Public Protection Officer (Food Safety & Hygiene) Contract: Full-time, 36 hours per week Location: London About the Role We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Public Protection Officer (Food Safety & Hygiene) to join our Environmental Health team within a local authority. This is an excellent opportunity to play a vital role in safeguarding public health and supporting local businesses through effective regulation, advice and enforcement. As part of the Public Protection Service, you’ll carry out food hygiene inspections, respond to service requests, and support projects that ensure local food businesses meet the highest standards of safety and compliance. You’ll also work with other teams to promote good practice and respond to incidents swiftly and professionally. Key Responsibilities * Undertake programmed food hygiene inspections, sampling, and other regulatory interventions in line with statutory requirements. * Investigate complaints, food poisoning allegations and food-related incidents. * Take appropriate enforcement action where necessary to ensure compliance with food safety legislation. * Provide advice and guidance to food business operators to help them understand and meet their legal obligations. * Support project work to improve food standards, public health outcomes, and local business compliance. * Liaise with residents, businesses, elected members, and partner organisations to promote public protection and awareness. * Keep accurate records and contribute to performance monitoring, reporting and service development. About You We’re looking for a motivated professional who is passionate about food safety and public health. You’ll need to demonstrate: * Experience managing an enforcement caseload within food safety, hygiene, or environmental health. * Knowledge of food safety legislation, enforcement procedures and codes of practice. * Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence compliance positively. * Strong partnership working skills and experience engaging with a variety of stakeholders. * Confidence in preparing reports, notices and case files for legal proceedings when necessary. * Good IT skills, including experience with mobile working tools and Microsoft Office applications. * Flexibility to work outside normal office hours when required. * A full driving licence. A degree or diploma in Environmental Health (or equivalent qualification) is essential. Membership or registration with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) is desirable. Why Join Us? * Play a key role in protecting public health and supporting local food businesses. * Work in a supportive and collaborative environment that values professional development. * Be part of a service committed to continuous improvement, innovation and community wellbeing. * Benefit from flexible working arrangements and ongoing training opportunities. Additional Information * You may be required to work evenings or weekends as part of planned inspection or enforcement work. * The postholder must comply with all Health and Safety and Data Protection requirements. * The role may involve working across multiple sites within the borough