Principal Private Sector Housing Officer – Enforcement

Luton Borough Council; Luton; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is looking for an experienced Principal Private Sector Housing Officer to lead a team in enforcing housing standards. You will manage complex investigations, mentor staff, and ensure compliance with related legislation. The role requires substantial experience in housing enforcement and strong communication skills. An excellent opportunity for those looking to make a significant impact in housing regulation and standards within the community. Generous salary and benefits package included.

Benefits

25 to 32 days’ annual leave

Buying annual leave scheme

Pension scheme with generous contributions

Generous relocation package

Employee Assistance Programme

Training and support courses

Staff offers and discounts

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in Private Sector Housing Enforcement.
• Demonstrable supervisory and management experience.
• Ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of officers.
• Conduct complex investigations and enforce housing legislation.
• Develop and implement new service initiatives.

Skills

Complex investigations

Supervisory experience

Excellent communication

Professional judgement

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Diploma or Degree

Job description

About The Job

Salary: £47,181 – £50,269 a year plus £3,203 car benefit allowance

Hours per week: 37

Contract type: Permanent

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Principal Private Sector Housing Officer – Enforcement to play a leading role within our Private Sector Housing Enforcement Service.

This is an exciting opportunity for a senior professional to use their technical expertise and leadership skills to make a real impact on housing standards and regulatory compliance across the private sector.

In this role, you will lead and contribute to a multifunctional team of officers responsible for providing advice, carrying out inspections, and enforcing relevant housing legislation as delegated to the Private Sector Housing Enforcement Service. You will be expected to apply a high level of professional judgement and technical knowledge to ensure effective and proportionate enforcement activity.

You will undertake and oversee complex and sensitive investigations, providing clear direction and supervisory support to junior colleagues. A key part of the role will be mentoring and guiding staff, helping to develop their skills while ensuring work is delivered to a high professional standard.

Working closely with the Private Sector Housing Manager, you will identify opportunities for service improvement and assist in the development and implementation of new initiatives. As lead officer, you will plan and deliver a range of Private Sector Housing Enforcement and service‑specific projects, ensuring they align with legislative requirements, corporate priorities, and best practice.

Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.

About You

You will bring substantial experience of undertaking a broad range of complex investigations within a Private Sector Housing Enforcement environment, supported by in‑depth knowledge across the full scope of enforcement matters including single family dwelling condition of property cases and unlicensed HMO’s.

You will have demonstrable supervisory and management experience, including responsibility for staff development, performance monitoring, and providing professional guidance to a team. You will also have a proven track record of developing and managing projects, delivering outcomes within agreed timescales and legislative frameworks.

You will possess excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including residents, landlords, partner agencies, and professional colleagues, demonstrating tact and discretion when managing sensitive or challenging situations.

You will be able to exercise sound professional judgement when undertaking complex investigations, analysing problems and infringements, establishing facts, and taking appropriate action in line with legislative requirements.

You will have substantial and current knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, and codes of practice, alongside specialist practical and operational expertise, including knowledge of Criminal Court procedures.

You will be educated to Diploma or Degree level (or hold an equivalent recognised qualification) and be able to evidence ongoing commitment to continuing professional and personal development.

About Us

Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision – that no‑one in Luton will have to live in poverty – is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents.

The people of Luton depend heavily on this council – and that means our workforce! Are you ready to realise the remarkable and help us deliver our vision?

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our borough.

Application Process

Because of the nature of this job, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions and convictions; and also any adult cautions (simple or conditional), and spent convictions that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020). A person’s criminal record will not in itself prevent a person from being appointed to this post. Applicants will not be refused posts because of offences which are not relevant to, and do not place them at or make them a risk in, the role for which they are applying. However, in the event of the employment being taken up, any failure to disclose such offence will result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the Authority.

On occasions, we may close a vacancy early due to a very high number of applications being received.

Benefits

• From 25 to 32 days’ annual leave: linked to length of service and grade
• Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave
• Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
• Pension scheme: with generous employer contributions of up to 20.2 per cent (at July 2023) and 3x salary death in service grant
• Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
• Employee Assistance Programme: a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home
• Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements including part‑time hours and alternative working patterns
• Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
• Staff offers: includes discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons
• Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel

How To Apply

We understand that job applications take time and effort, but a high‑quality application shows that you are professional with a good attention to detail. The recruiting manager may receive a number of applications for each job advertised so you want yours to stand out!

Our ‘How to apply' page has more tips to help with your application: How to apply