Senior Trading Standards Officer

Full Vacancy Description

The team requires a Senior Trading Standards Officer, with the ability to cover a wide range of Trading Standards functions when necessary.

You will be expected to work with local businesses to ensure compliance with a wide range of Trading Standards Legislation. In particular dealing with counterfeit goods and conducting prosecutions.

In addition to fulfilling statutory obligations we expect officers to develop and manage a range of projects of value to our residents, businesses, national and local outcomes.

A creative and modern approach is expected combining prevention with enforcement to protect and empower local residents.

You must have substantial relevant work experience within a trading standards environment; be fully conversant with trading standards legislation, be confident and self-motivated.

Key Responsibilities:

Authorised to enforce a full range of trading standards and ancillary legislation allocated to the service unit.

To contribute to the development, maintenance and promotion of the Council’s policies on equal opportunities and the development of good staff and community relations. Undertake out reach work with communities and where behaviours exist that impact upon communities seek to change these behaviours utilising a range of intervention types including but not limited to engagement, notices, seizure and ultimately prosecution action.

To carry out work associated with corporate quality and initiatives as directed, developing policy and practice along with new systems and work procedures.

Seek to raise compliance through adopting a collaborative partnership approach with businesses seeking prevention and compliance building opportunities.

To report on issues affecting the area for which the post holder is responsible, to public meetings, working parties etc. and attend those meetings as required.

To generally assist and support field staff from all disciplines in the discharge of their duties, providing guidance and support to colleagues and subordinates.

To keep records and make returns either manually or electronically as directed.

To acquire and apply specialist knowledge in a significant area of service delivery, taking responsibility for keeping up to date with developments, and providing training and guidance to colleagues.

To communicate in a confident and assertive manner that is in line with established policies, practises and priorities of the Council and maintains and enhances its credibility. To communicate in a way which meets the needs of a diverse audience and in a way that influences effectively

To liaise at a senior level with Council Officers and outside organisations on matters for which the post holder is responsible.

To keep records and make statistical and other returns in the form prescribed and the frequency required. To use manual and computer-based record systems as necessary.

To take the lead role on projects from inception to conclusion using project management techniques.

To prepare detailed reports and/or briefing documents recommending defined courses of action.

To inspect trade premises, investigate complaints and carry out enforcement action as appropriate, including prosecution. To utilise intelligence resources to target actions appropriately to where they are most needed and make the biggest impact

To advise consumers and traders of their rights and obligations under all trading standards legislation

To investigate complaints arising from business or trading practices and carry out enforcement action as appropriate.

To undertake cases in accordance with PACE and CPIA requirements. This includes preparing case papers, investigating infringements (including bypass provision) and making recommendations for action.

To investigate Trading Standards /Proceeds of Crime offences and prepare legal cases in accordance with statutory code of practices to facilitate successful