Bitesize training: pests in domestic buildings

Paul Fitzgerald qualified as an Environmental Health Officer in 1979 and has worked for a number of Inner London and two rural authorities, specialising in private sector housing. Paul has also worked for a residential social landlord as a maintenance manager, dealing with routine, cyclical and project management. Since 1995, Paul has worked as a consultant in this field, carrying out, managing and quality assessing stock condition surveys, working for both public and private sector landlords on specific projects or providing staff cover. He set up his own company in 1998.

After leaving school, Paul was one of the first students to obtain a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Health at the University of Greenwich, gaining further qualifications with a Diploma in Management Studies from Kingston University, as well as achieving certification in Quality Assurance Assessment.

Paul has been involved with the implementation of the Housing Health and Safety Hazard Rating System since its inception in 1999 to date. He is a University of Warwick Trainer for the system, having helped deliver over 100 courses on the assessment and enforcement of the system.

Recent contracts have included:

• Managing the Houses in Multiple Occupation Team at Eastbourne Borough Council

• Acting Private Sector Housing Manager for Gravesham Borough Council, specifically submitting a successful bid for £860,000 of additional grant funding

• Delivering training courses to Private Sector Landlords on HMO issues

• Delivering training courses to Surveying Companies and RSLs on the Health and Safety Hazard Rating System

He is currently employed as a Principal Environmental Health Officer for the London Borough of Sutton dealing with all aspects of private sector housing, taking the lead on HMO Inspections and Licensing.