Trading Standards Officer (Offensive Weapons Project)

Full Vacancy Description

Job description       Public Protection Officer (Offensive Weapons Act)

Overview

Project: Offensive Weapons Act implementation

Purpose of Role

Lead on a project implementing and progressing work related to the Offensive Weapons Act

Review legislation and develop guidance for local businesses to ensure compliance

Focus on ensuring businesses across the borough understand and adhere to legal requirements

Key Responsibilities

Legislative & Project Work

Review Offensive Weapons Act legislation and best practice

Develop clear guidance for local businesses across the borough

Cover areas including:

Bladed articles

Crossbows

Corrosive substances

Zombie / zombie-style knives and machetes

Note: Does not include standard knives, this work has already been carried out 

Business Engagement & Compliance

Establish strong communication with local businesses and stakeholders

Work closely with:

Local Police

Internal teams (incl. Challenge 25 lead officer)

Ensure businesses:

Understand legislation

Comply with sales and age restriction requirements

Inspections & Enforcement

Deliver a programme of inspections on businesses across the borough to ensure they understand the new legislation and that they are compliant

Visit premises to check compliance with legislation

Where non-compliant:

Liaise with Police for follow-up action

Conduct desk-based checks:

Review locally based businesses

Audit online activity/websites for compliance

Intelligence & Analysis

Use intelligence platforms to:

Gather insights

Analyse trends

Feed results back into the team

Expected to produce quick, actionable outputs

Partnership Working

Close collaboration with:

Met Police (key stakeholder)

Internal Public Protection team

Alignment with initiatives such as:

Challenge 25

Responsible retailer schemes

Operation Sceptre  (Police Initiative dedicated to tackling knife crime and reducing serious violence)

Working Style

Standalone role with autonomy

Oversight from manager

Requires someone who can:

“Hit the ground running”

Work independently

Deliver results quickly

Flexible working environment – hybrid working environment available but candidate will be expected to be on site for inspections and be field based to undertake these

Ideal Candidate Profile

Strong experience in:

Offensive Weapons Act / similar legislation

Public Protection / enforcement

Ability to:

Manage projects independently

Engage stakeholders effectively

Conduct inspections and compliance checks

Analyse and interpret intelligence data

Knowledge of:

Age restrictions, licensing, and Home Office requirements

Key Focus Areas

Ensuring business compliance with legislation

Delivering a structured inspection programme

Building effective partnerships with police and stakeholders

Producing practical guidance and measurable results quickly

key words on applications

‘Hit the ground running’

‘Produce results quickly’

‘Flexible working environment’

‘Previous experience’

‘Ability to use intelligence platforms’

‘Analyse results’

‘Downstream results to the Team’