Cessation of Duty; COD) Officer

Enfield, United Kingdom | Posted on 18/08/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That's why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries.

These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Location: Enfield, London

Contract: 3-Month Contract

Hours: Full Time

Working Pattern: Hybrid Working - Minimum 1 Day Per Week in the Office

We are looking for a seasoned Cessation of Duty (COD) Officer to become part of our dynamic Housing Solutions team in Enfield. This pivotal role involves handling intricate homelessness cases and making legally sound decisions on the cessation and discharge of statutory homelessness duties. The ideal candidate will be adept at managing cases independently, delivering high-quality decision letters that can endure scrutiny and legal challenges.

• Oversee a portfolio of complex homelessness cases.
• Evaluate the lawful discharge or cessation of statutory homelessness duties.
• Conduct thorough investigations and legal inquiries.
• Examine evidence from applicants, support providers, health professionals, and partner agencies.
• Identify evidence gaps and guide further investigations.
• Apply relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and case law to individual cases.
• Draft comprehensive "Minded To" and final decision letters.
• Assess credibility and weigh evidence to reach decisions.
• Maintain detailed and accurate case records.
• Collaborate with legal teams, review officers, and housing colleagues.
• Ensure decisions are legally robust and withstand Section 202 Reviews and legal scrutiny.

The role involves making critical decisions that may:

• Conclude the Council's homelessness duty.
• Terminate temporary accommodation placements.
• Initiate possession or eviction proceedings.
• Determine cases of intentional homelessness.
• Evaluate the suitability of accommodation.
• Decide on the continuation or cessation of statutory duties.
• Be subject to statutory review processes.

Requirements:

• Extensive experience in a Local Authority Homelessness Service.
• Proven track record in making homelessness decisions under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.
• Strong skills in decision writing.
• Experience in conducting detailed investigations and legal assessments.
• Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in handling complex homelessness and housing needs cases.
• Excellent written communication and analytical skills.
• Experience in preparing legally sound decision letters.
• Housing Act 1996 (Part VII)
• Homelessness Reduction Act 2017
• Homelessness Code of Guidance
• Equality Act 2010
• Public Sector Equality Duty
• Human Rights legislation and considerations
• Relevant homelessness case law
• Local Authority homelessness policies
• Statutory homelessness guidance

• 3-Month Contract
• Location:
  
  Enfield, London
• Hybrid Working
• Bi-weekly Pay
• Opportunity to work within a specialized homelessness service.
• Engaging and rewarding casework with significant responsibility.
• Ideal for experienced professionals in Housing Options and Homelessness.