Principal Enforcement Officer (Housing Enforcement – Facilities & Environment)
Location: 160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH
Start Date: 24 August 2026
Contract Duration: 12 Weeks
Working Hours: 36 hours per week
Pay Rate: PAYE: £38.13 per hour
Job Responsibilities:
- Lead and investigate complex housing enforcement cases involving breaches of housing legislation, licensing conditions, and property standards
- Conduct inspections of residential properties, including Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), licensed properties, and privately rented accommodation, to identify hazards and compliance issues
- Prepare, serve, and monitor statutory notices, civil penalties, prohibition orders, improvement notices, and other formal enforcement actions
- Undertake investigations into housing offences, gathering evidence in accordance with relevant legislation and the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE)
- Prepare detailed reports, witness statements, prosecution files, and evidential records for legal proceedings
- Represent the Council in court proceedings, tribunals, interviews under caution, public inquiries, and other formal hearings as required
- Work closely with Legal Services, partner agencies, and internal departments to progress enforcement actions and improve outcomes for residents
- Provide specialist advice and guidance on housing enforcement legislation, policies, and procedures to colleagues, managers, and stakeholders
- Maintain accurate case records, monitor compliance with enforcement actions, and contribute to service improvement initiatives
- Support the supervision, mentoring, and professional development of enforcement officers where required
Person Specification:
- Previous experience in housing enforcement, environmental health, regulatory enforcement, or a similar role
- Strong knowledge of housing legislation, including the Housing Act 2004, HMO licensing, and associated regulations
- Experience conducting property inspections, investigations, and evidence gathering within a regulatory environment
- Ability to prepare legal documentation, prosecution files, and present evidence in court or tribunal proceedings
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage complex caseloads
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues, Legal Services, partner agencies, landlords, and members of the public
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet statutory deadlines
- Proficient in maintaining accurate records and using case management systems and Microsoft Office applications
- Flexible to work in a hybrid arrangement (2 days remote, 3 days office-based) and attend meetings or hearings as required
- Right to work in the UK and willing to complete the required pre-employment checks
Job Ref: OR109669
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 3 months
Pay: £38.13 per hour
Application question(s):
- Have you conducted inspections of HMOs, licensed properties, and privately rented accommodation?
- Have you carried out investigations into housing offences and gathered evidence in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE)?
- Have you represented a Council in court, tribunals, or interviews under caution?
Experience:
- planning enforcement: 1 year (required)
- local authority or public sector: 1 year (required)
- Housing Enforcement : 1 year (required)
- Housing Act 2004: 1 year (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
