Senior Housing Regulation Officer

3 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

• To work as part of a dedicated team focussing on the inspection regulation and statutory enforcement of housing standards in private accommodation and to contribute to the successful delivery of mandatory and discretionary licensing schemes.
  
• To improve the standard of private housing in the borough by utilising the full range of regulatory tools available including education engagement service of statutory notices and orders prosecution civil financial penalties works in default and Management Orders pursuant to the Housing Act 2004 and other relevant legislation.
  

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

• To inspect regulate and license privately rented accommodation on behalf of the Council expertly utilising all relevant legislation to protect the health and welfare of residents.
  
• To assess housing conditions using the housing health and safety rating system (HHSRS) and to tackle substandard housing conditions or poor property management by undertaking informal and formal interventions including serving statutory notices and orders issuing/revoking licences commissioning works in default preparing prosecutions files and making Management Orders
  
• To investigate complaints of unlawful eviction and harassment of tenants by private sector landlords and where appropriate to gather evidence and prepare files for litigation in line with PACE codes of Practice and local policies and procedures.
  
• To prepare detailed complex reports witness statements and correspondence pertaining to area of expertise. Where legislative breaches have been identified to prepare legal files using criminal and civil procedure rules presenting all evidence in the case for referral to Legal Services where appropriate; as well as representing the Council s interests at Court and Tribunal (Property Chamber).
  
• To provide high quality and timely advice to the Council advising the Cabinet Scrutiny Committee and Panels Members the Chief Executive and other colleagues on all aspects of private sector housing enforcement and regulation.
  
• To contribute to the development of corporate strategies and plans for improving housing options and relieving homelessness and maintaining excellent working relationships with the Council s Accommodation and Housing Demand services.
  
• To provide expert advice and guidance to landlords to help them comply with their legal obligations.
  
• Taking an intelligence led approach to the identification of rogue landlords and unlicensed Houses in Multiple Occupation and other houses; leading multiagency operations to tackle property related ASB crime and disorder.
  
• Utilising delegated powers to obtain warrants of entry; undertaking unannounced visits at antisocial hours in evenings and at weekends securing evidence for consideration for further enforcement activity.
  
• To plan & prioritise own workload and the workload of junior officers to achieve personal team service and corporate targets. Evaluate & prioritise cases based on risk having regard to the Council s overall safeguarding responsibilities.
  
• Responsible for the development and maintenance of operational and strategic partnerships with Council services and external agencies including Police DWP HMRC Home Office Immigration Enforcement Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue.
  

Skills/Experience:

• Demonstrable experience of working in a relevant Environmental Health or Housing role providing expert technical advice to members of the public professionals and members. Demonstrating self development and an enthusiasm for continuous learning.
  
• Extensive experience of delivering the full range of regulatory and enforcement functions pertaining to private housing including the inspection of properties and assessment of hazards using the HHSRS; determining HMO and Selective Licensing applications; and taking range of enforcement action from the service of statutory notices and orders to prosecution and issuing civil financial penalties.
  
• Demonstrable experience of managing own workload and the workload of others providing guidance leadership and supervision to junior officers ensuring high standards of service.
  
• Demonstrable experience of developing and maintaining good working relationships with professionals across a range of teams and agencies; planning and leading multiagency operations.
  
• Strong level of digital literacy including office software suites and flexible ways of working (e.g. video conferencing remote working
  
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex technical reports and information to assess risk and inform regulatory and enforcement decision making.
  
• Ability to plan and prioritise own workload and the workload of others. To carry out inspections and audits and to devise high quality written reports legal notices and orders to a standard capable of being used in legal proceedings.
  
• Ability to carry out criminal investigations prepare legal case files and effectively and professionally represent the Council at Criminal and Civil Proceedings.
  
• Ability to lead and motivate junior members of staff managing their performance in accordance with KPIs and relevant service standards. Ability to deputise for housing regulation lead.
  
• Ability to take difficult regulatory decisions in a high pressured emotionally demanding environment in line with relevant procedures and legislation.
  
• Ability to communicate sensitively and empathetically with customers from a range of backgrounds.
  
