Recruiting and retaining the right environmental health workforce beyond degree programmes: challenges and training opportunities supporting private-rented housing regulatory teams

The United Kingdom’s local authority private rented housing sector regulatory workforce, often part of wider environmental health and housing service teams, have has faced multiple challenges in recent years due to declining numbers entering and remaining in the profession, a rise in the number and complexity of the private rented housing sector itself and austerity measures. Combined, this has led to a depleted workforce needing authentic, tailored and appropriate training options. There has been very little research in this area. ThereforeTherefore, an online Qualtrics survey was developed focusing on the local authority private rented housing regulatory workforce and training needs was developed and shared via existing contacts and social media networks. Eighty-three 83 completed responses were analysed. Multiple interrelated challenges were raised around workforce challenges, including in staff recruitment and retention,; purpose of the work,; staffing and caseload,; and a major gaps in training and opportunities. Results demonstrated challenges in recruitment and retention largely due to a shift in the profession from long term, accredited professional degrees routes with practice experience, leading to fewer from Environmental Health Officers to a range of ‘other staff’ working in this space. Challenges in filling vacant posts were highlighted with local authorities looking for other affordable and flexible training options at accessible, viable locations. Some solutions were suggested around the type of short courses local authorities would find helpful both in content and mode of delivery to support the development and retention of the workforce their private rented sector housing sector regulatory teams. Local authorities need to take these complex and interrelated issues forward with strategic plans around recruiting and retaining their private sector housing regulatory workforce. Equally education institutions need to work with the sector to design and deliver relevant flexible, accessible and affordable training options.