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Becky Hodgetts

About Becky Hodgetts

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JOB OPPORTUNITY

Environmental Health Officer

Post:            Part-Time (3 days per week) | Permanent

Hours:         3 days (24 hours per week)

Location:     Codsall Community Hub with ability for hybrid working

Are you an experienced Environmental Health Officer looking to make a meaningful impact in a forward-thinking local authority? South Staffordshire Council is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable professional to join our Environmental Health & Licensing Team, working specifically within the Environmental Protection function.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a small, friendly, and supportive team that plays a vital role in protecting public health and the local environment. We deal with a wide range of environmental protection matters including statutory nuisance, pollution control, air quality, contaminated land, and public health concerns. 

About the Role

As an Environmental Health Officer in our Environmental Protection team, you will:

  • Lead on the assessment and response to planning application consultations, providing expert advice on environmental health impacts.
  • Investigate and resolve complaints relating to noise, odour, smoke, light, and other forms of nuisance and pollution.
  • Contribute to the development and delivery of environmental health policies and procedures.
  • Support the wider Environmental Health & Licensing Team across all functions when required, including food safety, health and safety, housing, and licensing matters.

This is a varied and rewarding role that offers the opportunity to work across multiple disciplines, engage with a wide range of stakeholders, and help shape the future of South Staffordshire’s environment and public health.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

  • Professionally qualified with a degree in Environmental Health and a minimum of two years post-qualification experience.
  • Skilled in interpreting and applying environmental health legislation, particularly in relation to nuisance and pollution.
  • Experienced in providing technical advice on planning applications and environmental assessments.
  • A confident communicator with the ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues, developers, residents, and partner agencies.
  • Flexible, proactive, and committed to delivering high-quality services.

You’ll be joining a team that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. We’re proud of our reputation for delivering excellent services and are looking for someone who shares our passion for making a difference.

 What We Offer

  • A supportive and inclusive working environment.
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Essential car user allowance.
  • Payment of one professional membership fee.
  • Opportunities for professional development and training.
  • Flexible working arrangements.

This is a part-time permanent position working three days per week. We welcome applications from candidates seeking a positive work-life balance while continuing to develop their career in environmental health. 

Join us and help shape a cleaner, safer, and healthier South Staffordshire.

For further information, please contact one of the Environmental Health and Licensing Managers: Lee Jamieson (l.jamieson@sstaffs.gov.uk) or Laura Nichols (l.nichols@sstaffs.gov.uk).

Closing date for applications: Midnight on 22nd November 2025

To apply visit: Find a job | South Staffordshire District Council

Weekly News

Antisocial behaviour could result in £1,000 fine under new orders

Those committing antisocial behaviour could be fined up to £1,000 under new orders in South Staffordshire.

Four new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) have been put in place covering the Railway Walk, Baggeridge Country Park and Himley Plantation; Perton centre; Wheaton Aston; and Iverley.

Signage in these areas outlines the specifics of each order – and anyone committing antisocial behaviour in the specified zones could receive a fixed penalty notice of £100 or summoned to attend court and face a fine of up to £1,000.

Cabinet member for community services at South Staffordshire Council, Cllr Mike Davies, said: “We at South Staffordshire Council have a zero-tolerance approach when it comes to behaviour which has a detrimental effect on our communities.

“We are very proud of our district as a beautiful and idyllic place to live and putting these Public Space Protection Orders in place goes a further step towards keeping South Staffordshire a place where people want to live, work and visit.”

For further information on the orders can be found at: Antisocial behaviour | South Staffordshire District Council

Envirocrime helping residents to avoid rubbish scams

The Envirocrime Team have launched a social media campaign to help protect residents from being scammed by illegal waste carriers.

Much of the fly-tipping in South Staffordshire occurs when well-meaning residents pay a contractor to clear their house or garden, trusting that the waste will be disposed of responsibly.

In reality, the rubbish is often dumped illegally – and in some cases, the resident who paid for its removal is held responsible for failing in their “household duty of care.”

This can lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice of £600 or even formal legal action.

The law requires householders to take “reasonable steps” to ensure their waste is only transferred to an authorised person. Although the law does not clearly define what these steps are, the Envirocrime Team has produced practical guidance to help residents make safer, better-informed choices about who they trust with their waste.

By raising awareness, we hope to:

  • Encourage illegal operators to either leave the industry or become properly licensed.
  • Make it easier for responsible contractors to compete fairly.
  • Reduce fly-tipping incidents across the district.

We’re asking residents to share this advice as widely as possible to help friends and neighbours avoid becoming victims of fly-tipping scams. If everyone follows this guidance, criminals will no longer be able to undercut legitimate businesses, cleanup costs to the community will fall, and South Staffordshire will be an even cleaner and more pleasant place to live.

Everyone wins when we work together to stop fly-tipping.

Say hello to reporting anytime, anywhere

We’re getting ready to launch our new My South Staffs app, designed to make your life easier.

Whether you’re on the school run, at work, or relaxing at home – managing your council services will soon be right at your fingertips.

With just a few taps, you can:

Sign up for garden waste collection – Never miss a pickup again

Report community issues – Quickly flag fly-tipping, litter, planning breaches, or antisocial behaviour.

