Senior Environmental Health Officer

Adecco is hiring a Senior Environmental Health Officer in Whyteleafe, UK, to enhance standards in the private rented sector. The role involves supervising a team, conducting property inspections, enforcing housing regulations, and managing complex cases. Candidates should have relevant qualifications and experience in Environmental Health and Private Sector Housing. Key responsibilities include overseeing enforcement activities and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure public health and safety.
Senior Environmental Health Officer (Private Sector Housing)OverviewOur client is seeking an experienced Senior Environmental Health Officer to play a key role in improving standards across the private rented sector. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified Environmental Health professional with strong Private Sector Housing experience to combine technical expertise, enforcement knowledge, and leadership responsibilities within a progressive local authority environment.

The successful candidate will support the Private Sector Housing management team in delivering high-quality housing enforcement, property licensing, public health, and regulatory services, while supervising officers responsible for protecting the health, safety, and welfare of residents.

Key ResponsibilitiesSupervise and support a team of up to 6 officers, including Environmental Health Officers, Housing Enforcement Officers, Surveyors, Licensing Officers, Trainees, and Apprentices.Undertake inspections of private rented properties, HMOs, and other residential accommodation.Assess housing conditions using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and determine appropriate enforcement action.Investigate complaints relating to housing standards, public health, drainage, pest control, and licensing breaches.Lead on complex enforcement cases and support legal proceedings, including prosecutions and financial penalties where appropriate.Administer and enforce mandatory, additional, and selective property licensing schemes.Review casework and ensure the quality and accuracy of statutory notices, schedules of work, and legal documentation.Work closely with landlords, tenants, managing agents, solicitors, housing providers, and partner agencies.Deputise for senior managers when required.Take the lead in specialist areas such as:Property LicensingHMO Regulation and EnforcementFire SafetyTall BuildingsEmpty PropertiesEnergy EfficiencyPest Control ContractsComplex Enforcement ActivityPublic Health InitiativesEssential QualificationsApplicants must hold:

A recognised Environmental Health qualification and registration as an Environmental Health Practitioner, orA relevant degree/professional qualification supported by substantial experience within Private Sector Housing or Environmental Health.Additionally, candidates should possess:

Membership of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), or equivalent professional body (or be willing to obtain membership within six months).Successful completion of HHSRS training.Essential Knowledge & ExperienceCandidates must demonstrate strong technical expertise in:

Housing Act 2004Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)Private Sector Housing legislationHMO Management RegulationsProperty LicensingMandatory, Additional, and Selective Licensing SchemesPublic Health legislationDrainage legislation and enforcementEmpty Property legislationPest Control enforcement and managementPACE, CPIA, and RIPA proceduresYou will also have a proven track record in:

Private Rented Sector (PRS) enforcementHMO inspections and enforcementHousing standards and compliance activityPreparing legal case files and evidence bundlesAttending Court and Tribunal hearingsSupervising building and remedial worksManaging complex enforcement investigationsSupporting and supervising staff within a regulatory environmentEssential SkillsThe successful candidate will demonstrate:

Experience supervising or mentoring officers within a Private Sector Housing, Housing Enforcement, or Environmental Health team.Ability to manage a personal caseload while supporting colleagues on complex cases.Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.Excellent written communication and report-writing skills.36 hours per week.Hybrid working arrangement in line with organisational policy.A combination of office, home, and site-based working depending on business requirements.Flexibility to attend occasional meetings and inspections outside normal office hours.Driving RequirementsCandidates should:

Hold a full UK driving licence.Be willing to provide a vehicle for business use.Be physically capable of carrying out property inspections, including accessing all areas of residential properties and using ladders where required.Ideal BackgroundWe are particularly interested in candidates with:

Strong local authority Private Sector Housing experience.Extensive HMO licensing and enforcement expertise.A comprehensive understanding of HHSRS and housing enforcement processes.Previous supervisory, team leadership, or management experience.Experience handling complex housing enforcement and legal proceedings.The ability to drive service improvement while maintaining excellent professional standards.Why Apply?This is an opportunity to join a forward-thinking housing service where you can make a genuine impact on housing standards, resident wellbeing, and landlord compliance. The role offers a blend of technical casework, team leadership, and strategic responsibility, making it ideal for an experienced Environmental Health professional looking to progress their career within Private Sector Housing.