Principal Registered Building Inspector

Islington Council; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Greater London seeks a Building Control Lead to ensure safety and compliance in the borough's built environment. The role involves plan appraisals, site inspections, and providing expert guidance for high-risk projects. Candidates must have a Level 6 qualification in Building Control, Registered Building Inspector status, and relevant professional membership. The position offers competitive pay, generous leave, and flexible working arrangements, contributing to an inclusive and diverse work culture.

Benefits

Up to 31 days leave per year

Flexible working arrangements

Learning and development opportunities

Competitive pay

Local government pension scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted gym memberships

Qualifications

• Level 6 qualification in Building Control or equivalent degree.
• Registered Building Inspector status (Class 2A–3H).
• Membership of a relevant professional body with evidence of CPD.

Responsibilities

• Lead on plan appraisals and site inspections for high-risk projects.
• Investigate complaints and control demolition and dangerous structures.
• Provide expert advice to applicants and statutory bodies.

Skills

Extensive knowledge of building construction

Proven experience managing complex building control caseloads

Strong understanding of regulations and codes of practice

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

IT proficiency

Financial awareness

Willingness to participate in out-of-hours rotas

Education

Level 6 qualification in Building Control or equivalent

Registered Building Inspector status

Membership of a relevant professional body (RICS, CABE, CIOB)

Job description

About the Role

Ready to build a safer, fairer Islington? Are you passionate about shaping the future of our borough’s built environment? Do you thrive on tackling complex challenges and making a real difference for residents and businesses? If you’re looking for a role where your expertise will help create a more equal Islington—where everyone has the chance to thrive—then this is the opportunity for you.

Join Islington Council’s Building Control team and help us deliver on our mission.

Key Duties

• Lead on plan appraisals and site inspections for high-risk projects, ensuring compliance with Building Regulations and technical standards.
• Investigate complaints, control demolition and dangerous structures, and take enforcement action when necessary.
• Provide expert advice to applicants, agents, builders, and statutory bodies—including fire safety guidance at the planning stage.
• Support the London Hub and Building Safety Regulator with advice on higher-risk buildings.
• Supervise and mentor other Registered Building Inspectors, helping to maintain our quality management system.
• Progress applications and recommend actions leading to completion certificates, in line with council delegation.
• Uphold the Registered Building Inspectors’ Code of Conduct and contribute to service improvements.

What You’ll Need

• Level 6 qualification in Building Control, or equivalent degree in a relevant subject (e.g., Building Surveying, Construction, Structural Engineering).
• Registered Building Inspector status (Class 2A–3H) through the Building Safety Regulator.
• Membership of a relevant professional body (RICS, CABE, CIOB, or equivalent), with evidence of CPD.

In addition you will have extensive knowledge of building construction, materials, and legislation; proven experience managing complex building control caseloads; strong understanding of regulations, codes of practice, and operational standards; experience supervising and supporting technical staff; ability to drive service delivery improvements; excellent written and verbal communication skills; IT proficiency; financial awareness; commitment to CPD; willingness to participate in out-of-hours rotas and enforcement actions.

Meet the Team

You’ll be joining the Building Control team, reporting to the Team Manager Building Control, and working alongside a group of dedicated Registered Building Inspectors. Our team is committed to delivering a high-quality, responsive service that puts residents’ safety and wellbeing first.

Our Service Aims

• Ensure every building project in Islington meets the highest safety and compliance standards.
• Provide clear, expert guidance to applicants and professionals.
• Respond swiftly to risks and complaints, protecting the public and upholding the law.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.

Why Islington?

We’re proud to be accredited as a Healthy Workplace, London Living Wage Employer, Disability Confident Committed, Stonewall Diversity Champion, and more. We value diversity, inclusion, and the wellbeing of our staff.

Offer to You

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service.
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35‑hour working week.
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential.
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum.
• Excellent local government pension scheme.
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships.
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Priority for Redundancy Risk

Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

Pre‑Employment Checks

Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre‑employment checks. These may include:

• Proof of address.
• Evidence of any name changes (if applicable).
• Right to work in the UK.
• Overseas criminal record check (if applicable).
• Satisfactory references.
• Occupational Health clearance.
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations.
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable).

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service will be required.

Disability Confident Scheme

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.

Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We maintain a zero‑tolerance approach to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation under the Equality Act 2010. We use data to identify and address disparities and promote a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation.