Principal Enforcement Officer LBS-011 (Project)

The role requires immediate starters. Please make sure to submit qualified CVs only; interviews will likely be on Teams; however, if anything changes, we will communicate accordingly. Organisational Information Responsible to: Team Leader Key Relationships / Functional Links With: (Principal relationships with people inside and outside the organisation that the post holder will come into contact with during the course of their work) Staff at all levels across Environmental Health and Trading Standards, Planning, Legal Services, Community Safety, Revenues and Benefits. Landlords, managing agents, tenants, owner-occupiers, elected Members, members of the public, housing associations, police, fire and rescue services, external legal representatives, the courts and tribunals, and other public, private and voluntary sector organisations. Main Purpose of the Job To lead and deliver complex housing enforcement activities and investigations to ensure compliance with housing legislation, licensing requirements, and regulatory standards in the private rented sector. To provide expert advice, guidance and support on housing enforcement matters, protecting residents from poor housing conditions, unlawful housing practices and associated risks to health, safety and wellbeing, while contributing to the Council's strategic housing and community safety objectives. Main Responsibilities / Accountabilities / Key Results Areas The postholder will be expected to effectively deliver the following responsibilities and outcomes: Lead on the investigation and enforcement of complex housing cases involving breaches of housing legislation, licensing conditions, property standards and management regulations. Provide specialist advice and guidance to managers, senior officers, elected Members and partner agencies on housing enforcement legislation, policy and procedure. Ensure that enforcement decisions are evidence-based, proportionate, consistent and compliant with relevant legislation, statutory guidance, Council policies and procedures. Conduct inspections of residential premises, including Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), licensed properties and privately rented accommodation, identifying hazards and determining appropriate interventions. Prepare, serve and monitor statutory notices, civil penalties, prohibition orders, improvement notices, emergency remedial actions and other formal enforcement measures as appropriate. Lead and undertake investigations into housing offences, including breaches of the Housing Act 2004, Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation Regulations, licensing schemes and associated legislation. Prepare detailed reports, witness statements, prosecution files and evidential records for legal proceedings, ensuring compliance with criminal procedure and evidential requirements. Represent the Council in court proceedings, tribunals, interviews under caution, public inquiries and other formal hearings as required. Work closely with Legal Services to progress prosecutions, appeals, injunctions, rent repayment orders and other enforcement actions. Develop and maintain effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to support coordinated enforcement activity and improve outcomes for residents. Research, interpret and apply changes in legislation, case law, government guidance and best practice to support service delivery and continuous improvement. Contribute to the development, implementation and review of housing enforcement policies, procedures, projects and initiatives. Assist with the supervision, mentoring and professional development of enforcement officers and other team members where required.

Job Activities Undertake the general work of a Principal Enforcement Officer (Housing Enforcement) including: Managing a substantial caseload of complex enforcement investigations, operating with a high degree of autonomy and professional judgement. Planning, coordinating and delivering enforcement activities in accordance with service priorities, performance targets and statutory obligations. Conducting site inspections, property surveys and evidence-gathering exercises to assess compliance with legislative and licensing requirements. Undertaking interviews under caution and gathering evidence in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) and associated codes of practice. Preparing enforcement notices, legal documentation, schedules of works and prosecution files to the required evidential standards. Instructing and liaising with Legal Services, Counsel and external experts where appropriate, ensuring effective progression of legal proceedings. Attending court, tribunal and appeal hearings, giving professional evidence and representing the Council's interests as required. Providing technical advice, training and guidance to colleagues, internal departments, elected Members and external stakeholders. Monitoring and reviewing compliance with statutory notices, licence conditions and enforcement actions, taking further action where necessary. Compiling, analysing and reporting statistical and performance information relating to enforcement activity and service outcomes. Maintaining accurate records and making effective use of case management systems, databases and regulatory enforcement software. Contributing to service planning, continuous improvement initiatives and the development of best practice within the housing enforcement function. Attending meetings, working groups, case conferences and partnership forums, including evening meetings where required. Undertaking any other duties appropriate to the grade and nature of the post as directed by management.

General Information The postholder will be required to comply with all Council policies, procedures, codes of conduct and professional standards. The Council operates a smoke-free workplace policy. Employees are not permitted to smoke on Council premises or in vehicles used for Council business. This Job Description outlines the principal duties and responsibilities of the post and may be reviewed and amended, in consultation with the postholder, to reflect changing service needs and legislative requirements. The postholder may be required to undertake other duties commensurate with the grade, responsibility and purpose of the role.