Private Sector Housing Intelligence Officer

Our Private Sector Housing team seeks to bring about improvements in the conditions and standards of management of private sector housing. You’ll assist the team in achieving this by leading on the changes being brought in by Renters Rights Act on the delivery of housing enforcement standards to ensure private sector residential accommodation throughout the District meets statutory standards and help to bring about improvements in conditions and standards of management for residents. As a Private Sector Housing Intelligence Officer, you’ll be at the heart of this work, gathering and analysing intelligence, supporting enforcement action under the Renters’ Rights Act, assisting in the delivery of the Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy and identifying unlicensed HMOs. If you have a sharp analytical mind, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for improving housing standards, we’d love to hear from you. Please note that this role is a 3-year fixed-term contract

Everything you need to know

We’re looking for a proactive and detail-oriented individual to join our Housing Service. Based at our offices in Sevenoaks, you’ll work both in the office and across the District, collaborating with colleagues, partner agencies, and the public to build a strong intelligence picture that supports enforcement activity.

What you will be doing:

• Gathering, analysing and managing intelligence relating to privately rented properties, landlords and housing conditions.
• Acting as a key point of contact for intelligence from residents, partners and stakeholders.
• Supporting enforcement activity through research, evidence gathering and case preparation.
• Using a range of legal powers to obtain information, including Land Registry, Council Tax and Housing Benefit records.
• Assisting with property inspections, interviews under caution, and preparation of court and tribunal evidence.
• Compiling Civil Penalty cases, including financial assessments, evidence files and statutory notices.
• Building strong working relationships with enforcement agencies and partners to tackle housing-related criminality.
• Producing intelligence reports and briefings to inform decision-making and enforcement priorities.

What you will bring to the role:

• Experience in an investigative, intelligence, housing, enforcement or regulatory environment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and evaluate complex information.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate and compliant records.
• Confidence in dealing with members of the public, partners and stakeholders.
• Good understanding of housing legislation or a willingness to develop knowledge quickly.
• Ability to manage sensitive information and assess reliability and risk.
• Strong IT skills and experience working with databases and case management systems.
• A flexible approach, with willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends when required.

What’s in it for you?

You’ll be part of a supportive and forward-thinking team tackling real issues in the private rented sector. This is a varied and rewarding role where your work directly contributes to safer housing and stronger communities. Other benefits include:

• Enhanced annual leave of 28 days (excluding bank holidays)
• Additional leave after 5 years of service
• Extra Christmas closure day
• Hybrid working
• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme
• Opportunities to join in with social activities
• Free parking
• Employee benefits including discounts on shopping, travel and days out
• Tusker car salary sacrifice scheme
• Access to BUPA Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 wellbeing support)

Find out more

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Alison Simmons on: 01732 227272