Environmental Health Practitioner

Overview

Neway International are seeking an Environmental Health Practitioner (Grade 10) – Facilities & Environment to join our client based with Somerset Council.

Location:

Brympton Way, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 2HT

Hours:

8 hours per day

Start Date:

09 February 2026

Duration: 5 Days

Pay Rates: PAYE £34.13 per hour / Limited/Umbrella £46.74 per hour

Work Pattern:
Mixture of site visits/inspections followed by written reporting

Somerset Council’s Regulatory & Operations Directorate delivers essential environmental health, licensing and public protection services across the county. The Environmental Health team plays a key role in safeguarding public health, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting community wellbeing through inspections, enforcement and advisory work.

This short‑term assignment requires an experienced Environmental Health Practitioner to support the council over a concentrated 5‑day period (or 37 hours worked flexibly over a couple of weeks). The role involves delivering environmental health and licensing expertise, undertaking inspections, and providing professional advice across key disciplines including Food & Safety, Private Sector Housing and Environmental Protection.

You will carry out site visits, inspections and investigations, followed by accurate and timely report writing. The role requires strong professional judgement, the ability to work independently, and confidence in applying relevant legislation and enforcement powers.

• Inspect, audit, monitor and enforce Environmental Health & Licensing legislation across relevant premises.
• Prepare reports, schedules and statutory notices in line with regulatory requirements.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of legislation, codes of practice and emerging regulatory changes.
• Exercise delegated enforcement powers, including recommending prosecution where appropriate.
• Use professional judgement to determine appropriate enforcement actions balancing legal, safety and operational considerations.
• Assist with programmed monitoring and sampling activities.
• Collect evidence in accordance with PACE and prepare statements for legal proceedings.
• Attend court, tribunals, appeals or inquests as required.
• Provide expert advice to the public, businesses, colleagues and senior managers.
• Liaise with external agencies including courts, tribunal services and partner organisations.
• Analyse complex reports and present information clearly to a range of audiences.
• Contribute to policy development and support training of colleagues or students when required.
• Ensure compliance with council policies, equality and diversity standards, and data protection legislation.

Essential:

• BSc (Hons) or MSc in Environmental Health, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Ability to travel across Somerset for site visits.
• Competency as an Authorised Officer under the FSA Code of Practice (where applicable).
• Comprehensive knowledge of Environmental Health legislation and codes of practice.
• Understanding of PACE, RIPA, Health & Safety legislation and data protection principles.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently, make decisions and manage competing priorities.
• Effective organisational skills and ability to build strong working relationships.

Desirable:

• EHORB Registration.
• Membership of CIEH.
• Experience working within Local Government.
• Experience preparing and presenting reports to varied audiences.
• Experience in enforcement actions including evidence preparation and legal cases.
• Project or change management experience.