Investigations Officer
About Us:
Would you like to be a part of The London Borough of Hounslow, whose diverse workforce are committed to making a positive difference for our residents and visitors by ensuring the quality of our services are maintained to a high standard?
Hounslow Council is an outstanding council serving an outstanding borough. With brilliant, visionary leadership, a dynamic Cabinet and a can-do culture, we’ve built strong partnerships across the borough which have transformed how we serve one of London’s most diverse boroughs. Hounslow is the world in one place, full of potential, but a borough hit hard -socially and economically -by Covid-19. We have stepped up for our residents and businesses like never before.
About The Role:
We require an Investigations Officer to join our busy Planning Enforcement team. The role is a dynamic one, where you will be out in our community responding to breaches of planning control. The role requires a person who has a background in investigation, has a basic knowledge of Planning and can prepare witness statements and give evidence in Court. The role is not limited to those with planning backgrounds and those who have been involved with statutory enforcement positions with the likes of the Police and Home Office are most welcome to apply. Applicants must have a vehicle.
Key Responsibilities:
- To investigate alleged breaches of planning control, checking internal records from paper and electronic filing systems
- To carry out site visits, taking accurate measurements and carrying out interviews with owners and complainants, and recording accurately findings and discussions on site
- To carry out interviews under PACE and draw up witness statements for Planning Enforcement prosecution
- To offer expert advice on enforcement matters to senior management, Councillors and members of the public
Your Skills:
- To be able to communicate with both complaints and those complained against, able to explain planning legislation and council policy and to deal with all members of the public equally
- To maintain a broad up to date knowledge of all legislation, government advice, case histories and new techniques and to be able to impart that knowledge on other officers
- To be able to write site inspections notes, using photographic evidence, Microsoft systems and the councils electronic filing systems
- To have a confident and professional attitude
We value diversity in its broadest sense. We're committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone is able to be themselves, give of their best and reach their full potential. We believe that a diverse workforce helps us to better understand our communities and deliver the best services for our residents. We want to receive applications from all regardless of age, gender identity, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, race or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status or social economic background. We want to harness the mix and ensure that everybody can apply and be part of our recruitment processes. We will therefore make reasonable adjustments to accommodate our candidates.
This post is considered by the authority to be a customer-facing position; as such it falls within scope of the Code of Practice on English language requirement for public sector workers. The council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements.
For more information and how to apply contact Matt.Robinson@hounslow.gov.uk
Interviews will be held during week commencing 12th December