Trading Standards Officer

Full Vacancy Description

Job Title         Trading Standards Officer

Job Summary

The Unit aims to protect and enhance the health, safety, economic welfare and environment for people and stakeholders in the Borough. This contributes to the Council’s commitment to building a strong local economy and its fairer future principals of making the borough a place to be proud of.

The specialist role includes regulatory intervention and will involve;

Identifying and investigating breaches of trading standards legislation primarily focussed on lettings agents, product safety, intellectual property crime and illicit tobacco

Acting as a lead officer for day to day operations including preparing reports and witness statements, issuing notices, warnings and financial penalties 

Making legal applications, representations and presenting evidence (in court and committee hearings)

Providing expert guidance to colleagues and other partners and contribute to our role in the London Trading Standards network

Ensuring financial investigation tools and proceeds of crime provisions are effectively used to achieve successful outcomes

Developing and maintaining partnership working initiatives with external agencies to bring about sustainable improvement in the local economy

Dealing with members of the public, partner agencies and businesses are all integral to the role.

Special Conditions of Employment

DBS checks are mandatory

Person Specification 

Knowledge

A relevant degree in an appropriate discipline or an equivalent academic or professional qualification.

A minimum of 2 years relevant post-qualification experience within the field of trading standards or other criminal or regulatory enforcement and evidence of continuing professional development.

Experience

Detailed knowledge of the statutory functions and obligations placed on a local authority in relation to services provided by trading standards.

A sound knowledge of customer care in service delivery and its practical implications.

Skills  

Ability to use IT software packages, including Microsoft word, Excel and PowerPoint.

The ability to communicate simply and effectively to a range of audiences both verbally, in writing and using a range of social media.

Knowledge

Knowledge of regulatory framework governing services provided by the Regulatory Services division.

An awareness of national trends as they affect regulatory enforcement issues.

An understanding and commitment to the Council’s Equality and Diversity Policy and the ability to apply this to the duties and responsibilities of the post.

Experience

Experience of providing expert/specialist advice and guidance within trading standards or other regulatory/criminal enforcement.

Experience in managing and prioritising a complex caseload.

Experience of enforcing environmental health or trading standards legislation in accordance with enforcement concordats and protocols.

Skills

Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative and with stakeholders, successfully reconciling individual and team targets within a specified timeframe.

Ability to analyse information and to present this at an appropriate level to a given audience.

Ability to conduct complex investigations and deliver successful outcomes.