Senior Environmental Health Officer - EK

Senior Environmental Health Officer

Location: London Borough of Hackney, London
Department: Climate, Homes and Economy
Service: Community Safety, Enforcement and Business Regulation

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Environmental Health Officer to join the Environmental Health team at the London Borough of Hackney. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified Environmental Health professional to protect public health, improve safety standards and ensure businesses comply with relevant legislation.

You will carry out inspections, investigate complaints, manage complex cases and take appropriate enforcement action across areas including food safety, workplace health and safety, infectious diseases and environmental health. You will also work closely with businesses, residents, partner agencies and other council departments to promote compliance and improve public safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections of commercial premises to ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene and health and safety legislation.
• Investigate complaints, food poisoning incidents, infectious diseases, workplace accidents and other environmental health concerns.
• Prepare detailed inspection reports, witness statements and prosecution files.
• Serve statutory notices and take appropriate enforcement action, including supporting prosecutions where necessary.
• Undertake targeted enforcement operations and investigate complex cases.
• Assess food safety management systems, HACCP procedures and business compliance.
• Respond to licensing applications, consultations and relevant public health matters.
• Provide advice and guidance to businesses to improve compliance and prevent risks to public health.
• Work collaboratively with council departments, businesses, residents and external agencies.
• At senior level, lead projects and complex investigations, provide specialist advice, mentor colleagues and deputise for management when required.

Essential Requirements

• A recognised Environmental Health qualification, such as an approved degree or diploma in Environmental Health.
• Appropriate professional registration with the Environmental Health Registration Board (EHRB) or an accepted CIEH competency route.
• Relevant experience in Environmental Health inspections, investigations and enforcement.
• Knowledge of food safety, health and safety legislation and environmental health regulations.
• Experience preparing reports, gathering evidence and taking appropriate enforcement action.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage a caseload, prioritise work and work independently.

Desirable Experience

• Experience preparing prosecution files and presenting evidence in court.
• Knowledge of PACE and CPIA procedures.
• Experience investigating complex complaints, infectious disease outbreaks and workplace accidents.
• Experience leading projects, mentoring colleagues or supervising staff.
• Membership of the CIEH at an appropriate professional level.

Why Apply?

Join Hackney Council's Environmental Health team and play an important role in protecting residents, supporting local businesses and maintaining high standards of public health and safety.