Head of Environment & Regulatory Services
As Head of Environment & Regulatory Services, you will provide strategic leadership across these diverse operational and regulatory functions, improving local places, protecting public health, supporting community wellbeing and ensuring Gateshead's neighbourhoods remain safe, clean and thriving.
In this senior leadership role, you will:
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across environment, regulatory, street scene, private sector housing and environmental ASB services, ensuring high‑quality, compliant and resident‑focused delivery.
- Act as the Council's senior accountable officer for environmental health, public protection, compliance and enforcement functions, ensuring statutory obligations and regulatory standards are met.
- Lead street scene operations including cleansing, fly‑tipping, graffiti removal, dog wardens, pest control and arboriculture, ensuring clean, safe and well‑maintained neighbourhoods.
- Lead the management and improvement of parks, countryside sites, play areas, allotments, cemeteries, woodlands and associated environmental assets.
- Provide leadership for a borough‑wide ASB service, coordinating enforcement, prevention and support for environmental and housing‑related issues.
- Lead bereavement services, ensuring dignified, sensitive and fully compliant service delivery.
- Lead private sector housing functions including selective and HMO licensing, HHSRS activity, damp and mould compliance, landlord engagement and enforcement.
- Provide strategic oversight of public protection services including environmental health, trading standards, consumer protection, product safety, licensing, statutory nuisance and air quality.
- Direct environmental improvement programmes and targeted place‑based interventions, including alleygating schemes and environmental management initiatives.
- Ensure high‑quality environmental, performance and compliance data is captured, analysed and used to inform investment, risk management and service improvement.
- Identify and maximise income generation opportunities and external funding to support environmental services and neighbourhood improvement.
- Provide clear, high‑quality professional advice, reports and briefings to Elected Members, committees, regulators and senior officers.
- Lead financial, workforce, performance, contract and risk management across all services, ensuring value for money and continuous improvement.
- Chair and give professional advice on behalf of the Council to complex and challenging meetings.
- Contribute to the wider Operational Services leadership team and corporate priorities, supporting integrated service delivery across the Council.
- Lead business continuity, emergency planning and risk management arrangements, acting as a member of the Council's Emergency Response Team when required.
Significant senior leadership experience across environmental, regulatory, street scene or public protection services within a complex organisation.
Strong technical knowledge of environmental health, environmental protection, private sector housing regulation, public protection and enforcement legislation.
Proven ability to lead large, diverse services, manage risk, develop policy, deliver statutory compliance and improve resident outcomes.
Knowledge of risk based statutory decision making and proportionate enforcement action.
Demonstrable experience of financial, performance and contract management, including delivery of efficiencies and value for money.
Experience of relevant legal processes including court and specialist committee presentations.
Excellent communication, influencing and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to operate effectively in political and partnership environments.
A degree‑level qualification or substantial relevant experience demonstrating the ability to operate at Head of Service level.
Professional membership of CIEH, NEBOSH, IEMA or an equivalent body, or willingness to achieve this within an agreed timeframe.
Do you want to shape the future of Gateshead's environment, leading high‑profile services that protect public health, improve neighbourhoods and strengthen the places our communities call home?
These roles form part of a wider organisational redesign to ensure the Council is structured to deliver high‑quality, efficient and sustainable services for the people of Gateshead. This supports our commitment to modernising how we operate, strengthening accountability and putting residents at the heart of everything we do, ensuring everyone in our borough can thrive. At Gateshead Council, we take pride in delivering high‑quality services that make a real difference to residents' lives. As a Head of Service, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across key functions, helping to shape services, drive improvement and support our Thrive agenda. You will be part of a collaborative leadership community that values innovation, integrity and strong partnership working. Supporting services that make a difference to our communities Our Environment and Regulatory Services teams deliver some of the most visible and valued work across the borough. From street cleansing, grounds maintenance and arboriculture to environmental health, trading standards, licensing, private sector housing enforcement, ASB services and bereavement operations, this service directly shapes how people experience Gateshead every day.
Benefits
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary - we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work‑life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax‑efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions - a cost‑effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services - plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
