensing across 15 of 18 wards, with aims to tackle poor housing standards and anti-social behaviour while supporting residents, landlords and external agencies.
Responsibilities
- Lead and guide a team to shape policy and drive strategy for private sector housing enforcement and licensing.
- Enforce housing regulations, tackle rogue landlords, and ensure private sector accommodation meets high standards.
- Balance the expectations of residents, landlords, Council members and external agencies; engage directly with landlords and tenants to ensure compliance.
- Work with diverse teams, legal professionals and organisations including the police and fire service; provide high-level, professional/technical advice on selective and additional licensing.
- Apply relevant legislation and regulations; explain and apply Housing Act 2004, Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS), Environmental Protection Act 1990, and Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.
- Develop and maintain data-informed approaches; use cutting-edge tools to deliver meaningful improvements in housing conditions and safety.
- Support professional growth of colleagues and manage complex cases requiring problem-solving and strategic thinking.
- Represent the Council in a forward-looking approach to housing enforcement and policy development with a view to progressing within the housing sector.
Qualities and Experience
- Environmental Health Officer with a background in housing; experience in licensing schemes (mandatory, additional, or selective) is beneficial.
- Strong understanding of applying legislation and regulations; able to explain and apply them effectively.
- Exceptional communication skills; able to build productive partnerships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders and provide professional advice for housing licensing delivery.
We Offer and Commitment
Westminster City Council is committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing, and to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and has a sense of belonging. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and support flexible and agile working patterns.
Diversity and Inclusion
We reserve the right to extend or close this vacancy early subject to the volume of suitable applicants. We especially encourage applications from Global Majority candidates and will consider positive action where two candidates of equal merit exist.
Why Westminster
Westminster is home to residents, businesses and a diverse community. Our strategy aims for a Fairer Westminster, where communities are at the heart of decision-making and safety and inclusivity are central to our work.
Principal Officer in London employer: Westminster City Council
Contact Detail:
Westminster City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Officer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the housing sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Council’s current initiatives and challenges in the private rented sector. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for improving housing standards and how you can contribute to our goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Principal Officer, you’ll need to engage with various stakeholders. Role-play potential scenarios with friends or mentors to build your confidence in delivering professional advice and handling tough conversations.
✨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 us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Westminster City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Principal Officer role. We want to see how you can contribute to tackling poor housing standards and engaging with diverse teams.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since exceptional communication is key for this role, use your application to demonstrate your ability to build partnerships and provide professional advice. We love seeing examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in the past.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have experience in licensing schemes or environmental health, make it shine! We’re looking for candidates who can apply legislation effectively, so share specific examples that showcase your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a difference in Westminster.
How to prepare for a job interview at Westminster City Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Housing Act 2004, HHSRS, and other relevant regulations. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the legal framework you'll be working within.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with diverse stakeholders in the past. Highlighting your ability to build partnerships will resonate well, especially since this role involves liaising with landlords, tenants, and external agencies.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've tackled complex cases or challenges. Be ready to explain your thought process and the strategies you employed to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Emphasise Your Team Leadership Experience
As a Principal Officer, leading a team is crucial. Share your experiences in guiding teams, shaping policies, and driving strategies. This will illustrate your capability to manage and inspire others effectively.
