Principal Accessibility Officer

We are looking for an experienced Principal Accessibility Officer to provide expert advice and leadership on accessibility and inclusive design across development proposals, regeneration schemes and public realm projects.

The role will help ensure that accessibility is considered from the earliest stages of the development process, promoting inclusive, high-quality environments that meet statutory requirements, recognised standards and best practice.

You will work collaboratively with officers, councillors, developers, community groups and other stakeholders to champion inclusive design, provide specialist technical advice and secure improvements to accessibility across the built environment.

You will also identify and pursue external funding opportunities, including Heritage Lottery and other grant programmes, to support accessibility improvements and regeneration initiatives.

What you'll be doing

• Act as the Council's lead specialist on accessibility and inclusive design.
• Review planning applications, development proposals and public realm schemes, providing specialist accessibility advice.
• Influence developers, architects and project teams through meetings, design reviews and negotiations to secure positive accessibility outcomes.
• Assess access statements, undertake site visits and prepare clear reports and recommendations for officers, committees and stakeholders.
• Advise councillors, officers, developers, community groups and members of the public on accessibility matters.
• Respond to enquiries, complaints and consultations relating to accessibility.
• Support regeneration and public realm projects by embedding accessibility and inclusive design throughout project development and delivery.
• Provide expert advice across planning, development management, regeneration and public realm projects.
• Maintain professional accreditation through membership of the National Register of Access Consultants and/or the International Association of Accessibility Professionals, applying current best practice.
• Identify funding opportunities and prepare or contribute to grant applications, including Heritage Lottery and other regeneration funding.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining accurate records and meeting deadlines.
• Represent the Council on accessibility and inclusive design matters at meetings, design reviews, committees, stakeholder forums and partnership groups.
• Work with internal teams including planning, highways, regeneration, housing and legal, as well as developers, architects, consultants, disability access groups, community organisations, funding bodies and statutory agencies.
• Support service planning, policy development and continuous improvement.
• Monitor emerging legislation, guidance and best practice and recommend improvements to ensure the Council continues to deliver accessible and inclusive development.
• Contribute to the Council's transformation and improvement agenda.

About you

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Expert knowledge of accessibility and inclusive design principles.
• Experience providing specialist accessibility advice within planning, development, regeneration, public realm or a related environment.
• The ability to assess development proposals and provide clear, practical recommendations.
• Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to influence developers, professionals, councillors and other stakeholders to achieve positive accessibility outcomes.
• Experience working collaboratively across different services and organisations.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Knowledge of relevant accessibility legislation, standards, guidance and best practice.
• Experience of contributing to policy, service improvement and project delivery.
• Experience identifying and supporting applications for external funding would be advantageous.
• A commitment to inclusive, resident-focused services and continuous improvement.

Financial & Resource Management

You will be expected to:

• Ensure purchasing and procurement is undertaken in line with Council guidelines.
• Manage resources efficiently and contribute to delivery against allocated budgets and savings targets.
• Identify opportunities to secure external funding and maximise value for money.
• Manage time and resources effectively while minimising unnecessary costs.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping a more accessible and inclusive Hillingdon, influencing major development, regeneration and public realm projects and ensuring the needs of disabled people, older people and diverse communities are considered from the outset.

You will have the opportunity to work across the Council and with a wide range of professional and community partners, while helping to improve accessibility standards and outcomes across the borough.

Benefits

We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.  Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide: 

• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff. 
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Perkbox Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Perkbox Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.  
• Trade Union Membership – The Council recognises UNISON, Unite, AEP and GMB and supports emp