Housing Enforcement Manager

 

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Directorate: Housing and Wellbeing

Job title: Housing Enforcement Manager

Location: The Guildhall, Northampton

Grade: Scale 8

Salary: £41,190 to £46,335 (2022/23)

Division: Housing and Wellbeing

Section: Private Sector Housing

Reports to: Private Sector Housing Manager

Responsible for: Housing Enforcement Officers, Tenancy Relations Officer, Landlord Liaison Officer, Intelligence Officers, Lead Investigations & Enforcement Officer, HMO Project Officer (agency)

 

JOB PURPOSE

 

To develop, direct and manage the Council’s Housing Enforcement Service in a manner that

makes effective use of advice, licensing, risk-based interventions and enforcement action in

order to improve housing conditions – and effect a positive and sustained step change in the

behaviour of landlords and letting agents – in Northampton’s private rented sector.

 

To establish, maintain and update clear and effective controls for the licensing and regulation of houses in multiple occupation, the investigation and prosecution of offences relating to the harassment and unlawful eviction of tenants, and the improvement of housing standards in the private rented sector, in order to meet the Council’s statutory obligations and ensure that all private sector housing in the borough is safe and habitable. To make optimum use of civil penalties, rent repayment orders and licensing fees to support Northampton’s intelligence-led approach to housing enforcement, maximise the Housing Enforcement Team’s impact in tackling criminal, rogue and irresponsible landlords and ensure that, in the long term, the Housing Enforcement Service is self-funding.

 

 

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To ensure that effective procedures and controls are in place for the Social Lettings Agency

to take on the management of any private housing that is substandard, unsafe, unlicensed

and/or badly managed, including properties that are the subject of a Management Order.

 

KEY RESULT AREAS

To develop, direct and manage the Council’s Housing Enforcement Service – making

optimum use of civil penalties, rent repayment orders and licensing fees – in order to tackle

criminal, rogue and irresponsible landlords, improve housing conditions in the private

rented sector and ensure that, in the long term, the Enforcement Service is self-funding.

 

In doing this, the Housing Enforcement Manager will:

 

1. Develop, direct and manage the Housing Enforcement Service in a manner that makes

effective use of advice, licensing, risk-based interventions and enforcement action in

order to improve housing conditions – and effect a positive and sustained step change

in the behaviour of landlords and letting agents – in the private rented sector.

 

2. Manage, motivate and develop the Housing Enforcement Officers and the Tenancy

Relations Officer, ensuring that everyone receives regular supervision and appraisal in

order to achieve a consistently high standard of work, an equitable distribution of the

workload, effective performance monitoring, and delivery of the Council’s aims and

objectives in relation to the Housing Enforcement Service.

 

3. Work proactively with other managers to ensure that the Housing Enforcement Team,

the Housing Options & Advice Team and the Social Lettings Agency deliver efficient,

joined-up services that improve housing conditions, prevent homelessness, maximise

the amount of private rented housing that is let and/or managed through the Social

Lettings Agency and make it easier for private tenants to sustain their tenancies.

 

4. Develop and maintain close working relations with other services and organisations in

order to facilitate the flow of information, encourage joint working and co-operation,

achieve the prompt resolution of complex problems and ensure that, where an input is

required from a number of teams, service delivery is properly co-ordinated.

5. Direct and develop the Housing Enforcement Team in a manner that encourages joint

working and problem solving, ensures effective planning and monitoring, and is in line

with the Council’s performance management framework.

 

6. Ensure that everyone working for the Housing Enforcement Service (including

contractors) has a safe working environment, works in a safe manner and contributes

positively to the creation of a safe and healthy working environment, in accordance

with health and safety requirements and the Council’s policies and procedures.

 

 

 

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7. Work with the Private Sector Housing Manager to set, manage and monitor the Housing

Enforcement Service’s budget, and put in place robust procedures that ensure that the

budget is managed effectively and in a manner that makes best use of resources in

accordance with the Council’s financial regulations.

8. Oversee the regular review and updating of the Housing Enforcement Service’s

processes, policies and procedures, ensuring that they are all compliant with the

relevant legislation and, where practicable, reflect good practice

 

9. Develop, promote and manage the Housing Enforcement Service in a manner that

makes best use of the human and financial resources available to the Council, taking

into account local conditions, government priorities and new legislation.

10. Ensure that all members of the Housing Enforcement Team receive a comprehensive

induction and the ongoing training and instruction they will need to provide excellent

customer service, meet their targets and comply with the legislation and regulations.