Request council services – From garden waste to housing services, we’ve got you covered.

Use location services – Pinpoint exact locations for faster response times.

Upload photos – Help us see what you see for quicker resolutions.

No queues. No fuss. Just quick, simple access to the things that matter.

Coming soon to the App Store and Google Play!

Job vacancies

Looking for a new opportunity?

Explore the latest vacancies at South Staffordshire Council and find a role that suits your skills and interests.

Vacancies

  • Relief Fitness Instructor, Penkridge Leisure Centre, closing on 31st October
  • Fitness Instructor, Wombourne Leisure Centre, closing on 31st October (earlier if sufficient applications received)
  • Water Assistant, Penkridge Leisure Centre, closing on 31st October
  • Street Scene Operative Level 5 (Tree Surgeon), closing on 7th November
  • Cleaner, Wombourne Leisure Centre, closing on 28th November (earlier if sufficient applications received)

All vacancies can be viewed in full and applied for on our recruitment site.

 

Children’s October half-term activities

Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre will be holding a swimming lessons crash course over the October school holiday for children aged 3 years+ who are non-swimmers.

The aim of the crash courses is to help learners increase their confidence, and enhance their swimming skills.

Crash course details
Monday, 27th – Friday, 31st October 3-3.30pm or 3.30-4pm. The course fee is £35.

To book, call Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre on 01922 417790 or pop in to reserve a place.

Spooky season has arrived 👻

A huge shoutout to Claire and Helen at Wombourne Leisure Centre who’ve been working their magic, getting the centre Halloween-ready!

From creepy cobwebs to fang-tastic decorations, the place is looking absolutely fab and full of spooky spirit!

Here’s what’s on this October half term:

  • October half-term swimming
  • Aspire holiday camps
  • Wolves Halloween Soccer Schools
  • Active Youth gym access for 14+

For full details go to 👇

Activities for children & young people | South Staffordshire District Council

Get flood ready: Flood Action Week

People across England are being urged to prepare for flooding as Environment Agency launches Flood Action Week.

With wetter winters and recent storms highlighting rising risks, the public is encouraged to check flood risk, sign up for warnings, and create a flood plan.

Around 6.3 million homes and businesses face flood threats, yet many remain unprepared.

The government is investing £10.5 billion in defences through 2036, with mobile pumps and temporary barriers ready for deployment.

Officials stress that simple steps now can help protect lives, homes, and communities from devastating impacts this winter.

For more guidance 👉 Public urged to get flood ready as Environment Agency launches Flood Action Week – GOV.UK

Pensioners warned to stay alert as Winter Fuel Payment scams rise

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging pensioners to be cautious of Winter Fuel Payment text message scams.

Payments are automatic, and the government will never ask for bank details by text.

The DWP, in partnership with Action Fraud and charities like Independent Age, is raising awareness through social media and trusted networks.

Payments will be made between mid-November and December.

Suspicious emails can be forwarded to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, texts to 60599, or scam calls reported via GOV.UK.

Those concerned can contact Independent Age’s free helpline on 0800 319 6789 for advice.

For more support and guidance👉 Avoid and report internet scams and phishing: Report internet scams and phishing – GOV.UK

 

Weekly News

Something big is coming…

We’ve been working hard to bring you a smarter, faster, and easier way to connect with your council.

Our brand-new My South Staffs app is nearly here. Soon, you’ll be able to report issues, track updates, and access services anytime, anywhere.

With just a few taps, you can:


Sign up for garden waste collection – never miss a pickup again
Report community issues – quickly flag fly-tipping, litter, planning breaches, or antisocial behaviour.
Request council services – from garden waste to housing services, we’ve got you covered.
Use location services – pinpoint exact locations for faster response times.
Upload photos – help us see what you see for quicker resolutions.

Watch this space – launch day is just around the corner!

 

Job vacancies

Explore our current external job opportunities and join our team at South Staffordshire Council.

Fitness Instructor, Wombourne Leisure Centre, closing, closing 31st October (earlier if sufficient applications received)

Cleaner, Wombourne Leisure Centre, closing on 28th November (earlier if sufficient applications received)

All vacancies can be viewed in full and applied for on our recruitment site.

Find a job | South Staffordshire District Council

 

FREE NHS health checks available

Every Health is offering FREE NHS Health Checks on Wednesday, 2nd October, at Codsall Community Hub.

The health checks are for people aged 40+ and will include height, weight, BMI, body fat and blood pressure checks.

Places are limited and booking is essential. To book, call 0333 005 0095 or text HEART to 60777.

 

Brand new indoor cycling bikes at Cheslyn Hay leisure centre

South Staffordshire Council is excited to announce the installation of brand-new indoor cycling bikes at Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre.

The leisure centre is the first to receive their all-new Pulse Fitness bikes which were delivered to the centre on Wednesday, 24th September.

Pulse is currently working hard to secure bikes for the remaining three leisure centres in Codsall, Penkridge and Wombourne where we expect delivery very soon.

Further updates will be posted on the leisure centre’s Facebook page in the coming days and weeks to confirm the estimated delivery date at each centre.

The leisure centres are thrilled to be able to provide users and members with access to brand new and top of the range equipment which is set to enhance the customers cycling experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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