Susan Eigbefoh: Championing Safer Housing and Healthier Communities in Hammersmith & Fulham

On the 1^st May 2026, Susan Eigbefoh interviewed with our Head of Marketing & People, Kitty Robertson. For nearly two decades, Susan Eigbefoh has been at the forefront of improving housing standards and protecting public health in West London. As Interim Manager at the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, she brings a rare combination of technical expertise, leadership, and lived experience to one of the most complex areas of environmental health: housing standards.

Her career reflects a deep commitment to tackling inequality, raising standards, and ensuring that everyone, especially the most vulnerable, has access to safe and secure living conditions.

A Passion Rooted in Public Health and Equality

Susan’s journey into environmental health began with a clear sense of purpose. Growing up in West Africa, she developed an early awareness of health inequalities and the impact of living conditions on wellbeing.

After studying geography in Nigeria, she sought a career that could create tangible change. Environmental health stood out for its breadth: encompassing housing, food safety, and occupational health, and its direct link to improving lives.

Upon moving to the UK, Susan completed her master’s degree and began her career in local government. Although she initially worked in environmental protection, she quickly found her calling in housing standards, where she could directly influence living conditions and reduce health inequalities.

From Graduate to Leader: Building a Career in Local Government

Transitioning from academia into council work was not without its challenges. Susan recalls the early days as “intimidating,” navigating complex policies, procedures, and the realities of public service delivery.

But through determination and a willingness to learn, she immersed herself in understanding both the regulatory framework and the human dimension of the role.

“Environmental health isn’t just about legislation,” she explains. “It’s about people- their circumstances, cultures, and experiences. You’re balancing policy, practical application, and human interaction every day.”

This holistic understanding has been central to her success and progression into leadership.

18 Years of Change in Housing Standards

Since beginning her career in 2005, Susan has witnessed significant shifts in housing regulation and enforcement. Among the most notable developments:

The strengthening of the Housing Act framework and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
Increased focus on energy efficiency and minimum standards
Evolving regulations around Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
The introduction of new legislation, including the Renters’ Rights Act

While progress has been made, Susan highlights that systems like the HHSRS must continue to evolve to reflect modern building practices, population changes, and emerging risks.

Leading with Empathy and Expertise

Now serving as Interim Manager, Susan leads with a collaborative and people-focused approach. Her leadership style is grounded in mentorship, teamwork, and continuous learning.

She actively supports her team by:

Identifying individual strengths and development areas
Providing hands-on guidance through joint inspections
Encouraging open discussion of complex cases
Promoting confidence in enforcement decisions
Ensuring staff feel protected and supported in challenging situations

“I lead by example,” she says. “We succeed as a team, and we learn as a team.”

Tackling Substandard Housing

Susan’s work involves addressing a wide spectrum of housing issues from minor disrepair to severe hazards requiring urgent intervention.

Common challenges include:

Damp and mould, often linked to structural issues
Severe disrepair affecting building safety
Overcrowding and poor living conditions
Complex cases involving vulnerable residents

Her approach is both systematic and adaptable. Investigations may arise from tenant complaints, neighbour reports, or landlord enquiries. Each case is assessed based on risk, with responses ranging from informal guidance to formal enforcement action.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all solution,” she explains. “Every property, every situation, is different.”

Balancing Enforcement with Support

A key aspect of Susan’s role is maintaining a fair and balanced relationship between enforcement and support.

While legal action is sometimes necessary, particularly in high-risk situations, her team prioritises early engagement and education. Landlords and tenants are encouraged to seek advice, attend meetings, and access guidance to resolve issues collaboratively.

This approach helps build trust, reduce conflict, and achieve sustainable improvements in housing conditions.

Navigating a Changing Landscape

The introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act has brought both opportunities and challenges. Susan and her team are working to adapt systems, improve reporting processes, and strengthen communication with residents and landlords.

Key initiatives include:

Enhancing digital reporting and case management systems
Expanding staffing, including tenancy relations officers and surveyors
Exploring borough-wide licensing schemes
Increasing outreach and education efforts

With rising demand and evolving legislation, adaptability remains critical.

Looking Ahead: Future Challenges in Housing

Susan identifies overcrowding as one of the most pressing challenges for the future. With increasing population pressures and high housing costs, the risk of unsafe and overcrowded living conditions is growing.

She also emphasises the need to ensure that housing supply keeps pace with demand- without compromising standards.

A Call for Greater Support for Vulnerable Residents

If she could implement one major change, Susan would focus on improving housing provision for vulnerable individuals, particularly those with special needs.

Drawing on her personal experience as a parent, she highlights the gaps in current systems:

“Many vulnerable people are living in unsuitable housing, and some can’t even advocate for themselves. We need better systems to identify and support them.”

She advocates for:

Stronger collaboration between housing and social services
Proactive identification of vulnerable residents
Tailored housing assessments that go beyond standard criteria
Increased accessibility for those unable to navigate digital systems

Advice for Future Environmental Health Professionals

For those considering a career in environmental health, Susan’s advice is simple:

“Explore everything. Environmental health is broad, and every area is connected. The more you understand, the better equipped you’ll be.”

Her own career, spanning environmental protection, noise enforcement, and housing, demonstrates the value of diverse experience and continuous growth.

A Career Defined by Impact

After 18 years with Hammersmith & Fulham, Susan Eigbefoh continues to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. While she remains open to future opportunities, her impact within the borough is already profound.

Through her leadership, dedication, and advocacy, she has helped shape safer homes, stronger communities, and a more equitable housing system.

Her story is not just one of professional success- but of purpose, resilience, and lasting contribution to public health.