Job Details
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title Fire Safety Surveyor
Position Number(s) 1
Department The Economy
Section or Service Property and Compliance
Grade PO6
DESIGNATION:
Responsible to: Senior Fire Safety Surveyor
Employees directly supervised (if applicable): Please see separate structure chart
1. JOB PURPOSE:
To provide fire safety surveying expertise, support and advice to ensure LBHF housing stock is inspected, managed and maintained in accordance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and any other appropriate Health and Safety Legislation.
List key personal duties in order of importance.
• Provide specialist professional and technical advice and reports on all matters within the functionality of the service, including undertaking the role of professional or expert witness at hearings, adjudications and legal proceedings etc.
• Undertake and produce Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs) for LBHF housing stock and tenant meeting rooms, identifying all fire related risks and raise orders to repair and maintenance contractors to remedy risks and rectify identified minor breaches.
• Prepare a programme of FRA inspections in accordance with the regulatory reform order taking account of appropriate risk of different stock archetypes.
• Undertake desk top reviews of Fire Risk assessments at planned intervals as per policy requirements
• Undertake quality assurance of specialist contractors undertaking FRA’s
• Monitor Repairs and Maintenance contractor’s work, inspect completed works and ensure standards are to the highest quality. Follow up unacceptable performance with contractors to ensure issues are remedied.
• Identify technical solutions and develop planned programmes of Fire Safety Works in accordance with LBHF Asset Management Strategy.
• Prepare specifications of works for one off projects as required to ensure that LBHF is fully compliant with current statutory Health & Safety and Fire regulations.
• Work closely with the Planned and Capital Team and post inspect quality of work undertaken during planned programmes.
• Undertake regular random inspections within the housing stock to ensure that fire safety signage and communal areas are free of rubbish or tenants possessions.
• Work with the London Fire Brigade’s inspector responsible for auditing LBHF Fire Risk Assessments. Undertake joint inspections on selected buildings, identify remedies, monitor works and produce reports on the results to the Health and Safety Manager.
• Deal with enforcement notices issued by the London Fire Brigade, organising remedial works and prepare formal responses to the fire brigade.
• Provide advice to and audit/inspect repair and maintenance contractor’s works so that approved materials and products are used across the stock.
• Provide advice and training to Repair and Maintenance contractors to ensure that necessary compartmentalisation works are identified and undertaken during voids
• Provide advice and training to colleagues in HRD and other housing management partners on Fire Safety Management
• Prepare and give presentations to tenants and leaseholders on fire safety and prepare articles and advice on fire safety for inclusion within HRD’s resident’s newsletters.
• Meet with vulnerable tenants to provide them with advice on fire safety.
• Assist the Health and Safety manager in developing, reviewing and maintaining Fire Safety strategies, policies and a HRD Fire Safety database.
• Ensure that Fire Information boxes contain up to date information.
• Prepare reports on fire safety as and when required.
• Prioritise and deal with all customer complaints and members enquiries in accordance with the Council’s timescales and standards and aim to resolve them to the customer’s satisfaction.
• Build and maintain effective and productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain own up to date knowledge of legislation, advances in technology and best practice relating to the functionality of this post and ensure that it is translated into action.
• Contribute to the development of policy, practice, procedures and service planning for Asset Management and Property Services and participate in projects, working groups, service developments, audits and reviews as directed.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with their grade and directed by manager.
• Keep up to date with all changes in building regulations, policies and best practice, research new building products and ensure we are compliant with legislation and good practice.
• The role holder will be required to work closely and proactively with service managers across the Economy identifying fire safety requirements and advising on how to meet those requirements.
• Regular contacts will be with colleagues across the Council including HR colleagues, Senior Managers, Council Committees, Members and Lead Members, other Local Authorities, Trade Unions, and a range of internal and external working groups.
SELECTION CRITERIA/PERSON SPECIFICATION
Job Title: Fire Safety Surveyor
Conditions to Note:
Candidates:
When completing your application form, please address your answers directly to each of the selection criteria below. This enables the panel to assess your ability to meet each criterion. It’s essential that you give at least one example of your ability to meet each of the 5 Values and Behaviours: Responsive, Innovative, Collaborative, Enterprising and Serving our Public.
Recruiting Managers:
The following values and behaviours are essential criteria in each post and must be addressed directly by candidates. The Guidance Notes on values and behaviours for managers give example questions to probe candidates in the interview and application stages of the recruitment process.
