Environmental Health Officer/ Food Safety Officer

Buckingham Futures; Liverpool City Region; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in North West England is seeking a skilled Environmental Health Officer to enforce food hygiene and public health legislation. This hybrid role involves routine inspections, investigations, and providing guidance in compliance matters. Essential qualifications include a degree in Environmental Health and registration as a practitioner. A strong background in food safety and health inspections is required, as well as excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a local authority enforcement role.
• Strong background in food hygiene and health & safety inspections.
• Skilled in investigating complaints and conducting formal enforcement actions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine inspections of commercial businesses for compliance.
• Investigate infectious disease outbreaks and food poisoning incidents.
• Take enforcement action, including issuing notices and gathering evidence.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Ability to negotiate

IT proficiency including inspection databases

Ability to work independently

Comfortable in high-pressure situations

Education

BSc or MSc in Environmental Health

Registered Environmental Health Practitioner

Tools

Microsoft Office

Inspection databases

Job description

Buckingham Futures are currently recruiting for a skilled Environmental Health Officer/ Food Safety Officerto join a local authority based inNorthWestEngland on a hybrid basis. The successful candidate will play a vital role in enforcing food hygiene, health and safety, and wider public health legislation across a variety of commercial premises.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct routine inspections of commercial businesses to ensure compliance with food hygiene, health and safety, and public health legislation

• Carrying out Category C, Category D and Unrated & follow-up visits/re-ratings/closures as well as Cat A & B inspections

• Investigate infectious disease outbreaks and food poisoning incidents

• Respond to service requests and complaints, including drainage and commercial waste

• Enforce local bylaws such as those related to skin piercing and assist with other public health matters, including exhumations

• Undertake sampling of food, water, and environmental materials as required

• Take enforcement action where appropriate, including issuing notices, compiling prosecution case files, and gathering evidence in line with PACE and enforcement policies

• Liaise with external partners such as UKHSA, HSE, FSA, Coroners, and the Police

• Provide guidance to less experienced officers and contribute technical knowledge across the service

• Represent the authority in formal proceedings including court, tribunal, and committee attendance

Requirements

Essential Qualifications:

• BSc or MSc in Environmental Health (or equivalent)

• Registered Environmental Health Practitioner (EHRB or on the CIEH Professional Register)

Essential Experience:

• Previous experience in a local authority enforcement role

• Strong background in food hygiene and health & safety inspections

• Skilled in investigating complaints and conducting formal enforcement actions

• Sound understanding of relevant legislation and regulatory duties

Essential Skills:

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

• Ability to negotiate, advise, and guide businesses toward compliance

• Able to work independently and manage a complex workload using a risk-based approach

• Comfortable working in sensitive or high-pressure situations

• IT proficient, including the use of inspection databases and Microsoft Office

Desirable:

• Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health

• Familiarity with approved premises

• Experience using systems such as Tascomi, IDOX, or M3

Additional Information

• Hybrid working arrangement with some office-based and on-site duties

• The role may involve lone working and visiting commercial premises in varied conditions

• Manual handling and use of access equipment may be required

• PPE and relevant training provided

• Occasional out-of-hours work may be necessary

To Apply:

Please respond with your updated CV and a brief summary of your relevant experience or call me (Kapil) on 020 125 4321.