Trading Standards Officer

Full Vacancy Description

Job description                  Trading Standards Officer

General

We are looking for an experienced Trading Standards Officer to join our North West England local authority client on a temporary basis  

Main Purpose of the Job

To enforce and advise on the full range of criminal Trading Standards legislation including weights and measures (for the Trading Standards Officer post) and provide comprehensive assistance and advice to the public and the business community in order to maintain and promote a fair and safe trading environment.

To assist in the development and promotion of the Trading Standards Service with both consumers and traders to promote informed consumer choice and responsible trade attitudes.

Contribute to the work of partner teams and organisations to ensure that corporate objectives with respect to public health and community safety are met.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Give comprehensive assistance and advice to consumers and traders on the criminal law, to ensure issues are addressed effectively and efficiently within the statutory framework and wider community interests.

Contribute to business planning and management of specific projects, surveys and Problem Trader work to improve trading standards by addressing unlawful and unfair trading practices affecting the public and business communities.

Produce draft press releases and iCAN messages to warn, educate and inform consumers and traders (iCAN is our free in-house web-based Consumer Alert Network that sends warning messages to subscribers).

Use information technology to maintain accurate records relating to the work of the service.

Conduct in-depth investigations into trading malpractices: obtain statements, interview witnesses and defendants, produce evidentially robust prosecution reports and, where necessary, give evidence in court in order to meet the legal enforcement role of the Service.

Utilise a full range of enforcement powers where necessary to ensure consumer protection and fair trading practices.

Operate flexibly as part of a team and assist in the training of colleagues to ensure an efficient, effective and constantly improving Trading Standards Service.

Encourage co-operative working by developing external relationships with Government Agencies, the business community and a wide range of partners to improve the effectiveness of the Service and to represent the Service at meetings.

Occasionally you will be required to work outside normal office hours. This will include early and late hours, weekend or Bank Holiday working. It will also be necessary on occasions for the normal pattern of the working week to be varied to meet particular requirements.

Undertake any other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time, which are commensurate with the grade of the job.

Abide by the objectives and targets of the Council and fulfil personal requirements in respect of policies and procedures, particularly in respect of health and safety, emergency evacuation, security, equal opportunities, customer care, work standards and promotion of the Council’s Core Values.

Qualifications and Experience

The Diploma in Trading Standards or,

The Diploma in Consumer Affairs and Trading Standards including Fair Trading Criminal, Legal Metrology and at least one other module.

Applications from those who do not hold these qualifications but who have relevant experience will be considered provided they can demonstrate that they have the required skills and knowledge required by the person specification.