11. Provide Management and members of the Housing Enforcement Team with specialist

advice on a wide range of matters (including legislative requirements, case law and

good practice) in order to assist service development, improve performance, maximise

income and ensure the Housing Enforcement Team is sustainable and legally compliant.

12. Ensure that all members of the Housing Enforcement Team are familiar with

Northampton’s policies and procedures for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults,

and they alert Children’s Services and/or Adult Social Care where they suspect that a

child or vulnerable adult might be being abused, neglected or harmed.

 

13. Oversee the licensing and regulation of houses in multiple occupation and the

investigation and resolution of complaints about disrepair / housing-related nuisance.

14. Direct and manage all enforcement activity undertaken by the Housing Enforcement

Service (including works in default, the imposition of civil penalties, prosecutions,

applications for rent repayment orders, appeals, debt recovery and applications for

Interim and Final Management Orders), ensuring that all follow-up action is taken

swiftly and is closely monitored.

 

15. Contribute to the development, implementation and co-ordination of new working

practices and initiatives that tackle overcrowding, reduce the number of licensable

HMOs that are operating without a licence, improve housing conditions in the private

rented sector, and reduce the Council’s use of temporary accommodation.

16. Ensure that best use is made of IT systems to support the work of the Housing

Enforcement Team and commission changes and enhancements that will reduce

avoidable contact, increase efficiency and improve the quality of data and reports.

 

 

 

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17. Work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders to assess the merits of

introducing an Additional HMO Licensing scheme in those parts of Northampton where

houses in multiple occupation are having a serious adverse effect on neighbourhoods. 18. Ensure that key areas of the Housing Enforcement Service’s performance, agreed in

consultation with the Private Sector Housing Manager and Head of Housing & Wellbeing, are monitored and the results reported regularly in the agreed format.

19. Represent the Council at a local, sub regional and regional level – on issues relating to

houses in multiple occupation, the condition of the borough’s private sector housing

stock, and the enforcement of housing standards – for the purpose of exchanging

information, improving joint working and promoting good practice.

20. Investigate, analyse and respond to customer complaints and suggestions, Freedom of

Information requests and enquiries from Councillors and MPs concerning the work of the Housing Enforcement Team, taking appropriate action to address procedural deficiencies and ensuring that future service developments reflect the lessons learned.

21. Actively consider new and innovative ways of doing things, recognising and promoting

the positive benefits of change as a means of improving services and achieving goals.

22. Provide Management and Councillors with reports and updates, as required, on service developments and policy changes affecting the Housing Enforcement Service.

23. Maintain professional competence and keep abreast of developments through research

and reading, attendance of courses and briefings, and the use of established networks, ensuring all policies and procedures are updated to reflect such changes.

24. Create and maintain accurate records (using manual and computer systems) on all

aspects of the service to ensure compliance with agreed reporting arrangements and provide management with the information it requires to monitor performance and service standards in accordance with Council policy and current legislation.

25. Ensure that Management is provided with early alerts in the event of poor or failing

performance, or a suspicion of fraud, corruption or impropriety. 26. Perform any other duties (appropriate to the grading of the post) that are required by

the Private Sector Housing Manager or the Head of Housing & Wellbeing in order to ensure the delivery of a successful, high quality Housing Enforcement Service.

 

Job descriptions will be subject to review and possible change on an annual basis subject to corporate and service plan priorities.

 

 

 

 

 

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PEOPLE AND RESOURCES

 

The Housing Enforcement Manager is responsible for the following people and resources: Financial Resources

• Jointly with the Private Sector Housing Manager, the Postholder is responsible for the day-to-day monitoring of all income and expenditure relating to the Housing Enforcement Service, including the collection of the monies due to the Council in relation to private sector housing fees and charges, civil penalties and rent repayment orders, and for demonstrating Value For Money in the delivery of the service.

Physical Resources

• The Postholder is responsible for ensuring effective and efficient asset management, including the investment and improvement of resources, facilities, ICT requirements and other assets assigned to the service area.

Supervision, management and direction of employees

(i) The Postholder is responsible to the Private Sector Housing Manager, together with any other Managers that the Head of Housing and Wellbeing and/or Chief Executive may from time to time determine in relation to project based activity.

(ii) The Postholder will be responsible for ensuring the effective performance of all staff within the Housing Enforcement Service.

(iii) The Postholder will be responsible for developing a high performance culture within

the Housing Enforcement Team, ensuring that efficiencies are maximised and team working, continuous improvement and customer service excellence are key drivers.

(iv) The Postholder will be responsible for ensuring the effective deployment of the

workforce within the Housing Enforcement Service and provide leadership towards meeting the Council’s objectives.

Other people both external and internal

(i) The Postholder will act on behalf of the Council (as an ambassador, subject lead and/or negotiator, as appropriate) in relation to:

 

• Other local authorities and public bodies including governmental organisations

 

 

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• Organisations representing private landlords and rental agents

• Organisations representing private sector tenants

• Charities and other non-governmental organisations

• Other key stakeholder groups – including private tenants, private landlords, home owners, leaseholders etc.

(ii) The Postholder will work with Councillors, Managers and employees of the Council to meet the Council’s aims and objectives.

 

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITIES

 

• To ensure that the services delivered by the Council are designed to meet the needs of Northampton’s diverse customer base and are delivered to the highest possible standards.

• To make a positive corporate contribution, including contributing to or leading on corporate projects and initiatives which may cross cut service boundaries

 

• To positively work with partners in the best interests of Northampton promoting a “Team Northampton” approach.

 

• To work with the Chief Executive and the Senior Management Team in the delivery of the Council’s priorities expressed in the Corporate Plan and Service plans.

 

DATA PROTECTION ACT / FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

Working with manual and computerised systems, the Postholder will need to be fully aware, at all times, of their responsibilities under the Data Protection Act 1998 for the security, accuracy and relevance of personal data held on such systems, and to be conversant with the implications of the Freedom of Information Act. The Postholder will also be required to be fully aware of, and comply with, the Council’s Data Quality procedures to ensure that all management information is accurate and fit for purpose.

 

 

 

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PERSON SPECIFICATION

 

Essential/Desirable? Methods of Assessment (Yes = Y)

KNOWLEDGE E? D? Application

Form References Interview Other

Qualified EHO with a Degree in Environmental Health E Y Y Y

Extensive knowledge of local authorities’ licensing and enforcement powers in relation to houses in multiple occupation and private rented accommodation

E Y Y

Extensive experience of using environmental health and housing legislation to enforce and raise standards in private sector housing

E Y Y Y

Experience of managing and/or directing a team responsible for the enforcement of standards in private sector housing

E Y Y Y

Proven experience of developing and sustaining effective working relationships, and working successfully in partnership with other services and organisations

E Y Y Y

Experience of working with elected Members E Y Y

Knowledge and understanding of information technology and systems, and their application to improve service delivery

E Y Y

Experience of using a variety of IT applications, including wordprocessing, spreadsheets and housing databases

E Y Y

Experience of developing new ways of working E Y Y

Experience of managing budgets including forecasting expenditure, and delivering value for money

E Y Y Y

Experience of providing successful leadership, mentoring and/or coaching E Y Y

SKILLS E? D? Application

Form References Interview Other

Literate and numerate E Y Y Y

Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a variety of audiences, including Members, Senior Officers, landlords and letting agents, members of the public and the Council’s partners

E Y Y Y

 

 

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SKILLS (continued) E? D? Application

Form References Interview Other

Effective team player with a proven ability to develop positive relationships with colleagues, managers and other services and organisations

E Y Y Y

Excellent negotiating and advocacy skills, and the drive and commitment to achieve positive outcomes for residents and service users

E Y Y

Adept problem-solver with excellent analytical, creative and innovative skills E Y Y Y

Ability to work well under pressure and to make clear, consistent decisions E Y Y

Ability to work on own initiative, prioritise work and meet tight deadlines E Y Y Y

Ability to look critically at existing practices, evaluate options and recommend better ways of doing things

E Y Y

Ability to interpret and explain complex legislation and guidance E Y Y

Ability to initiate and manage change E Y Y Y

Performance management skills, including the ability to provide direction, set clear targets and standards, and provide feedback on performance

E Y Y Y

Ability to analyse, manage and interpret information and data, and to use it to inform decision making and improve services

E Y Y

ATTRIBUTES E? D? Application

Form References Interview Other

Ability to think and act strategically E Y Y Y

A clear commitment to meaningful customer involvement E Y Y

Full driving licence and access to own transport for work purposes E Y Y Y

Understanding of equality and diversity E Y Y

Understanding of Data Protection Act 1998 D Y Y

 

 

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REVIEW AND SIGNATURES

This document will be reviewed from time to time to ensure that it continues to reflect our vision, values and priorities.

 

Prepared by: Debi Waite

Job title: Private Sector Housing Manager

Date: 21 August 2017 (Pay Scales updated to 2019/20)

 

Name of job holder:

Job holder’s signature:

Date: