Property Inspector – District Valuer Services (North)

Role overview

HMRC’s Valuation Office, previously the Valuation Office Agency, is now part of HMRC and serves as the public sector’s specialist adviser on property valuation. Its work supports the collection of more than £60 billion in revenue that is reinvested into communities across England and Wales.

This opportunity sits within the Department for Education Net Capacity Assessment (NCA) programme in England. One vacancy is available in each of the advertised locations: Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham and Preston.

As a Property Inspector, you will visit primary schools to carry out inspections and measurements, gather consistent and reliable data, and record information that helps support the programme. This includes capturing room dimensions, understanding how spaces are used, and following the methodology issued by the Department for Education. Full training will be provided.

A normal week is expected to include inspections at two schools, with the remainder of the time used for scheduling future visits and completing reports. Inspections usually take a full day each, and school lists are issued every three months, allowing you to plan your own diary. The role follows a hybrid working model, with three days per week in the office; inspection days count toward this requirement.

The post involves substantial travel, usually within about an hour of your office or home base, though some schools may be further away. The role is physically demanding, with lengthy periods spent on school sites and carrying equipment. It is suited to someone who is highly organised, self-motivated, detail-focused and comfortable working independently in a busy environment.

Key responsibilities

• Carry out inspection and measurement assignments allocated by the Team Manager.
• Plan and manage inspection schedules in three-month cycles while balancing workload, leave and personal commitments.
• Record accurate on-site measurement information using specialist software.
• Use Microsoft 365 tools, iPads and iPhones to capture and store inspection data.
• Identify and record key property characteristics in line with the Net Capacity Methodology.
• Participate in data quality assurance processes to maintain consistency and reliability.
• Complete basic peer-review checks on colleagues’ work.
• Work professionally with schools and other stakeholders while representing the NCA programme.
• Complete inspections independently for most primary schools, or with another inspector for larger sites where needed.
• Take responsibility for decisions made within defined guidelines and under the technical direction of the Team Manager and Project Lead.
• Log daily activity to support accurate client invoicing.
• Contribute to achieving programme milestones.

Candidate profile

The ideal candidate will have property inspection and measurement experience, along with a solid understanding of the working environment. Strong communication skills, the ability to manage competing priorities, and a consistent focus on quality are important for success in this role.

Essential requirements

• Practical experience measuring large buildings with a laser measuring tool, plus the ability to read plans and record survey information accurately.
• Awareness of the NCA methodology, or the ability to demonstrate application of another complex methodology.
• Strong organisation and motivation, with proven experience of working to deadlines and programme targets.
• Good analytical judgement and interpretive skills to capture accurate and consistent data.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office 365 applications.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a wide range of people, both verbally and in writing.
• Evidence of building constructive working relationships with colleagues and a broad mix of stakeholders, including other government bodies, local authorities, responsible bodies and individual schools.
• Willingness to travel regularly for inspections and client meetings, and flexibility to support the geographical coverage of the NCA programme.

Licences and checks

A full UK driving licence is required because the role involves regular travel across the designated regions. If you are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 and do not hold a full licence, your application can still be considered; you should contact resourcingteamvo@hmrc.gov.uk before submitting your application to discuss this.

The successful candidate will also need to pass an enhanced DBS check as part of pre-employment screening.

Selection criteria

The recruitment process will assess behaviours, ability, experience and technical skills under the Success Profiles framework.

Behaviours assessed: Making Effective Decisions, Delivering at Pace and Working Together.

Technical assessment: knowledge and practical application of property inspection skills.

How to apply

You must complete an online application that includes a CV covering your work history, skills and experience, plus a personal statement of up to 750 words explaining why you are suitable for the role and how you meet the person specification and essential criteria.

After submitting the first stage of the application, you will be invited to complete an online Civil Service Numerical Test. The test should be completed as soon as possible, preferably within 24 to 48 hours. The test deadline is 23:55 on 20 July 2026. If the test is not completed by then, the application will be withdrawn.

If you pass the test, you will move to the final stage of the process. The vacancy closes on 20 July 2026, and both the test and final application stage must be completed by this date.

Initial sift dates are 27 July 2026 to 29 July 2026, though these are provisional. Interviews are planned for 13 August 2026, also subject to change. Interviews are currently being held via Microsoft Teams video.

The selection process may begin with a CV sift if there are many applicants. Successful applicants may then progress to a full sift or directly to interview. At interview, you will be assessed on the listed behaviours and technical questions, and may also be asked for additional examples.

Additional information

HMRC supports flexible and hybrid working where operational and customer service needs allow, and requests for alternative arrangements will be considered wherever possible. Benefits include a pension contribution from HMRC of £10,916 toward the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme, with Alpha pension contributions of at least 28.97% of salary. Leave starts at 25 days and rises by one day for each year of qualifying service, up to 30 days. Other support includes family-friendly policies, personal support, coaching and development.

Applicants should note that artificial intelligence may be used to support an application, but all examples and statements must be truthful, accurate and based on the applicant’s own experience. Any plagiarism or use of AI-generated material as if it were personal experience may lead to withdrawal of the application and possible disciplinary action for internal candidates.

Further guidance is available through the Civil Service application process resources.

Workplace note

HMRC uses office-based and hybrid working arrangements. The role remains tied to onsite work, with the inspection and travel requirements forming a core part of the post.