Quality Assurance and Review Officer

This is a remote position. Remote Part-Time Quality Assurance & Review Officer (Housing Allocations) – 3 Month Contract Location: Remote Rate: £34.93 per hour (Umbrella) Contract: 3 Month Contract Hours: 18 Hours Per Week (Part-Time) Working Pattern: Fully Remote Pay: Bi-Weekly Summary Somerset Council is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance & Review Officer to manage a backlog of statutory housing allocation reviews and support the implementation of a new Housing Allocations Policy.

This pivotal role involves overseeing complex statutory reviews under Part VI of the Housing Act 1996, ensuring that decisions are legally sound and well-reasoned. The successful candidate will provide expert advice on housing allocations legislation, policy interpretation, and case law, while also contributing to service improvements and policy implementation.

Key Responsibilities

Manage and resolve complex statutory reviews under Part VI of the Housing Act 1996. Ensure review decisions are of high quality and legally compliant. Apply housing legislation, statutory guidance, case law, and local policy in decision-making. Address existing review backlogs and ensure timely completion. Prepare review files and documentation for potential legal challenges.

Collaborate with Legal Services on: Pre-action correspondence Judicial Review matters Legal challenges Complex allocation cases Identify and mitigate legal, financial, and reputational risks. Provide specialized advice to officers, managers, and senior leaders. Assist in implementing the Council's new Housing Allocations Policy.

Develop new processes and quality assurance measures. Promote consistency and best practices in housing allocations decision-making. Stay updated on legislative developments and emerging case law. Support service improvement initiatives from reviews, complaints, and policy changes. Essential Requirements Requirements: Extensive experience in Housing Allocations and Housing Needs Services.

In-depth knowledge of: Part VI Housing Act 1996 Housing Allocations Legislation Housing Law Statutory Reviews Allocation Policies Proven track record in determining statutory review cases. Ability to produce legally robust review decisions. Experience managing complex housing cases and investigations. Strong understanding of administrative law and decision-making principles.

Experience working with Legal Services on challenges and litigation. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills. Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities. Ability to work independently and manage a specialized caseload. Desirable Experience in implementing or reviewing Housing Allocation Policies.

Experience with Judicial Reviews. Background in a Local Authority Housing Needs team. Awareness of current housing policy developments and best practices. What's on Offer? £34.93 per hour (Umbrella) 3 Month Contract 18 Hours Per Week (Part-Time) Fully Remote Working Bi-Weekly Pay Opportunity to lead a significant housing allocations review program.

Key role in supporting the implementation of a new Housing Allocations Policy. Exposure to complex statutory reviews, legal challenges, and policy development. Flexible part-time working arrangement. Ideal for candidates with experience as a Quality Assurance & Review Officer, Housing Allocations Officer, Senior Housing Officer, Housing Reviews Officer, Housing Needs Officer, Homelessness Reviews Officer, Housing Policy Officer, or Housing Appeals & Reviews Specialist.