• Ability to procure and commission contractors for Works in Default and ensure that all protocols and procedures relating to cost recovery are undertaken ensuring enforcement action is effective and provides value for money.
  
• Authoritative knowledge of the legal and policy framework underpinning area of work and a holistic appreciation of housing as a determinant of health and wellbeing.
  
• In depth knowledge of the Council s strategic priorities and objectives and an understanding of how housing regulation contributes to the delivery of those objectives.
  
• Awareness of Council s Financial Procedures with good numeracy and budget monitoring skills to interpret and analyse performance and finance information.
  
• Understanding of Health and Safety legislation and good practice and how it relates to themselves and others in the workplace.
  
• Demonstrates awareness of the need to ensure best value in all regulatory activities and an understanding of the financial implications associated with the activities of the housing regulation team.
  
• Demonstrates an awareness of the Values and behaviours expected from Slough Borough Council to promote a positive working environment and culture.
  
• Understands fairness and dignity and equality of opportunity at work and in service delivery.
  

Additional Information:

• Educated to Degree level or equivalent within relevant professional or technical area. Practical knowledge of applied business practices including understanding of relevant legislation.
  
• Membership of a relevant professional body e.g. CIEH.
  
• Hybrid working arrangements 2 days/week from the office.
  
• The closing date: 21/01/2025 @17:00.
  

Demonstrable experience of working in a relevant Environmental Health or Housing role, providing expert technical advice to members of the public, professionals and members. Demonstrating self- development and an enthusiasm for continuous learning. Extensive experience of delivering the full range of regulatory and enforcement functions pertaining to private housing, including the inspection of properties and assessment of hazards using the HHSRS; determining HMO and Selective Licensing applications; and taking range of enforcement action from the service of statutory notices and orders to prosecution and issuing civil financial penalties. Demonstrable experience of managing own workload and the workload of others, providing guidance, leadership and supervision to junior officers, ensuring high standards of service. Demonstrable experience of developing and maintaining good working relationships with professionals across a range of teams and agencies; planning and leading multi-agency operations. Strong level of digital literacy, including office software suites and flexible ways of working (e.g. video conferencing, remote working Ability to analyse and interpret complex technical reports and information to assess risk and inform regulatory and enforcement decision making. Ability to plan and prioritise own workload, and the workload of others. To carry out inspections and audits and to devise high quality written reports, legal notices and orders, to a standard capable of being used in legal proceedings. Ability to carry out criminal investigations, prepare legal case files and effectively and professionally represent the Council at Criminal and Civil Proceedings. Ability to lead and motivate junior members of staff, managing their performance in accordance with KPIs and relevant service standards. Ability to deputise for housing regulation lead. Ability to take difficult regulatory decisions in a high pressured, emotionally demanding environment, in line with relevant procedures and legislation. Ability to communicate sensitively and empathetically with customers from a range of backgrounds. Ability to procure and commission contractors for Works in Default and ensure that all protocols and procedures relating to cost recovery are undertaken, ensuring enforcement action is effective and provides value for money. Authoritative knowledge of the legal and policy framework underpinning area of work and a holistic appreciation of housing as a determinant of health and well-being. In depth knowledge of the Council s strategic priorities and objectives and an understanding of how housing regulation contributes to the delivery of those objectives. Awareness of Council s Financial Procedures, with good numeracy and budget monitoring skills to interpret and analyse performance and finance information. Understanding of Health and Safety legislation and good practice and how it relates to themselves and others in the workplace. Demonstrates awareness of the need to ensure best value in all regulatory activities, and an understanding of the financial implications associated with the activities of the housing regulation team. Demonstrates an awareness of the Values and behaviours expected from Slough Borough Council to promote a positive working environment and culture. Understands fairness and dignity and equality of opportunity at work and in service delivery.

Education

Educated to Degree level or equivalent within relevant professional or technical area. Practical knowledge of applied business practices including understanding of relevant legislation. Membership of a relevant professional body e.g. CIEH.

Key Skills
Section 8,Public Health,Data Collection,Ellucian,Banking,Fair Housing Regulations,LIHTC,Budgeting,Economic Development,Real Estate Law,Logistics,Statistical Analysis
Employment Type : Full Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1
Monthly Salary Salary: UM 51 - 51

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