We are supporting King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council to appoint an experienced Interim Housing Standards Officer to provide short-term capacity within their Environmental Health function.
This is a practical, delivery-focused assignment designed to ensure continuity of service while the council undertakes permanent recruitment. The successful candidate will take responsibility for an existing caseload, including progressing and closing cases previously managed by departing officers.
The Role
This is a hands-on operational role combining inspection work with enforcement and case management. The successful candidate will be responsible for undertaking property inspections, assessing housing conditions, and progressing enforcement action in line with the Housing Act 2004 and associated legislation.
On average, you can expect to carry out approximately four to five inspections per week, with the remainder of your time focused on progressing cases, issuing notices, and completing enforcement activity. While inspections are a key component, the majority of the role is desk-based, requiring strong attention to detail and robust record-keeping.
Administrative support is in place, allowing you to focus on professional judgement, inspections, and enforcement decisions rather than data input.
Key Responsibilities
You will take ownership of a live caseload, conducting inspections and applying the Housing Health and Safety Rating System where appropriate. You will be responsible for progressing enforcement activity, including issuing statutory notices and ensuring compliance with housing standards legislation.
A critical part of the role will involve picking up and progressing cases left by previous officers, ensuring there is no loss of continuity in enforcement activity and that statutory responsibilities are met.
Working Arrangements
The role operates on a hybrid basis, typically structured as:
· Two days per week carrying out inspections
· Three days working remotely or from the office
Flexibility is available, but attendance on site is essential for inspections.
About You
You will be an experienced Housing Standards Officer (or equivalent) who is confident operating independently within a local authority setting.
You will bring strong working knowledge of the Housing Act 2004 and wider enforcement legislation, alongside practical experience of applying the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. You will be comfortable managing your own caseload and making sound professional judgements without the need for close supervision.
The council is focused on capability rather than tenure or specific qualifications, so applicants with demonstrable experience delivering in a similar role will be of particular interest.
Desirable Experience
The client would ideally like to see candidates with several years’ experience in housing enforcement, a relevant housing or HHSRS qualification, and a proactive, self-managing approach. Experience working within local authority enforcement teams will be beneficial.
Context
The housing standards team is currently operating with reduced capacity due to financial constraints. As a result, there is a need for additional resource to ensure ongoing cases are progressed and service levels are maintained.
This role is critical in stabilising the team and ensuring enforcement activity continues effectively over the coming months.
Contract Details
· IR35 Status: Inside IR35
· Duration: Approx. 3 months
· Working Pattern: Full-time preferred, part-time considered
Next Steps
If you are an experienced housing standards professional available at short notice and comfortable working in a high-autonomy, delivery-focused environment, we would be keen to discuss this opportunity with you. Please contact Holly.Brewin@opuspeoplesolutions.co.uk