London Borough of Hounslow

Senior Building Control Surveyor x2

The role

PURPOSE OF ROLE:

To undertake technical assessments/activities (on Band A and B building types) and make decisions on those assessments, using skills that would have been gained through qualifications and practical experience, to effectively deliver the Building Control function throughout the Council’s jurisdiction and as part of any partnering or similar scheme, ensuring buildings comply with the relevant regulatory standards in terms of health, safety, sustainability, energy conservation, accessibility and design.

To be able to effectively manage a range of projects from domestic and dwelling houses up to 5 storeys and a range of non-domestic projects up to 5 storeys, examining plans and carrying out site inspections, initiating and dealing with enforcement action.

Assessing dangerous structures and implementing immediate remedial works.

Where appropriate and within limits of competence to provide supervision and management of the work of others within the Building Control sections management framework. e.g. trainees, assistants and surveyors not having the appropriate band of competence.

To ensure that Building Control work is carried out in accordance with documented procedures, timescales and deadlines.

Participate in the Dangerous Structure Rota to ensure the successful delivery of an out of hour’s emergency service.

With training undertake other works or manage staff undertaking other works such as Architectural Design, Fire Risk Assessments, and Party Wall Agreements etc.

Responsible for: None            

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

The specific responsibilities of this flexible role will vary and may alter from time to time to respond to the needs of the service. Responsibilities will include (or be equivalent to) those listed below:

You will be responsible for discharging the Council’s statutory duties under the London Building Acts (Amendment) Act 1939, the Building Act 1984, the Building Regulations (As Amended) 2010, Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975 and Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport Act 1987.  These Acts and Statutory Instrument confer a duty on this Authority to enforcement Building Regulations, Demolitions, Safety & Sports Grounds, Dangerous Structures, Dilapidated and Ruinous Structures and keep a register of Initial Notices and Competent Person Schemes. 

Based on validated competence, without direct supervision, manage a portfolio of Band A and Band B development sites, including non-domestic low risk schemes (including new applications, regularisation and reversion applications) and maintain proper records, for plan appraisals and site inspections, the evaluation of work/remedial action, working within a framework for inspections of domestic and non-domestic projects to ensure compliance with current Building Regulations, Building Act 1984, allied legislation and technical standards.

Under supervision (based on validated competency), manage a caseload of Band C technical projects (including new applications, regularisation and reversion applications) and maintain proper records, for plan appraisals and site inspections, including non-domestic high-risk buildings and dangerous structures and undertake ‘out of hours’ work in accordance with a team rota and with appropriate supervision.  Carry out remedial/enforcement action as required under the direction/supervision of a more competent/validated Building Control Surveyor.

Within the limits of competence provide accurate information, advice and professional support to businesses and/or individuals, in accordance with the inspection framework or through ‘spot checks’ and ensure appropriate action is taken to comply with legislation and technical standards, seeking advice as necessary from senior colleagues.

Either inside the band of competence, or outside of it but under supervision, investigate matters, including complaints from elected members and the public, the control of demolition, dangerous structures, contraventions and unauthorised works and initiate and undertake enforcement action, as necessary, including the issuing of notices, to ensure compliance with the appropriate legislation and the Council’s obligations under the Building Act 1984 and be available to partake in the “Out of Hours” rota.   The post holder will arrange for files of evidence to be deposited with the council’s solicitors and where necessary attend magistrates court as the council’s expert witness in associated enforcement cases.  All actions, taken whilst compiling reports on continuing work and decisions taken for the health, safety and welfare of the wider community will be notified to the management team.

Within the limits of competence support, in accordance with the management framework, other members of the team including, where agreed, the delegation of plan checking, site inspections and other duties.

Liaise and/or consult with external agencies, stakeholders, statutory undertakers, members of the public, contractors, professional persons, elected members and internal departments as necessary to ensure a seamless team approach to the provision of guidance, advice and service delivery.

Establish and maintain appropriate links with building professionals, providing an excellent customer-focussed service (either face-to-face or other appropriate form of communication) and support the development of the building control service and with the exploration of new and expanding markets to encourage new and repeat business.

Respond to changes in workload and changing priorities by carrying out the role in a flexible manner which may include working extended hours, at the beginning and/or end of the day.

Understand the vision, values and strategic priorities of the Council so that Officers are engaged and motivated to deliver the Council’s strategic and service priorities and objectives.

Actively pursue personal development of skills, knowledge and competency necessary for effective performance in the role, for the team, service and authority.

Contributing to our Quality Management Systems and the continued registration to ISO 9001.

Contribute to a strong, efficient and effective performance culture with a focus on service excellence and customer satisfaction.

Undertake Enforcement of the Building Regulation function, including Unauthorised Work, Contravening Works and Reversion Works.

Process Section 80 Demolition Notices ensure all statutory consultations are undertaken and Section 81 Notices are served.

Ensure the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) guidance compliance. 

Deliver an effective Dangerous Structure Service.  Ensure all reported Dangerous Structures are investigated, surveyed and where applicable Dangerous Structure Notices are served. Including recovery of costs incurred as a result of work to make structures safe.

Undertake enforcement of Dilapidated and Ruinous Structures where it has been demonstrated that the building is considered prejudicial to the inhabitants of the neighbourhood.

Participate in the Council’s emergency planning and responses to emergency situations when required to do so.

Assist in the conduct of elections when required to do so.

Deputise for the Building Control Team Manager as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Educated to degree level in a relevant subject such as Building Control, Building Surveying, Construction, and/or be able to demonstrate learning at an equivalent level.

Full corporate membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors or the Association of Building Engineers, or similar Professional Institution membership at corporate level involving a significant Building Control element.

To apply, please provide an up-to-date CV with a supporting statement of your credentials and suitability for the role(s) by 6:00pm on Friday 21st February 2025. These can be emailed through to hounslow@mcleanpublic.com.

CV
Supporting Statement

Closing date for applications: Friday 21st February 2025 at 6:00pm
Shortlist meeting: w/c 24th February 2025
London Borough of Hounslow interviews: w/c 3rd March 2025

McLean Public is committed to inclusive recruitment practices. If there are any adjustments required to enable a more accessible experience, please do not hesitate to let us know.

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Up to £62,748 plus 10% market supplement

Hounslow

Permanent

21st February 2025

Rebecca Rampat

Partner - Place and Sustainability

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