Tower Hamlets is a fascinating borough, a multi-cultural community steeped in history. The contrasts and challenges in Environmental Health work ranges from the “Curry Capital” of Brick Lane, to the expanding high-tech corporate world-wide financial institutions in Canary Wharf, employing thousands of people using the services that Environmental Health are responsible for. Our Service is forward looking and has many exciting challenges to face.

Our private rented sector is over a third of all our housing stock. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of staff management, leading on service objectives, dealing with housing licensing schemes, dealing with complaints, undertaking enforcement action and deal with interesting complex/challenging interesting cases.

The team is based within the Housing and Regeneration directorate. It is dynamic, forward thinking and plenty of opportunities for development and growth. It works closely with colleagues across other regulatory services; trading standards, planning and environmental health.

We offer a 35-hour week with the option to earn flexi time and approximately 6 weeks paid holiday depending on your public service experience.

Role Purpose

As a Principal Environmental Health Officer, you will have responsibility managing a team within the private sector housing service. It’s an exciting opportunity to move forward an important area of enforcement work; leading, managing and supporting officers to achieve successful outcomes for the borough’s many private sector residents.

Working with internal and external partners it’s an opportunity to use specialist multi-faceted skills and techniques to carry out a programme of proactive and reactive functions that find solutions and make a difference.

Using the wide range of delegated powers, taking enforcement action when necessary to ensure compliance within the private rented sector.

Each day is busy and rewarding and plenty of opportunity for exciting casework and enforcement initiatives within the team.

Key Responsibilities

To manage a team of officers within the Private Sector Housing Service. To work with the Head and other Principals to help meet key service objectives in this important area of work. Using delegated powers and specialist skills (i.e. audit, inspection, enforcement powers, negotiation and persuasion) to gain and ensure compliance with Environmental Health legislation so that Housing Standards are maintained and enhanced for residents.

Working within one of the four teams to deliver on regulating the private rented sector, dealing with a wide range of enforcement powers including licensing functions that the Service currently enforces, reactive complaints work and recent / pending Renters’ Rights Act duties.

To support, guide and work closely with team colleagues so that they can fulfil their work aspirations and achieve successful outcomes for borough residents.

Requirements

The successful candidate will have a degree in Environmental Health or relevant Housing enforcement experience, understanding of the full legislative requirements/enforcement powers available to regulate the private rented sector.

Ideally to have a driving licence and provide a car for work purposes.

Our Offer

Up to 31 days annual leave (32 after 5 years), plus 8 bank holidays.
Local Government Pension Scheme membership.
Enhanced sick pay, maternity/adoption leave pay, and support leave.
Learning and development opportunities to support your career.
Flexible and agile working arrangements.
Cycle-to-work scheme, rent deposit scheme, free eye tests.
Discounted gym/Costco membership and You at Work discounts.

Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.

Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.

As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.

At Tower Hamlets Council, you’ll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you’re looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.