Environmental Health Officer - Grade 1 (Grade K)

AGENCY FOOD ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICER (FOOD SAFETY) Service Area: Environmental Health Regulatory Services Job Title: Agency Food Environmental Health Officer (Food Safety) Contract Type: Agency Contract (with possibility of extension) Location: Tower Hamlets, London Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, On-site Duration: Until 18 December 2026 Rate: £30 per hour IR35 Status: Inside IR35 Responsible To Team Leader Food Safety and Health & Safety Main Purpose of Job To undertake a programme of food safety interventions within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, carrying out Category D food hygiene inspections in accordance with the Food Law Code of Practice, Food Standards Agency guidance, and local authority procedures. The post holder will be responsible for delivering a minimum of 15 full and partial Category D inspections within a 35-hour allocation, including travel, inspection activities, report completion and risk rating reviews. Inspection outcomes and Food Hygiene Rating Scheme scores will be communicated on site where appropriate. No input into the council's environmental health software system is required. Main Responsibilities / Accountabilities / Key Result Areas The jobholder will be expected to complete the following responsibilities effectively in order to deliver service objectives: Undertake programmed food hygiene inspections and partial inspections of Category D food premises. Conduct inspections in accordance with current food law, Food Law Code of Practice and Food Standards Agency guidance. Assess compliance with food hygiene and food safety requirements. Determine and review food hygiene intervention risk ratings. Issue Food Hygiene Rating Scheme scores during inspections where appropriate. Identify statutory contraventions and provide proportionate advice to food business operators. Prepare clear and accurate inspection reports following each intervention. Maintain professional standards and exercise sound professional judgement when assessing compliance. Liaise with the Team Leader Food Safety and Health & Safety regarding inspection outcomes and any significant findings Escalate serious food safety concerns or matters requiring formal enforcement action to the council's permanent food safety team. Contribute towards the effective delivery of the borough's food safety programme.

Job Activities The post holder will: Undertake a programme of Category D food premises inspections across the borough. Complete a combination of full and partial food hygiene and food standards inspections, delivering a total of 15 inspections within a 35-hour allocation. Travel between premises throughout Tower Hamlets. Carry out physical inspections of food businesses Discuss inspection findings with food business operators and managers. Provide advice and guidance to secure compliance with legal requirements. Complete inspection reports and intervention records. Review and confirm intervention risk ratings. Issue Food Hygiene Rating Scheme outcomes on site where appropriate. Compile and submit completed inspection documentation to the Food Safety Team. Report any high-risk matters requiring enforcement consideration.

Essential Qualifications Candidates must possess one of the following or an equivalent qualification demonstrating competency to undertake official food controls: Degree in Environmental Health or equivalent recognised qualification. Environmental Health Registration Board (EHRB) registration or equivalent. Higher Certificate in Food Premises Inspection, Higher Certificate in Food Control or equivalent. Evidence of competency under the Food Law Code of Practice. Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) relevant to food safety regulation.

Essential Experience Candidates must demonstrate: Experience undertaking food hygiene inspections within a local authority setting. Experience applying food safety legislation and Food Standards Agency guidance. Experience assessing food business compliance and determining intervention outcomes. Experience preparing inspection reports and documenting findings. Experience communicating effectively with food business operators and members of the public. Ability to work independently and manage an inspection workload.

Essential Knowledge and Skills Sound knowledge of food safety legislation and associated guidance. Knowledge of the Food Law Code of Practice and Practice Guidance. Knowledge of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. Strong inspection and assessment skills. Good written communication and reporting skills. Good verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to exercise professional judgement and make evidence-based decisions. Ability to work efficiently within defined timescales.

General Information The post holder will be required to comply with all London Borough of Tower Hamlets policies, procedures and health and safety requirements. This job order outlines the principal duties and responsibilities associated with the assignment and may be amended to meet service requirements. Other duties commensurate with the nature and grade of the assignment may be undertaken as required by the Environmental Health Regulatory Services Team. Assignment Summary: Agency Food EHO Category D Food Premises 15 inspections 35 hours allocated (including travel and report writing) On-site Monday to Friday £30 per hour Inside IR35 Tower Hamlets Contract until 18 December 2026 with potential extension.