Inspector; Contracts

Job Summary

Luton Council is seeking an Inspector (Contracts) to support the safe, compliant and effective delivery of passenger transport services across the borough. This role is central to ensuring that transport providers meet contractual requirements, relevant legislation and Council regulations, helping to deliver high‑quality services for residents.

You will monitor all contract and agreement arrangements with transport providers, ensuring full compliance with Conditions of Contract. This includes checking that vehicles are legally compliant and that staff working on vehicles hold valid official contractor badges. You will deliver a programme of inspections across both contracted operators and the Council’s internal fleet, carrying out random checks and targeted inspections where issues or concerns have been identified.

You will manage the official contractor badge process, monitoring and processing applications, checking documentation such as enhanced DBS certificates and training records, issuing badges, and maintaining accurate staffing records. You will maintain regular communication with contractors to ensure compliance is sustained. The role includes undertaking passenger risk assessments and providing advice on contract arrangements, including vehicle suitability, staff qualifications and service delivery.

You will work closely with the Passenger Transport Unit and client departments to support safe and effective transport provision. You will inspect contractor premises and review documentation as part of contract management activity, ensuring adherence to contract specifications. Accurate contract performance records will be maintained, including inspections, complaints, monitoring outcomes and defaults, using the Council’s transport management systems. You will maintain regular contact with day centre managers, headteachers, clients, Council departments and external transport operators to address performance standards and service issues.

Office cover will be provided as required to support service continuity. Occasionally you may be required to drive a Council bus to provide cover during sickness or emergency situations.

You will have some experience of contracted and fleet passenger transport operations, with an understanding of how transport services are delivered and monitored. You will also have some knowledge of vehicle legislation, mechanics and vehicle components, and be confident in inspecting vehicles and checking licensing and compliance documentation. You will be able to work effectively with minimal supervision, using your initiative to manage your workload and respond to issues as they arise.

You will have the ability to prepare and present clear, accurate and well‑structured reports for a range of audiences. Good IT skills are essential. You will be competent in using the Microsoft Office Suite (or similar) and have experience of, or the ability to learn, transport scheduling and management software. You will demonstrate a sound understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion issues and apply this knowledge in your work.

You will also have a demonstrable understanding of passenger transport legislation and practices, along with some understanding of road traffic legislation and local government methods and procedures. You will be willing to undertake relevant training as required, including safeguarding, first aid, designated safeguarding lead (DSL), autism awareness, dementia awareness, PATS training, contextual safeguarding (including FGM and radicalisation), GDPR and equality, diversity and inclusion.

The role requires you to carry out daily inspections outdoors at various sites across the borough, so you must be able to work in a mobile and practical environment. You will also be flexible in your approach to working hours, with the ability to undertake work outside normal office hours approximately once per week. You must hold a full, current driving licence, including a D1 category.

This is a public‑facing role so you need to demonstrate fluent speaking and writing English.

• From 25 to 32 days'…