Description
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full-time and permanent food safety officer to join the team at Southwark Council. As a knowledgeable and enthusiastic field officer, you will be an important part of this very busy team which is responsible for regulating food business undertakings in the borough and delivering appropriate infectious disease control functions.
The role involves providing expert advice, guidance and support to both new and existing food businesses, enforcing a variety of food legislation and taking prosecutions to secure high standards of food hygiene and food law compliance.
Responsibilities:
- Regulate food business undertakings across the borough, ensuring compliance with food hygiene and food safety legislation.
- Deliver infectious disease control functions and support public health protection activities.
- Provide expert advice, guidance and support to new and existing food businesses.
- Conduct inspections, investigations and interventions in accordance with relevant food legislation.
- Enforce a wide range of food safety and food standards regulations.
- Investigate complaints, incidents and food-related issues as required.
- Prepare legal documentation and undertake prosecutions where necessary to secure compliance.
- Work closely with businesses, partners and stakeholders to promote high standards of food hygiene and food safety.
- Contribute to a busy and supportive team committed to protecting consumers and maintaining public confidence in local food businesses.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and pension
- Growth opportunities with access to extensive training and development
- Family-friendly policies including flexible working and home working
- Local government pension scheme
Requirements:
- Experience of carrying out a full range of food safety, food hygiene and food standards enforcement activities.
- Strong knowledge of food safety principles and food law regulation.
- Qualifications and competencies required to undertake official food controls.
- Registration with the Environmental Health Registration Board (EHRB) or an equivalent/successor professional body (desirable).
- Proven food safety enforcement experience, with a track record of delivering high-quality regulatory work.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and maintaining technical expertise.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to prepare legal documents, reports and case files to a high standard.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the confidence to use professional judgement.
- Ability to handle sensitive and contentious issues with tact, professionalism and integrity.
- Proactive, enthusiastic and results-focused approach to service delivery.