Public Protection Officer (Food Safety/Health & Safety)

London Borough of Havering; Romford; Hybrid; GBP 43,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the United Kingdom is seeking a Public Protection Officer to deliver food hygiene inspections and enforce health and safety regulations. The role is full time and includes hybrid working across the borough. Ideal candidates will possess relevant qualifications, experience in a regulatory environment, and strong communication skills. This position offers a salary range of £43,680-£48,003 annually and requires a customer-focused approach with flexibility in work hours.

Qualifications

• Post qualification experience under the Food Law Code of Practice.
• Competent to enforce under the Health & Safety at Work Act.
• Ability to manage a multi-disciplined enforcement caseload.

Responsibilities

• Deliver food hygiene and standards inspection programme.
• Investigate complaints regarding food and health & safety matters.
• Carry out appropriate enforcement in line with Council’s policy.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Customer focus

Flexibility

IT systems knowledge

Education

Suitable qualification as listed in the Food Law Code of Practice

Tools

MS 365

Case management systems

Job description

Public Protection Officer (Food Safety/Health & Safety)

Employment: Full time permanent (2x Food Safety/ Health and safety)

Working Hours: 36 per week

Job location: Work will be required across the borough of Havering including hybrid working

Salary: G7 £43,680- £48,003pa

Closing date: 31st January 2026

About the Food / H&S role and team

In this role you will be delivering our food hygiene and standards inspection programme, investigating complaints regarding food and health & safety matters. You will also be assisting with a variety of other functions including health & safety at work, investigation of accidents and infectious disease control. Your work will include providing comments on licensing and planning applications, as well as event consultations.

As a regulatory role you will carry out appropriate enforcement, in line with the Council’s enforcement policy; providing advice, responding to complaints and serving notices as necessary. You will also be expected to attend court and other hearings to provide evidence and lead on prosecutions.

As part of the team you will undertake a multi‑disciplined enforcement caseload and be able to manage your work effectively. This may include undertaking monitoring visits at unsociable hours though not on an on‑call basis.

You will have post qualification experience and be competent under the Food Law Code of Practice to inspect high‑risk food businesses. You will also be competent to enforce under the Health & Safety at Work Act and associated regulations. You must hold a suitable qualification as listed in the Food Law Code of Practice. You will be able to provide, on request, a copy of your competency framework and current and appropriate CPD.

About you

We are looking for an enthusiastic, self‑motivated team player who is customer focused, technically knowledgeable and with good communication skills. You will be flexible in your approach to work being able to support other officers when necessary. You will need to have a good working knowledge of IT systems including but not limited to MS 365 and case management systems. You will have opportunities to help shape the improvement of our services.

Further info

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Tina Nelan [e-mail] 01708 431904 for the food roles or Mike Richardson [e-mail] 01708 433968 for the Environmental Protection role.

Job Profile here

Additional Information

We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering.

The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

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About Us

With its excellent transport links into central London, extensive town centre regeneration and the highest concentration of green space anywhere in London, Havering has a unique offer as a place to live, work and visit. By making the most of its position and opportunities, Havering is becoming a hub for start‑ups and expanding businesses, as well as construction, logistics, engineering and manufacturing industries.