Housing Enforcement Team Leader (Decent Homes Pilot)

Housing Enforcement Team Leader (Decent Homes Pilot)

Do you work in the housing or enforcement sector? Make a real difference to the people of Blackpool with a management role in our brand-new Decent Homes Team.

We’re about to embark on a forward-thinking, exciting pilot which offers a fantastic opportunity to work at the heart of the most ambitious and dynamic resort revival programme in a generation.

Blackpool is a small town in Lancashire, well known as the UK’s most popular seaside town, attracting more than 15 million visitors a year and offering year-round attractions. We currently have over £1billion invested in a growth and prosperity programme and £40.5million of Town Deal funding to deliver real change. 

Why is this important for Blackpool?

Housing is Blackpool's number one public policy challenge. The town has 8 of the 10 most deprived neighbourhoods in England, with a high concentration of ex-bed and breakfast buildings that have been poorly converted into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

Many private rented homes are poorly managed, impacting on health, education, employment and life chances – a statistic we are focused on changing.

Blackpool Council has a vision for our town and our residents – to live in a town in which they can thrive and are happy, healthy and have opportunities to develop and succeed.

In March 2022, Secretary of State Michael Gove unveiled new measures to help improve the lives of people in Blackpool through a package of funding to deliver transformational regeneration in a ground breaking new Enforcement Pilot.

This is an exceptionally exciting opportunity to join a brand new team as part of this work.  

Tell me more about the role

We’re looking for an inspiring and dedicated team leader; an example of the main duties are as follows:

• You will lead a team of 6 Decent Homes Enforcement Officers responsible for inspecting properties against the forthcoming PRS Decent Homes Standard, providing advice and guidance to landlords on how they could improve their homes to meet the standard
• The team will be required to undertake housing functions contained within the Housing Act 2004, to improve housing standards and ensure properties are fully compliant with any mandatory, selective and additional licensing schemes operating within the area
• Your role as Team Leader will involve efficient day to day management of staff including performance management and reporting of key performance indicators back to Government
• The ideal candidate will have experience and legal knowledge of Housing Act 2004 enforcement and legislative powers, and/or working knowledge of the Decent Homes Standard as it applies in Social Housing
• You will also have experience of managing within a fast paced environment whilst adopting a holistic view to decision making
• You will also have excellent interpersonal skills, be confident in challenging landlord behaviour and enforcing against landlords who fail to meet basic quality standards
• You will also be able to demonstrate working collaboratively both internally and externally, at all levels  

Why Blackpool Council?

When it comes to taking care of our employees, we are proud of what we can offer:

• Generous annual leave and flexible working patterns
• In-house training team and career development opportunities
• Local government pension scheme
• Iconic coastal location - excellent links to picturesque countryside and cosmopolitan cities
• Childcare vouchers, gym membership and other attractive benefits
• Supportive team structure and diverse caseload

For further information about the role, or for an informal discussion please Jennifer Nicholls, Housing Strategy and Development Manager on 01253 476811