Disrepair/Expert Witness Specialist

1st Select; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading specialist in housing assessments in the United Kingdom seeks a professional to perform technical inspections and assessments related to housing disrepair and building defects. The candidate will produce expert reports and provide court testimony, ensuring compliance with legal standards. Ideal candidates will have a background in building surveying and strong expertise in diagnosing issues like damp and mould, alongside excellent communication skills. This role demands high attention to detail and professional conduct.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in housing disrepair investigation or building surveying.
• Strong expertise in diagnosing damp, mould, and building defects.
• Demonstrable experience producing technical or expert reports.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed property inspections.
• Produce CPR-compliant expert witness reports.
• Attend court hearings to provide oral expert evidence.

Skills

Housing disrepair investigation

Building surveying

Diagnosing damp and mould

Technical reporting

Excellent communication skills

Understanding of legal frameworks

Education

Degree/HND in Building Surveying

Expert Witness or CPR 35 training

Job description

To provide expert technical assessments, reports, and testimony in cases involving housing disrepair, building defects, damp and mould, landlord/tenant disputes, and associated legal matters. The postholder will act impartially and in accordance with Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) Part 35, delivering clear, defensible expertise for solicitors, insurers, landlords, and courts.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Inspection & Assessment

   Conduct detailed property inspections relating to disrepair, building pathology, damp, mould, structural movement, leaks, heating and ventilation issues, and general property condition.

   Use specialist diagnostic tools (e.g., moisture meters, borescopes, thermal imaging, hygrometers) to identify root causes of defects.

   Assess compliance with relevant legislation, standards, and codes of practice, including the Landlord and Tenant Act, Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act, Decent Homes Standard, HHSRS, and building regulations.

2. Expert Reporting

   Produce high-quality CPR-compliant expert witness reports, Scott Schedules, joint statements, condition surveys, and costed remedial schedules.

   Provide clear, evidence-based conclusions on liability, causation, quantum, and remedial recommendations.

   Ensure reports withstand judicial scrutiny and adhere to professional standards.

3. Court & Tribunal Support

   Attend court hearings, mediation, or tribunals to give oral expert evidence when required.

   Participate in expert meetings and produce joint statements in compliance with CPR 35.

   Maintain impartiality at all times, acting independently of instructing parties.

4. Client Engagement & Case Management

   Liaise with instructing solicitors, insurers, landlords, housing associations, and residents.

   Provide updates on case progress and meet deadlines for report submission.

   Review and respond to questions, Part 35 enquiries, or challenges to expert opinions.

5. Professional Standards & Compliance

   Maintain up-to-date knowledge of building pathology, legislation, case law, and sector best practice.

   Adhere to relevant professional body codes of conduct (e.g., RICS, CIOB, CIH).

   Ensure all documentation is accurate, impartial, and fully evidence-based.

Required Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Proven experience in housing disrepair investigation, building surveying, construction pathology, or related technical field.
• Strong expertise in diagnosing damp, mould, condensation, leaks, building defects, and structural issues.
• Demonstrable experience producing technical or expert reports.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to explain complex technical issues clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Strong understanding of legal frameworks relevant to housing and disrepair.
• High attention to detail and ability to work independently.

Desirable:

• Previous CPR Part 35 Expert Witness experience.
• Membership or accreditation with RICS, CIOB, CABE, or similar professional bodies.
• Experience giving oral evidence in court or tribunal settings.
• Knowledge of cost estimation for repairs and remedial works.
• Training or certification in damp and mould investigation (e.g., PCA, IICRC).

Qualifications

• Degree/HND in Building Surveying, Construction, Building Pathology, Property Maintenance, or equivalent experience.
• Expert Witness or CPR 35 training (or willingness to undertake).
• CSCS card or relevant safety certification (if site-based).

Personal Attributes

• Professional, impartial, and ethical conduct.
• Strong analytical and investigative mindset.
• Confident communicator with resilience under cross-examination.
• Empathy and sensitivity when dealing with vulnerable residents.
• Ability to manage workload and meet strict deadlines.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Quality and accuracy of expert reports.
• Adherence to deadlines and legal protocols.
• Client satisfaction and repeat instruction rate.
• Compliance with CPR 35 and professional standards.
• Successful contribution to resolution of cases.