Environmental Health Officer Food Safety​/Food Safety Officer

Why Southwark?

Following movement in the team, an exciting opportunity has arisen for us to appoint a full time and permanent food safety officer. 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.

Southwark is 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.

• Regulate food business undertakings across the borough, ensuring compliance with food hygiene and food safety legislation.
• Deliver infectious disease control functions and support public health protection activities.
• Provide expert advice, guidance and support to new and existing food businesses.
• Conduct inspections, investigations and interventions in accordance with relevant food legislation.
• Enforce a wide range of food safety and food standards regulations.
• Investigate complaints, incidents and food-related issues as required.
• Prepare legal documentation and undertake prosecutions where necessary to secure compliance.
• Work closely with businesses, partners and stakeholders to promote high standards of food hygiene and food safety.
• Contribute to a busy and supportive team committed to protecting consumers and maintaining public confidence in local food businesses.

Benefits and more information:
In your role, we want you to feel supported, challenged and rewarded. You will benefit from our family-friendly policies including flexible working, home working, and a local government pension scheme, plus many other staff benefits. You will join a motivated, driven and supportive team that strives for excellence and values its members. You will also be part of a successful and high-achieving development team that is making a real difference to the lives of residents in the borough.

For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit our Staff Benefits page.

• Competitive Salary & Pension :
  Rewarding your hard work with a great package.
• Growth Opportunities :
  Access extensive training and development, both internally and externally to progress to a grade 12.
• JNC benefits package to the value of £2,724 per annum (pro rata April - March) which can use be towards: gym membership, health insurance, season ticket purchase, bicycle purchase, additional voluntary contribution to pension, subscriptions and professional fees.

• Experience of carrying out a full range of food safety, food hygiene and food standards enforcement activities.
• A strong knowledge of food safety principles and food law regulation.
• The qualifications and competencies required to undertake official food controls.
• Registration with the Environmental Health Registration Board (EHRB), or an equivalent/successor professional body (desirable).
• Proven food safety enforcement experience, with a track record of delivering high-quality regulatory work.
• A commitment to continuous professional development and maintaining technical expertise.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to prepare legal documents, reports and case files to a high standard.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the confidence to use your professional judgement.
• The ability to handle sensitive and contentious issues with tact, professionalism and integrity.
• A proactive, enthusiastic and results-focused approach to service delivery.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Earl Legister , .uk

Recruitment Timetable

Closing Date: 11/10/2026

Shortlisting Date: 17/10/2026

Interview Date: 21/10/2026

Hours of Work:
Monday to Friday (36hrs per week) Flexible working pattern

Location:

160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH

Type of

Contract:

Permanent

DBS: A Basic DBS is Required for this role