Values & Behaviours
The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea have identified 5 key behaviours and values which should be demonstrated by all council employees. Successful candidates will show the ability to meet these behaviours. Candidates applying for managerial/leadership roles should also demonstrate two additional leadership behaviours.
A
Equal Opportunities
Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to Council policies in relation to Equal Opportunity, Resident Care and service delivery, and the ability to implement these policies in the workplace.
B
Qualifications:
• HND/C fire safety management / fire engineering related or equivalent qualification (general practice or management)
• NEBOSH General Certificate.
• NEBOSH fire safety certificate FC1 / FC2 or similar qualifications.
• Advanced Fire Safety and Fire Risk Assessment certificate
Essential:
To have or be actively pursuing the following qualifications:
• Full professional membership to the IFE or similar relevant professional qualifications (i.e. CABE / CIOB / RICS).
Desirable:
• Evidence of CDM competency or willingness to undertake a CDM qualification.
C
Experience, Knowledge, Skills:
• Demonstrable experience in Built Environment / construction industry advising on aspects of Health and Safety and Fire Safety.
• Experience in the delivery of fire safety training.
• Experience of undertaking fire risk inspections.
• Experience of undertaking Fire Risk Assessments in social housing.
• Detailed Knowledge and understanding of The Fire Safety Act 2021 / Building Safety Act 2022 & Regulatory Reform (fire safety) Order 2005.
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of health and safety legislation and its application and relevance to staff, residents and contractors
• Knowledge of quality assurance systems
• An understanding of local authority statutory responsibilities in the event of an emergency.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prioritise own workload, manage changing demands and meet deadlines
• Ability to handle, interpret, present and explain statistical information relating to accidents, hazards, risks etc., and to reach conclusions and produce guidance proposals.
• Ability to write accurate and concise reports, records and notes.
• Good IT skills and ability to use Microsoft Office applications.
• Able to work outside normal hours where necessary to deal with emergencies
• Ability to attend meetings outside of normal working hours
Our Values & Behaviours
D
We have a ‘can do’attitude and respond to the needs of othersquickly, positively and appropriately:
• I listen, acknowledge what is needed and respond promptly and appropriately
• My actions and decisions are informed, balanced, reasonable, transparent and well explained
• I take responsibility for my actions and enable others to take action or make decisions too
• I anticipate and plan to meet future needs
• I seek regular resident feedback on how my service is received and make improvement where is needed
E
We embrace change and constantly seek ways to improve the way we work:
• I look for better ways of delivering my service to add value for my residents and the taxpayer
• I am open to new ideas and encourage a creative environment where these can emerge
• I make things simple and easy-to-access for my residents/residents
• I embrace change and build on new opportunities that emerge
• I act as a role model exploring all sectors and adopting best practice to deliver my service
F
We work well together to achieve a common goal:
• I am sensitive to the needs and preferences of others, respect them and adapt my behaviour as appropriate
• I share knowledge and am open to learning from others
• I am open to constructive challenge from others and seek and act on feedback
• I invest time in building and maintaining my relationships with internal and external partners
• I recognise and show that I value the contribution of others
G
We are resourceful and seek the best deal when looking for ways to improve value for money:
• I deliver high quality services in spite of diminishing resources and do not overspend
• I seek ways to reduce cost and work with others to get better value for our taxpayers
• I have a commercial outlook and look for ways to generate income
• I focus on delivering results and outcomes
• I challenge existing practice to ensure continuous improvement and support new ways of working
H vice to
We put the public at the heart of everything we do, lead by example and take pride in serving our public well:
• I set high standards for myself and ensure that
• I deliver the best possible service that reflects diverse needs
• I put citizens at the heart of everything I do
• I enable others to make informed decisions by providing clear and concise information
• I am aware of my role within the local authority and deliver services in order to balance competing needs
• I treat others with courtesy, fairness and transparency when delivering public services
Management Roles (DELETE AS APPROPRIATE)
I
I manage my service, know my budgets and what is going on:
• I encourage my team to improve the service and find opportunities to collaborate with others to maximise performance
• I set and monitor stretching targets, whilst supporting people to deliver
• I anticipate Members’ needs and respond to their feedback
• I take prompt and fair action to rectify poor performance
• I plan, monitor and adapt my budget to respond to changing priorities
J
I lead high performing teams by engaging employees:
• I develop and communicate a clear vision and direction for my service
• I help staff engage with and understand reasons for change
• I coach and build the capacity of my team
• I invest time meeting and communicating with my staff, including through one to ones, team meetings and performance appraisals
• I make time to understand people’s strengths and what motivates them
