Senior Environmental Health Officer

9 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To undertake the full duties of a qualified Environmental Health Officer, enforcing environmental health, public health, health and safety and related legislation across commercial premises within the London Borough of Hackney.

The postholder will deliver inspections, investigations, enforcement activity and regulatory interventions designed to improve compliance, protect public health and raise business standards. Working within the Community Safety, Enforcement and Business Regulation Service, the role will involve complex casework, partnership working, project leadership and legal enforcement, including prosecutions where necessary.

The successful candidate will be responsible for using a wide range of regulatory powers, engagement approaches and enforcement tools to improve compliance and deliver positive outcomes for residents, businesses and communities.

Key Responsibilities

Environmental Health Enforcement

• Undertake inspections of commercial premises and businesses.
  
• Investigate complaints relating to environmental health and public health matters.
  
• Enforce environmental health, public health and health & safety legislation.
  
• Conduct complex investigations and enforcement activities.
  
• Prepare prosecution files, witness statements and evidential reports.
  
• Attend court hearings and provide evidence on behalf of the Local Authority.
  
• Undertake investigations in accordance with PACE and CPIA requirements.
  
• Use intelligence-led approaches to target non-compliant businesses and activities.
  

Compliance & Regulatory Activity

• Promote compliance through education, engagement and enforcement.
  
• Provide advice and guidance to businesses, consumers and stakeholders.
  
• Apply a full range of enforcement options including:
  
  • Advisory Interventions
    
  • Warnings
    
  • Notices
    
  • Seizures
    
  • Formal Enforcement Action
    
  • Prosecutions
    
• Act as the Environmental Health Responsible Authority under the Licensing Act 2003.
  
• Undertake inspections and assessments relating to:
  
  • Licensing Matters
    
  • Special Treatments
    
  • Massage Licences
    
  • Health & Safety Compliance
    
  • Food Standards
    
  • Infectious Disease Control
    

Public Health & Community Protection

• Support infectious disease investigations and outbreak management activity.
  
• Participate in targeted operations and enforcement campaigns.
  
• Respond to workplace accidents and public health incidents.
  
• Promote public protection and business compliance across the borough.
  
• Deliver education and awareness programmes to businesses and communities.
  

Project & Partnership Working

• Lead and contribute to environmental health projects and initiatives.
  
• Work collaboratively with:
  
  • Businesses
    
  • Residents
    
  • Regulatory Agencies
    
  • Emergency Services
    
  • Partner Organisations
    
  • Internal Council Services
    
• Build effective relationships to improve compliance and service outcomes.
  
• Deliver outreach activities and community engagement programmes.
  

Leadership & Specialist Functions

PO3 Level

• Lead projects from inception to completion.
  
• Develop specialist knowledge in designated areas of Environmental Health.
  
• Deliver training and guidance to colleagues.
  
• Prepare reports, policy recommendations and service improvement proposals.
  
• Provide technical support to Environmental Health colleagues.
  

PO4 Level

• Act as subject matter expert in specialist Environmental Health areas.
  
• Lead complex investigations and prosecution cases.
  
• Supervise, coach and support junior officers.
  
• Deputise for the Environmental Health Manager when required.
  
• Represent the Council at strategic meetings and forums.
  
• Lead enhanced inspections and higher-risk regulatory activities.
  

Administration & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records and case management systems.
  
• Prepare detailed reports, witness statements and legal documentation.
  
• Produce statistical returns and performance information.
  
• Maintain continuing professional development requirements and competency standards.
  
• Ensure compliance with all Council procedures, policies and statutory obligations.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Environmental Health Degree, Diploma, MSc or BSc (Hons) approved by EHORB/EHRB or REHIS.
  
• Registered Environmental Health Practitioner status through:
  
  • EHORB Registration, or
    
  • CIEH Assessment of Professional Competence, or
    
  • Assessment of Professional Development, or
    
  • EHP Portfolio & Professional Discussion.
    
• Experience working as an Environmental Health Officer.
  
• Strong knowledge of:
  
  • Environmental Health Legislation
    
  • Public Health Regulation
    
  • Health & Safety Legislation
    
  • Licensing Act 2003
    
  • PACE & CPIA Requirements
    
  • Enforcement Procedures
    
• Experience carrying out inspections and investigations.
  
• Experience preparing prosecution and court documentation.
  
• Experience undertaking enforcement action.
  
• Strong report writing and communication skills.
  
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
  
• Experience managing complex and sensitive cases.
  
• Good IT skills including Microsoft and Google applications.
  
• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).
  

Desirable

• Chartered or Corporate Membership of CIEH (MCIEH or FCIEH).
  
• Postgraduate qualification in Environmental Health or related discipline.
  
• Full UK Driving Licence.
  
• Experience leading projects and specialist regulatory initiatives.
  
• Experience supervising or mentoring junior officers.
  

Additional Information

• Location: London Borough of Hackney
  
• Hours Per Week: 36 Hours
  
• Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments