In this vital role, you will help maintain high-quality housing standards across a portfolio of over 32,000 social housing units. You will lead technical investigations, coordinate specialised disrepair and dampness surveys, and ensure full compliance with Awaab's Law, HHSRS, and CPR 35 Practice Direction. Working as an Expert Witness, you will play a key role in resolving complex repair issues, protecting resident safety, and managing council liabilities.
Key Responsibilities
CPR 35 Inspections & Reporting: Conduct thorough inspections and produce CPR 35 compliant reports, managing a weekly caseload of at least three surveys/reports.
Technical Investigation: Investigate complex technical faults (including dampness, mold, mechanical ventilation, and psychrometric conditions) using specialised equipment to determine appropriate remedies.
Defect Remediation: Design specifications, bills of quantities, and contracts to address building defects in a cost-effective manner to avoid litigation.
Case Management: Oversee complex reactive repairs and capital projects from inception to sign-off, handling variations and post-inspection sign-offs in internal systems.
Resident & Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate clearly and empathetically with residents, contractors, and internal teams, maintaining a resident-centric, trauma-informed approach.
Health & Safety Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to HHSRS, Health & Safety at Work legislation, CDM, COSHH, and DDA requirements to keep residents and workers safe.
Financial & Claims Support: Assist council insurers/assessors in agreeing settlement figures and manage repair budgets using Schedule of Rates (SOR).
What We Are Looking For
Qualifications & Professional Memberships:
Minimum of an HNC in Building Studies / Construction (or equivalent).
Professional membership to a relevant body (RICS, CIOB, CIEH, CABE, or IOSH).Experience & Skills:
Minimum of 2 years' professional experience in disrepair surveying as an Expert Witness within the public or private sector.
Proven, practical experience working with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
In-depth knowledge of legal disrepair protocols, housing legislation, and CPR 35 Practice Direction.
Proficiency using handheld technology, mobile surveying tools, and PC-based management systems.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to handle difficult conversations, build trust with residents, and present clear evidence.
Our Values
At Hackney Council, we are working to make Hackney a place for everyone. We look for team members who embody our core values:
Proud of the work we do for our residents.
Ambitious to deliver high-quality outcomes.
Pioneering in finding creative, effective solutions.
Open & Accountable in every interaction.
Proactive in overcoming challenges.
Inclusive and committed to anti-racist, anti-discriminatory practices.Commercial Services Trading Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy
Salary description
£470.00 - £480.00 per day