Bexley Council - Head of Building Control

Purpose of the job

To deliver the Building Control function including the examination of plans and providing specialist advice, site inspection and enforcement as appropriate. To ensure the Councils' statutory duty is met in respect of the Building Regulations and Building Act 1984 including dangerous structures under the London Building Act 1939 as amended.

Management of resources to ensure the Section meets the requirements placed upon it, delivering a balanced budget. To be actively involved in the development and promotion of the service, and to lead on the following for the building control service:

• Fee determination
• Marketing and promotion
• Technical expertise
• Communication, Customer Service Monitoring and analysing performance
• Providing a service fit for purpose

Principal accountabilities

• To contribute to policy development to ensure consistent interpretation and application of legislation, and to help develop and maintain policies and management systems to ensure quality services.
• To lead a customer facing, proactive and responsive team, promoting the authority and its aims and objectives.

• To ensure that the building control department delivers a service and business plan to maintain and operate effective budgetary control, monthly performance monitoring and ensure outcomes are assessed regularly. To be responsible for fee determination for the service within the prescribed CIPFA guidelines.
• To provide the Deputy Director documentation monthly to demonstrate the delivery of the service is meeting targets and is customer orientated and maintains our position or enhances the position to compete with private sector AI's.
• To take a lead within the department on the development and promotion of the service, identifying opportunities to improve customer service, deliver efficiencies and respond to legislative changes.

• To ensure a close liaison with the planning department and planning enforcement ensuring a seamless approach to the statutory obligations held by both departments. This will include and must take account of the access and use of buildings to ensure compliance.

• To manage the works of the department in respect of plan checking to ensure the Council's statutory obligations in connection with Building Control are discharged in an effective and efficient manner in accordance with the regulations, adopted policy and procedures and agreed Council timescales.
• To undertake and oversee the examination of all submitted building regulation applications to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations and allied legislation as the authorised officer for the Council, the detailing of rejection notices and preparing recommendations with necessary consultations.
• To ensure that inspection during progress of works to which the regulations apply to ensure compliance, and that unauthorised works are identified and appropriate action taken.
• Dealing with dangerous structures both during and outside office hours (as required), as the authorised officer of the Council. Commissioning of works to stabilise structures when a danger of immediate collapse is identified and issuing of appropriate notices in accordance with legislation.
• Identification of necessary works and ensuring conformity with any notices served in respect of demolitions to ensure protection of the public and environment.
• To advise the public, builders, agents and other departments on building control matters so as to ensure a high level of customer care and improvement of the quality of applications received.
• To represent the Council as expert witness on the Building Regulations or associated enactments as and when required to ensure that accurate and timely advice is provided.
• To be responsible for ensuring the development and maintenance of technical expertise, providing technical guidance, mentoring and training to all staff in the department.

If you are interested in this role please send your updated CV in the first instance.