Food Safety Officer​/Environmental Health Officer – Food Hygiene Inspections – AR

Job Title:

Food Safety Officer (Contract) / Environmental Health Officer – Food Hygiene Inspections

To carry out food hygiene inspections of newly registered food businesses on behalf of the local authority, ensuring compliance with UK food safety legislation and protecting public health.

• Conduct food hygiene inspections of new and existing food premises (e.g. restaurants, cafés, takeaways, retailers, caterers)
• Assess compliance with relevant legislation including:
  • Food Safety Act 1990
  • Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013
  • Food Standards Code of Practice (FHRS)
• Evaluate and record:
  • Food handling practices
  • Hygiene standards
  • Temperature control and storage
  • Cross‑contamination risks
  • HACCP‑based food safety systems
• Provide advice and guidance to business owners on compliance and improvements
• Assign or review Food Hygiene Ratings (FHRS)
• Produce clear, accurate inspection reports within required timescales
• Identify breaches and escape issues where necessary (informal enforcement or formal action)
• Maintain accurate records on council systems

• Completion of allocated inspections within deadlines
• High‑quality inspection reports
• Accurate risk assessments and ratings
• Effective communication with business operators
• Compliance with council procedures and enforcement protocols

• Experience in food hygiene inspections / environmental health work
• Strong understanding of UK food safety legislation
• Ability to assess HACCP systems and food safety management
• Experience working within a local authority or regulatory environment (preferred)
• Strong report writing and communication skills
• Ability to manage workload and work independently
• Professional, enforcement‑minded approach

• Degree in Environmental Health or equivalent
• Registered with CIEH / REHIS / EHORB (or eligible for registration)
• Authorised Food Safety Officer under the Food Safety Act (if applicable)

• Field‑based inspections across Buckinghamshire
• Flexible contractor assignment
• Daily travel between food premises required