Asset Surveyor - Housing in Swindon, EN

Job Purpose

The post holder, part of the Asset team, will support the Asset Manager to ensure that The Council’s housing stock meets the  minimum level of acceptability, as defined by the government's Decent Homes Standard.

The main duty consists of reviewing and validating the data collated from the stock condition surveys through both a thorough desktop analysis, examining survey reports and photographic evidence, and, conducting on-site surveys to confirm findings and assess the true extent of the issues.

Folowing the data validation exercise detailed work orders are to be compiled, clearly outlining the scope of work required to bring the properties up to standard. These work orders are then packaged and prepared for handover to our in-house delivery team, ensuring they have all the necessary information to efficiently and effectively carry out the required repairs and improvements.

Working with the delivery team the post holder will ensure that all works are commissioned, approved and completed in line with agreed milestones and budgets.

The post holder will also embrace locality working, support local tenant groups, involve residents and work with partners to improve contract delivery.

Key Accountabilities

• Monitor and report on contractors’ performance on completing work to contract specifications.
• Monitor the contractors performance to ensure a high level of tenant satisfaction is achieved
• Provide monthly project status updates
• Liaising with external contractors, designers and technical services as necessary.
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues and identify system/process improvements.
• Initiating contact with installation teams when required and be the point of contact to answer any of their questions.
• To provide a framework to monitor and assess the quality of work carried out and carry out an agreed number of site visits at appropriate points.
• Responding to communication and enquiries from customers, members of the public and Councillors
• Participate in developing strategies, initiatives and concepts including producing detailed solutions that improve the overall property repairs and maintenance service delivery
• Where required, review statutory compliance documentation pertaining to building regulations, H&S and fire safety
• Lead on tenant alteration applications from receipt of application to completion of the works.
• Provide guidance on commissioning
• Maintain and keep up to date stock condition and energy databases
• Champion and participate in change programmes, and initiative, creative ways of working
• Provide evidence to the Health and Safety Executive and Judiciary in respect of relevant issues including attending Court as a witness on behalf of the Council.

Supplementary Accountabilities

• Promote locality working and support tenant and leaseholder groups
• Promote customer care, equality and diversity best practice including arranging training for staff
• Attend information events and meetings outside normal office working hours and at weekends as and when required
• Prepare formal reports on compliance with the Decent Homes Standard (DHS), local standards and energy efficiency measures
• Deputise for colleagues to ensure essential service delivery cover is maintained
• Participate in continuous professional development

Knowledge & Experience

Candidates must have substantial knowledge and experience in the following areas of business and will be required to provide evidence of this:.

• Construction industry experience such as working as a Contractor, Surveyor, Site Manager/Agent or Clerk of Works etc.
• A good understanding of the principles of Building Physics as relating to the fabric of existing buildings and the potential consequences of retrofit energy efficiency measures.
• A comprehensive understanding of the Decent Homes Standard (DHS) and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
• Knowledge of planning and building control regulations
• Working knowledge of IT based systems including databases

Qualifications

• Higher National Certificate or equivalent relevant experience
• Current driving licence

Decision Making

• Approving expenditure for planned maintenance and improvement work to council homes
• Deciding on the most effective solutions from housing options appraisals
• Assisting in appointing staff and terminating employment

Creativity and Innovation

• Maintaining an up to date risk register to effectively manage risks with mitigating actions
• Identifying investment in wider community projects
• Identifying and introducing service improvements
• Innovative in obtaining additional funding to improve homes
• Producing communication presentations and articles

Contacts and Relationships
(how the role relates to the work of others i.e. officers, groups, committees, general public, members, partner organisations, internal and external contacts of the council)

• Liaising with external consultants to analyse the performance of housing assets
• Maintaining good relations with tenants and leaseholders of Council owned property
• Working in a collaborative manner with premises managers of operational Council owned property and tenant and leaseholder representative groups to help solve complex property challenges
• Working with operations colleagues, surveyors and engineers to advise on energy innovation and asset management strategy.
• Managing specialist consultants and contractors including software providers
• Giving specialist and general property advice to local Councillors and Members of Parliament
• Producing policies, standard letters, written reports, presentations and form templates

Values and Behaviours

We strive to underpin our culture of being ‘At our Best’ through strong management and authentic leadership. This means getting the management basics right. We own and demonstrate accountability, both individually and collectively, and aim to get things right first time. Building on this we also expect everyone at SBC to demonstrate and live our organisational values and behaviours, by displaying:

• Accountability at all levels
• Customer care and pride in what we do
• Continuous learning and evaluation
• Valuing one another and the contribution each of us makes

Other Key Features of the role

• Telephone and face to face dealings with tenants, leaseholders, Councillors and wider stakeholders about the asset management strategy and investment plan to the Council’s housing stock
• Managing and negotiating contractual claims with consultants and contractors
• Ability to make site visits to inspect building premises throughout the Borough