Crawley Borough Council

As a Sterile Areas Officer, you will play a vital role in maintaining safe, clear, and compliant communal areas across Crawley Homes properties. You will be responsible for enforcing the our zero tolerance policy on storage in communal spaces, ensuring that high risk and general needs blocks remain free from obstructions and fire hazards. Through regular scheduled inspections, you will identify issues, take enforcement action where appropriate and coordinate clearance activities to maintain a safe environment for residents. This role also involves working collaboratively with a range of internal teams-including Tenancy Services, Antisocial Behaviour, Compliance, Cleaning and Clearance-as well as external agencies and contractors. You will support statutory fire, gas, electrical, mechanical, water safety, and asbestos compliance through effective liaison and reporting. Additionally, you will manage CCTV data requests in line with council policy and support investigations relating to antisocial behaviour, fly tipping, and malicious damage. You will oversee operatives on site assisting with clearance, providing operational direction to ensure that resources are used efficiently and health and safety issues are prioritised. The role requires proactive identification of maintenance issues, raising works orders through our asset management system and maintaining accurate records of all actions and decisions taken on site. Your duties will include: conducting regular inspections of communal areas to identify items stored in breach of policy and arranging for their clearance or storage engaging with residents to provide advice, education, and support around safe use of communal spaces, taking further enforcement action when required working closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure compliance with fire safety legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (2005) and Building Safety Act 2022 managing and processing CCTV requests in line with council procedures, supporting investigations into antisocial behaviour and other incidents recording site visit outcomes, actions, and correspondence accurately within our systems coordinating with fire safety contractors and our Compliance team to ensure scheduled inspections are completed effectively directing clearance and cleaning resources to maintain sterile areas and ensure health and safety issues are addressed promptly supporting the implementation of fire safety recommendations and contributing to resident engagement activities with Sussex Police and West Sussex Fire Service ensuring all duties are carried out in accordance with health and safety, safeguarding, equality, and environmental policies About you We are looking for a proactive, organised, and confident individual who can work independently while also collaborating effectively with colleagues and external agencies. You will need strong time management skills and the ability to use your initiative to resolve problems on site. A methodical approach to record keeping and reporting is essential, along with effective ICT skills, including use of Microsoft Office and handheld devices. You should have experience leading a team and be comfortable engaging with members of the public-often in challenging situations. A working knowledge of building defects, estate maintenance, fire safety requirements, and the Building Safety Act 2022 is essential. You will also need the ability to identify maintenance issues and understand basic health and safety practices. Essential qualifications and training include: a full current UK driving licence training in manual handling training in health and safety We are seeking someone with a positive attitude to customer service and strong interpersonal skills, capable of always representing the council professionally. Crawley is a great place to work, with a thriving business district and excellent transport connections including nearby Gatwick Airport. We are based in our modern Town Hall which opened in 2023 and is located a short walk from the town centre and railway station. We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible, as we may close this advert before the stated closing date if enough applications are received. Additional information A full and current UK driving licence will be a requirement of the role. Employee benefits We offer a generous employee benefits package , with a range of discounts, benefits and wellbeing incentives to suit everyone. At Crawley Borough Council, you will have access to a structured programme of learning from day one, designed to help you succeed in your role and grow your career. Our way of working Our shared values and behaviours reflect the special nature of our council. We encourage all colleagues to put them into practice, whatever job they do. Take a look to see if we are the perfect match. Safer recruitment Crawley Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all under represented groups. How to apply Click the Apply button to complete your application online. Please ensure that the reference details you supply are for your current or most recent employer and that any gaps in employment are covered on your application form. Please note that CVs will not be accepted without a fully completed application form. For an informal conversation or further information regarding the role, email , Interim Compliance Manager, or call on telehone .