Location
City of Westminster

Hours
Office and field-based working with occasional evening and weekend work as required to meet service needs

Salary
£57,495 per annum

About the Role
Are you ready to use your health and safety enforcement expertise to protect workers, businesses and communities across one of London's most diverse boroughs? This is an exciting opportunity to join Southwark Council's Regulatory Health & Safety Team as a Principal Enforcement Officer. You will play a leading role in enforcing, advising on and promoting health and safety legislation across a wide range of businesses and workplaces, including licensed premises. You will lead complex investigations, deliver evidence-led enforcement, and contribute to positive regulatory outcomes that protect public health, safety and wellbeing.

As a senior member of a high-performing regulatory service, you will shape regulatory services, mentor colleagues, and drive compliance across a varied business landscape. Your work will include risk-based inspections, investigating workplace accidents and complaints, supporting licensing and night-time economy regulatory activities, preparing prosecution files, and representing the Council in court. You will also contribute to service improvements, policy development and the delivery of strategic priorities, building strong relationships with businesses, residents, partner agencies and enforcement bodies.

Experience
- Significant experience in health and safety enforcement
- Proven track record leading complex investigations and managing enforcement casework
- Experience preparing cases for legal proceedings and presenting evidence in court
- Experience of criminal investigation and prosecution work within an intelligence-led environment
- Strong understanding of health and safety legislation and regulatory enforcement practices
- Experience supporting, mentoring or developing colleagues

About you
- Excellent communication and influencing skills with confidence to engage constructively with diverse stakeholders
- Ability to balance advice, education and enforcement to achieve positive outcomes
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively
- Proactive and collaborative approach with a commitment to continuous improvement

Qualifications
- Appropriate professional qualification relevant to health and safety enforcement and investigative work