Licensing Enforcement Officer

Full Vacancy Description

Job Description                  Licensing Enforcement Officer  

Job Purpose

To administer and enforce licensing matters and other public protection functions for which the Council’s has statutory responsibility and that the post holder has the relevant qualifications and experience for – to include: processing applications, undertaking inspections, investigating; complaints and providing advice to support business and the economy, to safeguard the vulnerable and young persons and to improve public health. This will be delivered via a mixture of prevention, intelligence and enforcement. The post holder will work with a range of partners, internal and external to the organisation in order to improve compliance and maintain a safe and fair licensing environment.

Dimensions

People:

The post holder will be responsible for pursuing investigations into breaches of licensing legislation which will include interviewing and prosecuting defendants.

Data:

The post holder will have access to national intelligence databases and highly sensitive information on individuals and businesses.

Property

As part of the enforcement function of the post the postholder will exercise powers under licensing legislation requiring the provision of sensitive documents. The post holder is responsible for the safe and secure handling of these whilst in the custody and control of the Council.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

1 Undertake duties, tasks, and responsibilities relating to objectives allocated and identified in Licensing Service Operational Plan and Departmental Service Plan which operationally implement the Councils priorities.

2 Undertake programmed inspections/interventions of licensed premises under relevant legislation.  Risk assessment of premises to determine frequency of inspections in accordance with guidance and departmental practice. Record all work carried out in the required format.

3 Ensure that vehicles and people that require licensing or consents comply with the relevant statutory requirements and licence conditions      

4 Undertake investigations in response to incoming intelligence concerning licensing matters, including those necessary outside normal working hours.

5 Assist in the processing and administration of licence applications including inputting, updating, amending, retrieving and manipulating manual and electronic records and information systems to produce accurate records for licensing activities.

6 Instigate actions in relation to infringements detected. Gather evidence and interview suspects in accordance with PACE and/or civil procedures and rules. Prepare witness statements and reports on alleged infringements so that appropriate enforcement action can be taken. Attend court to give evidence.

7 Interview applicants provide advice and prepare reports for consideration by the respective Licensing Committees.             

8 To attend relevant licensing committees as required.           

9 Respond to enquiries from the public and businesses by providing information on licensing legislation and processes.  Participate in educational and publicity events.

10 To liaise and consult with the Fire Authority, Police Authority, the Local health Board the Disclosure and Barring Service, Councillors, Community Councillors and other relevant authorities or agencies in respect of licence applications and the enforcement of licensing conditions.        

11 Participate in projects in partnership with other agencies and colleagues which may cross geographic and organisational boundaries. This will include liaising proactively with customers, stakeholders and colleagues and participating in the development of effective working relationships

12 Participate in, and contribute to, team and service wide initiatives aimed at achieving improvements to the service.

13 Represent the Service at a local, regional and national level as required, including support for and participation in regional collaboration.  

14 To undertake any other relevant duties as directed by Head of Department or manager.       

Context Statement

The post holder will, through application of relevant law, via market surveillance, business advice and enforcement up to and including court action, deliver improved compliance leading to a safer and fairer licensing environment for the borough.

The role contributes to several key council priorities including; reducing fear of crime, educating consumers and businesses, providing support to business on compliance and customer service, safeguarding vulnerable and younger persons and ensuring a level playing field for business with no unfair competition.

Other Duties: 

The duties and responsibilities in this job description are not exhaustive.  The postholder may be required to undertake other duties that may be required from time to time within the general scope of the post.  Any such duties should not substantially change the general character of the post.  Duties and responsibilities outside the general scope of this grade of post will be with consent of the post holder.

 Standard Job Description Clauses

Equal Opportunities:  The post holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policies.

Health and Safety:  The post holder is required to carry out duties in accordance with the Council’s Health and Safety policies and procedures.

Training:  The post holder is required to carry out duties in accordance with the Council’s Training and Appraisal policies and procedures.

Council Policies:  The post holder is required to carry out duties in accordance with the Council’s policies and procedures, in particular data protection, confidentiality, ICT, code of conduct, employee handbook and customer care.  Further information / advice is available from Human Resources and copies of these documents can also be found on the Intranet.

Person Specification

Qualifications                                  

Certificate of Competence in Licensing provided by a recognised body and/or experience in licensing enforcement delivery.              

Completion of appropriate higher level licensing qualification e.g. BTEC Professional Certificate (Level 4) in Licensing                    

National Standards/ Competencies /Professional Body                                 

Specialist Knowledge                                

Good working knowledge of policies and procedures and legislative requirements relevant to licensing

General knowledge of health, safety and welfare                                

Preparing reports for litigation                              

General knowledge of business planning processes

Ability to develop relationships and partnerships         

Practical and Intellectual Skills                            

Good interpersonal, presentation and communication skills

Good ICT skills to include knowledge of data management skills

Ability to structure reports and letters in a logical fluent manner

Good problem solving skills          

Ability to remain calm under pressure when dealing with confrontational situations

Ability to use own initiative           

Ability to communicate in Welsh              

Personal Attributes                         

Self motivated and able to work on own initiative

A commitment to team working and acting in partnership with others          

Flexible approach to working practices and ability to embrace agile working

Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines           

Ability to communicate with a wide range of people

Personal Circumstances                           

Ability to travel across and outside of the of Council boundaries to carry out work (visit clients/attend meetings)     

Flexibility in working hours (to include some evening and weekend work)

Hold full driving licence                 

Equality                                

Knowledge of and commitment to Equality and Diversity

Understanding of the importance of Welsh Language and Culture 

Working Conditions

Office based 50%

Inspections of licensed premises, interviewing individuals at their home or in the office, complaint investigation which can involve visiting private houses and business premises.

Late night work bi-monthly visiting licensed premises and checking private hire drivers and vehicles comply with standards 

Work Context

Threats from traders, customers and residents- physical/verbal abuse

Generally required to wear stab vests and PPE on a risk assessed basis

Undertake joint operations in a range of environments with eg Police, Border Agency, Gambling Commission, Security Industry Authority.

Generally would be accompanied by Specialist Officer.