Job Description

Southwark Council are looking for an Interim Special Projects Fire Safety Advisor.

500 per day.

2 days in the office SE1 2QH.

Role Purpose:
The Special Projects Fire Safety Advisor will provide expert technical leadership on fire safety matters relating to external wall systems and associated building safety risks across a large residential portfolio. The role will support the delivery of investigative works, ensure compliance with fire safety regulations, and inform remediation strategies, while acting as a key advisor across contracts, legal matters, and funding applications.

Key Responsibilities
Technical Fire Safety Leadership

• Provide professional fire safety advice across a portfolio of high-risk residential buildings.
• Act as subject matter expert on external wall systems (EWS) and fire risk in line with PAS 9980 and current guidance.

Review and interpret fire safety reports and surveys, including:

• Full FRAEWs
• Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs)
• Facade and cladding investigations
• Spandrel panel and cavity barrier assessments

Programme Support & Oversight

• Support the delivery of large-scale investigative programmes across multiple buildings.
• Work closely with Contract Managers to ensure surveys and investigations are technically robust and fit for purpose.
• Ensure consistency, quality, and compliance in fire risk assessments and reporting.

Compliance & Assurance

Ensure all activities align with current legislation and guidance, including:

• Building Safety Act
• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order
• PAS 9980 methodology

Legal & Risk Support

• Work with legal teams to support claims relating to defective external wall systems.
• Review technical evidence and provide expert input into liability cases.
• Assist in determining extent of non-compliance and associated fire risk.

Funding Applications

• Provide technical input into applications for the Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS) and other funding streams.
• Review and validate technical submissions, ensuring alignment with funding criteria.
• Support responses to technical queries raised during application assessments.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Advise internal stakeholders, including senior management and project teams, on fire safety risks and mitigation measures.
• Support communication with residents and elected members where required.
• Liaise with consultants, fire engineers, and regulatory bodies.

Skills & Experience

• Strong background in fire safety within housing, construction, or building safety.
• In-depth knowledge of external wall systems and fire risk assessment methodologies.
• Experience reviewing FRAEWs and complex technical reports.
• Familiarity with remediation programmes and funding schemes.
• Ability to translate complex technical issues into clear, actionable advice.