We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Job Description

Job Purpose: To contribute to the delivery of the environmental health service by a range of interventions including premises and business inspections, incident investigations, consultations and taking the appropriate follow up action including the use of formal enforcement procedures such as statutory notices, statements of evidence and the attendance at court as a witness. The postholder will work as part of a team but will also be required to work alone whilst fulfilling field or office based tasks.

Holders of a Certificate of Registration awarded by the Environmental Health Registration Board or chartered status may use the designation Environmental Health Officer.

There is a pay bar in place at the top of SO2 grade. For appointment or progression beyond the pay bar onto PO2 grade the following criteria must be met.

• Hold a Degree or Diploma in Environmental Health, and be EHORB registered, or a Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner
• OR
• Hold a relevant professional qualification at NVQ level 6 (Degree or equivalent) specifically relevant to the role
• AND
• Have a minimum of three years’ experience of working in a relevant service area of Environmental Health

Responsibilities for Grade: SO2

• Carry out a range of environmental health functions including regulatory inspections, licence or approval visits, complaint investigations, sampling or monitoring activities and planning & entertainment licensing consultations etc.
• Undertake follow-up action including correspondence, statutory notices and enforcement action including preparing cases for legal proceedings. Gather and collate all the necessary evidence and paperwork for prosecutions. To conduct and record interviews of witnesses and suspects (under caution where necessary). To brief solicitors/barristers and to attend court to present evidence as required.
• Participate in co-ordinated activities such as locality based environmental projects and initiatives, targeted enforcement activities, health promotion campaigns etc.
• Ensure that relevant databases and information systems are kept updated and reflect current work activities.
• Contribute to work and service development activities and programmes by contributing specialist knowledge and experience.
• Liaise with a range of key partners and stakeholders e.g. other services, Elected Members, service users, business and community groups etc.
• Attend Court, Tribunals or other formal legal proceedings to give evidence as a witness.
• Attend and contribute professional advice to various forums and panels e.g. Area Committees, community meetings, Scrutiny Boards, Licensing & Planning panels, multi-agency meetings etc. To provide reports as required and take on board stakeholder views and concerns.
• Provide expert advice on Environmental Health matters to the public, other officers of the Council and Ward Members.
• Liaise and work closely with relevant partner organisations including HSE, FSA, DEFRA, UKHSA, EA, Police.
• Develop and maintain thorough and current professional knowledge on a range of environmental health functions and services.
• Ensure that the highest standards of customer service are provided and that customers are kept promptly and fully informed
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of people including colleagues within the service and across the council, internal/external partners, agencies, customers and the general public dealing with all contact in a professional manner.
• Maintain effective relationships with staff at all levels within the Directorate, other Council Directorates, Elected Members, external agencies and the general public.
• The post holder will be required to work flexible hours occasionally to meet service requirements which will usually be within the provisions of the Councils flexitime scheme (between 7am and 7pm). In all circumstances a reasonable period of notice will be provided.
• There may also be occasions where you could be called upon at short notice and in exceptional circumstances to provide a proportionate response to an emergency situation out of office hours.
• In certain circumstances, in the interests of operational efficiency, rota cycles can be varied subject to appropriate consultation and with reasonable notice.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade
• Participate in appraisal, training and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills
• Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and development programmes.
• To work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
• Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g. child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding and promoting the values, standards and equal opportunities of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters.

Responsibilities for Grade: PO2

• Undertake more complex work based on knowledge of the subject area and with minimum supervision.
• Assist in training and mentoring of less experienced STO/EHO’s, Technical Officers, student EHO’s and other persons as appropriate.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of projects and service improvements.

The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this