Trading Standards Officer

Full Vacancy Description

Job Description      Trading Standards Officer

To act as a member of a team being responsible to a Team Manager for the provision of Trading Standards Services in a section of the Directorate

Job Purpose

The Trading Standards Officer is part of a team enforcing trading standards legislation and plays a lead role in enforcing and seeking compliance with consumer legislation.

Main Duties/Responsibilities

Enforce trading standards legislation by inspection, investigation, sampling and other means.

Investigate offences under trading standards legislation and take appropriate action under the Council’s Enforcement Policy, including conducting interviews in accordance with PACE 1984 and all other relevant legislation.

Collect evidence and prepare case reports for possible prosecution in accordance with Council policy and attend legal proceedings, where necessary, on behalf of the Council.

Fulfil the statutory role of Deputy Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures including assisting the Trading Standards Manager in the preparation of statutory reports

Undertake sampling of goods and services to determine if breaches of trading standards legislation are occurring, and take appropriate action under the Council’s Enforcement Policy.

Enforce relevant Age Restricted Products legislation, including test purchasing using children under 18 as volunteer test purchasers.

Issue licences and notices under relevant trading standards legislation.

Advise businesses & traders of their legal obligations relating to civil and criminal trading standards legislation.

Develop and foster good client relations

Identify opportunities to improve the efficiency of the service.

Maintain proper records for all work undertaken.

Undertake enforcement activities outside normal flexi hours.

Liaise with Council Officers, Members, outside bodies and organisations with regard to appropriate matters.

Ensure personal development in respect of all relevant legislation and ensure any changes are speedily and efficiently implemented.

To safeguard and promote the welfare of children for whom you have responsibility, or with whom you come into contact, to include adhering to all specified procedures

Ensure that you work in line with all the Council’s policies and procedures and ensure that you are aware of your obligations under these.

Behave according to the Employees’ Codes of Conduct and ensure that you are aware of your obligations and responsibilities re. conflicts of interest, gifts, hospitality and other matters covered by the Codes

Carry out your role in line with the Council’s Equality agenda

To comply with health and safety policies, organisational statements and procedures, report any incidents / accidents/ hazards and take a pro-active approach to health and safety matters in order to protect yourself and others

Any other duties of a similar nature related to this post that may be required from time-to-time.

Qualifications & Education                    

Diploma in Trading Standards or equivalent.    

Experience & Knowledge           

2 years minimum post qualification experience of an enforcement role within Trading Standards                

Previous experience of enforcing animal health & welfare, animal feed and fertiliser legislation           

Previous experience of enforcing weights and measures legislation

Knowledge of criminal legislation relating to Trading Standards.                   

Previous experience of working in an office environment.                  

At least three years’ experience of working in a front line service.                

Skills             

Ability to communicate both orally and in writing to a wide range of audiences, including ability to present the council’s policies both informally and formally.                

IT literate, capable of using MS Word/Excel and office packages.                

Flexible approach to working time arrangements to work outside normal office hours as required.                       

Personal Attributes                       

Ability to work both successfully as part of a team and individually with minimum supervision to agreed protocols                 

Special Requirements                 

Capacity for independent travel to fulfil the requirements of the post