Principal Enforcement Officer (Food Safety)

Why Southwark?

Southwark Council is an exciting place to work as we transform the way we work to reflect our drive for excellence. We recognise that having the right people, with the right experience and skills, in the right jobs, is at the heart of our organisation. Without this we cannot deliver. We believe that everyone in the team is a valued member and, we will give you responsibility and the opportunity to make a difference from the beginning. We are a large, ambitious and progressive council with a ‘can do’ attitude and enviable reputation. As a Council, we are successful, passionate and forward-thinking. We are committed to our ‘Fairer Futures for All’ promise which ensures that our residents and businesses are central to everything we do. If you want to make a difference at a local level, apply to Southwark Council today.

What You'll Be Doing

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 deliver appropriate infectious disease control functions. The role involves the provision of 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.

The team have challenging inspection and enforcement targets and deal with a variety of unusual food items as well as various types of food businesses. From illegally imported food to illegally produced meat known as ‘smokies’, every day in the role is different. However, you will be rewarded by the specialist and unique learning and development experience you will gain dealing with these businesses which will take your career to the next level. You will also get job satisfaction knowing that you are making a valuable contribution to ensuring the health and wellbeing of all who lives and work in Southwark including visitors to the borough.

The work includes inspection of food business across all the risk categories, dealing with complex casework such as hygiene emergency prohibitions and undertaking approval of relevant establishments, developing and delivering various project and promotional work to showcase the service as well as working with our partners both internal and external on local/regional priority initiatives.

The role also involves reactive work dealing with service requests and complaints such as the investigation of food poisoning allegations, other concerns about food and food premises and following up infectious diseases notifications. You will identify contraventions, and execute appropriate enforcement action based on assessed risk, and where necessary, prepare reports and evidence for legal proceedings including giving evidence in court.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for an experienced, ambitious and driven Environmental Health Officer or Food Safety Officer with current or recent experience in food law regulation to carry out the full range of food safety, hygiene and food standards enforcement work. Ideally, you will hold registration with the Environmental Health Registration Board (EHRB), its equivalent or successor. To succeed in this role, you will possess the following:

• Knowledgeable of food safety matters, have a sound knowledge of food law regulation and satisfy the qualifications and competency requirements for individuals responsible for undertaking official food controls.
• Have substantial enforcement experience around food safety with a demonstrable track record of delivering quality work.
• Commitment to continuing professional development necessary to deliver the duties of the post.
• Excellent communication skills, and the ability to prepare legal documents and case files.
• Ability to show initiative in problem solving and decision making, along with sensitivity handling contentious issues. Additionally, you will be focused on ensuring that we deliver the highest standards of customer care and contributing to the council’s local priorities while fulfilling the statutory responsibilities linked to the role.

Additional Information

Recruitment timetable

Closing Date – 23:59 hours on 1st March 2026

Interview – Week commencing 16th March 2026

If you would like an informal discussion about this role, please contact Raveena Purewal on 0207 525 0532 or email Raveena.Purewal@southwark.gov.uk.

At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities.

Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care or have previously been in care.
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition.

Benefits

Working for Southwark Council – Southwark

Additional details Please note: This role is designated essential car user and a staff parking permit is provided which allows you to park at various locations across the borough.

Attachments

• Click here to view the Job description and Person specification