Only applicants who meet the above qualification requirements will be considered. Applicants who do not meet these requirements need not apply and will not be considered.

We're looking for someone who is confident in delivering housing enforcement and has experience of:

• Undertaking HHSRS inspections and hazard assessments.
• Investigating housing complaints and disrepair.
• Serving statutory notices and progressing enforcement action.
• Preparing cases for civil penalties, tribunals and prosecutions.
• Working with landlords, tenants and partner agencies to improve housing standards.
• Managing a varied caseload and making sound regulatory decisions.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys enforcement work and wants to be part of a service that is adapting to significant legislative change, including new responsibilities under the Renters' Rights framework.

In return, you'll join a supportive team committed to professional development, flexible working and delivering positive outcomes for residents across the City. You'll have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of housing issues, develop your enforcement expertise and help shape the future direction of the service.

If you'd like to discuss the role informally, please contact Loretta Blakeman, loretta.blakeman@stoke.gov.uk

Key Responsibilities:

• Undertake inspections of residential properties and assess hazards using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
• Investigate complaints relating to housing conditions, disrepair and poor property management within the private rented sector
• Take appropriate informal and formal enforcement action, including the preparation and service of statutory notices
• Build and manage enforcement case files, gathering evidence and progressing investigations in accordance with legal and evidential requirements
• Prepare and support cases for civil penalties, tribunals and prosecutions where necessary
• Work with landlords, tenants and partner agencies to improve housing standards and protect vulnerable residents

About You:

• Hold a recognised qualification in Environmental Health and be competent in housing enforcement and regulatory work
• Have experience of undertaking residential property inspections and applying the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
• Possess good working knowledge of housing legislation, including the Housing Act 2004 and associated regulations
• Have experience of investigating complaints, gathering evidence and taking appropriate enforcement action, including serving statutory notices
• Be able to manage a varied caseload, prioritise workloads and make sound decisions based on risk and evidence
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with residents, landlords, partner agencies and legal representatives

What we offer:

• A competitive salary based on your skills, experience and talent
• Hybrid and flexible working options
• An excellent local authority benefits pension scheme
• Professional development through learning opportunities, regular training sessions and apprenticeship and management schemes

Further information on our Rewards and Benefits can be found here.

Pre-Employment Checks:

Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre-employment checks. These may include:

• Right to Work in the UK
• Proof of address
• Satisfactory references
• Occupational Health Clearance
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable for the role)

The Council will not accept any speculative CVs from employment agencies. No agency terms and conditions accompanying any such CVs will be accepted by the Council. Any unsolicited information sent by an employment agency will be treated as the property of the Council.

Please note that if an employee who is currently at risk of redundancy within the organisation applies for this vacancy their application will receive priority. If this happens you will be advised accordingly.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our community, and we want our workforce to reflect that. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We understand that some people, especially those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply if they don't meet all the listed requirements. If this role interests you and you think you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply. We are proud of what makes each of us unique and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, can be themselves, and can succeed together.