Disrepair Surveyor

Civic Recruitment Limited; Hackney (PA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is sourcing an expert housing disrepair surveyor for Hackney Council’s Housing Disrepair Team. You will assess properties, produce robust reports, and act as an Expert Witness when required to support complex cases.

The role requires knowledge of HHSRS, CPR 35, and conducting thorough inspections to identify remedial actions and manage budgets. This is a local authority contract with a focus on resident safety and compliant processes.

Qualifications

• Minimum HNC in Building Studies or equivalent qualification.
• Professional membership with RICS/CIOB/CIEH/CABE/IOSH.
• 2+ years in housing disrepair surveying; Expert Witness experience preferred.
• Knowledge of HHSRS and related legislation; CPR 35 proficiency.
• Ability to produce clear, evidence-based technical reports.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections and produce evidence-based reports per CPR 35.
• Manage a weekly caseload of disrepair surveys and reports.
• Investigate complex building defects and identify remedial solutions.
• Prepare specifications, bills of quantities and contracts for works.
• Monitor repairs, variations and post-inspection sign-offs.
• Provide technical evidence to support disrepair resolutions and litigation avoidance.
• Collaborate with councils, insurers and stakeholders on settlements.

Skills

Housing disrepair surveying

Expert Witness experience

CPR 35 knowledge

HHSRS knowledge

Technical reporting

Education

HNC in Building Studies

Professional membership (RICS/CIOB/CIEH/CABE/IOSH)

Tools

Handheld devices

Mobile surveying apps

PC case management systems

Job description

Hackney, United Kingdom

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

6 Month Contract With a local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide expert surveying and technical support to the Housing Disrepair Team, ensuring that housing defects, dampness and other property-related issues are thoroughly investigated, appropriately remedied and managed in accordance with relevant legislation, standards and professional requirements. The role will act as an Expert Witness where required, producing robust technical evidence and supporting the Council in resolving complex disrepair cases, protecting resident safety and managing financial and legal liabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough property inspections and produce accurate, evidence-based reports compliant with CPR 35 requirements.
• Manage a weekly caseload of at least three disrepair surveys and associated reports.
• Undertake detailed technical investigations into complex building defects, including dampness, mould, mechanical ventilation and psychrometric conditions.
• Use appropriate specialist equipment and surveying techniques to identify the causes of defects and determine suitable remedial solutions.
• Prepare technical specifications, bills of quantities and contracts for remedial works, ensuring solutions are cost-effective and proportionate.
• Manage complex reactive repairs and capital works from initial investigation through to completion and sign-off.
• Monitor repair progress, variations and post-inspection requirements, maintaining accurate records on relevant internal systems.
• Provide technical advice and evidence to support the resolution of housing disrepair claims and avoid unnecessary litigation.
• Work with council insurers, assessors and other stakeholders to support the assessment and agreement of settlement figures.
• Manage and monitor repair costs and budgets, including the effective use of Schedule of Rates (SOR).
• Maintain clear, professional and empathetic communication with residents, contractors and internal teams.
• Adopt a resident-centred and trauma-informed approach when dealing with residents, particularly where cases involve prolonged or complex housing issues.
• Ensure compliance with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), Awaab’s Law and relevant housing and building legislation.
• Ensure all surveying and repair activities comply with Health and Safety at Work legislation, CDM, COSHH and DDA requirements.
• Maintain accurate technical records, inspection findings, photographic evidence and case documentation.
• Provide clear technical evidence and professional opinions where acting as an Expert Witness.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and contractors to identify innovative and effective solutions to complex property issues.
• Promote high standards of service delivery and contribute to continuous improvement within the Housing Disrepair Team.

Requirements

• Minimum HNC in Building Studies, Construction or an equivalent relevant qualification.
• Professional membership of a relevant professional body such as RICS, CIOB, CIEH, CABE or IOSH.
• Minimum of 2 years' professional experience in housing disrepair surveying, ideally with experience acting as an Expert Witness.
• Proven practical experience applying the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
• Detailed knowledge of housing disrepair legislation, housing standards and relevant legal protocols.
• Strong working knowledge of CPR 35 and the Practice Direction relating to Expert Witness reports.
• Knowledge and understanding of Awaab’s Law and its application to dampness and mould cases.
• Experience investigating dampness, mould, ventilation and other complex building defects.
• Ability to identify the root cause of property defects and recommend appropriate remedial solutions.
• Experience preparing specifications, bills of quantities and/or schedules of works.
• Experience managing reactive repairs, capital projects, variations and post-inspection sign-offs.
• Good understanding of health and safety requirements, including CDM, COSHH, DDA and relevant workplace legislation.
• Proficient in using handheld technology, mobile surveying applications and PC-based property or case management systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, accurate and defensible technical reports.
• Confident dealing with difficult or sensitive conversations and able to build effective working relationships with residents and stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a demanding caseload and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently, exercise professional judgement and provide evidence-based recommendations.
• Commitment to inclusive, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory working practices.
• Demonstrates the values of being proud, ambitious, pioneering, open and accountable, proactive and inclusive.

Additional Information

• Location: Hackney Council / Housing Disrepair Team