Private Sector Initatives Officer (Selective licensing)

Northumberland County Council; Blyth; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous annual leave entitlement

Ongoing training and development

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Northumberland County Council in Blyth is recruiting a Senior Private Sector Initiatives Officer to lead the local Selective Licensing scheme. You will enforce housing standards, inspect licensed properties, and advise landlords, agents and tenants on legal requirements.

Working in a small, supportive team, you will develop the scheme, monitor compliance and deliver improvements for residents across Blyth, with a permanent, full-time contract and access to pension and progression opportunities.

Qualifications

• NVQ level 4 or equivalent in Housing or Environmental Health.
• Recent experience in housing enforcement or related field.
• Experience of selective licensing schemes or Housing Standards, including enforcement.

Responsibilities

• Administer and manage Selective Licensing applications, renewals, and variations.
• Undertake inspections of licensed properties to assess compliance with licence conditions and statutory standards.
• Provide clear advice and guidance to landlords, agents, and tenants regarding legal requirements and best practice.
• Monitor compliance and take proportionate action where breaches are identified, in accordance with council policies and procedures.
• Carry out enforcement activity, ranging from informal advice through to formal notices, civil penalties, and legal proceedings where necessary.
• Maintain accurate case records and contribute to performance monitoring and reporting.
• Prepare correspondence, notices, and reports as required.
• Liaise with internal council services and external partners to support scheme objectives.
• Undertake lone working and site visits in line with health and safety procedure.
• A full UK Driving Licence is required; role based in Blyth; full-time permanent contract; scheme developed during licensing period.

Skills

Team player

Education

NVQ level 4 in Housing or Environmental Health

Job description

Responsibilities

• Administer and manage Selective Licensing applications, renewals, and variations
• Undertake inspections of licensed properties to assess compliance with licence conditions and statutory standards
• Provide clear advice and guidance to landlords, agents, and tenants regarding legal requirements and best practice
• Monitor compliance and take proportionate action where breaches are identified, in accordance with council policies and procedures
• Carry out enforcement activity, ranging from informal advice through to formal notices, civil penalties, and legal proceedings where necessary
• Maintain accurate case records and contribute to performance monitoring and reporting
• Prepare correspondence, notices, and reports as required
• Liaise with internal council services and external partners to support scheme objectives
• Undertake lone working and site visits in line with health and safety procedure
• A full UK Driving Licence is required, The post holder will be working in a small team based in Blyth. This is a full-time role on a permanent contract. The selective licensing scheme was approved in October 2024, and we require someone with knowledge and experience in the field to assist us to further develop and deliver the scheme for the duration of the licensing period.

Are you passionate about raising housing standards and improving outcomes for tenants and communities? We're looking for a Senior Private Sector Initiatives Officer to play a key role in delivering Blyth's Selective Licensing Scheme. This is an exciting opportunity to use your housing enforcement expertise to drive positive change, support responsible landlords, tackle poor housing conditions, and help create a safer, better-managed private rented sector. Working within a dedicated and supportive team, you'll have the opportunity to make a visible impact on local neighbourhoods while helping to shape and develop the scheme throughout its licensing period.

This role is ideal for a housing professional who thrives on balancing enforcement, partnership working, and customer engagement, and who is committed to delivering high-quality services that benefit residents and communities across Blyth. We are looking for:

Qualifications

• A highly motivated and enthusiastic person who is a great team player
• NVQ level 4 or equivalent in Housing or Environmental Health
• With recent experience in this field to show a thorough knowledge in the relevant context.
• Experience of selective licensing schemes or Housing Standards, including enforcement.

Salary & Benefits

• A salary of £41,177 to £45,529
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• A wide range of employee benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement.
• Ongoing training, professional development and career progression opportunities.
• The opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of Northumberland residents.