Trading Standards Officer

Full Vacancy Description

We are looking for a Trading Standards Officer for our local authority client in Hertfordshire

excellent rates paid

Main purpose of the job

To advise on and enforce all civil and criminal legislation as allocated to the section.

To carry out inspections, investigate complaints and enquiries as appropriate

As senior officer to take responsibility for the effective operation of a specialist professional function.

Supervisory responsibility

To supervise and guide other enforcement and advice staff from time to time as required.

Main responsibilities and tasks

To be responsible under the direction of the trading standards and licensing manager for the enforcement of all legislation within the remit of the section and to fulfil the role of inspector of weights and measures.  Activities undertaken to include the investigation of complaints, inspection and metrological verification work.  To produce and maintain accurate records of all work carried out, including the updating of IT databases as required.  To ensure the accuracy of metrology equipment used in the section.  To comply with good practice and any property control procedures in relation to the handling, storage and disposal of relevant property.

To detect and investigate offences in accordance with the requirements of legislation and departmental procedures, preparing reports for legal proceedings as appropriate.  To attend Court hearings on behalf of the Council.

To undertake projects either as lead officer or as a team member with responsibility to the officer in charge.  To prepare and produce reports, including to members.

To assist in the training and induction of new staff members.  To maintain up to date knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and procedures pertinent to the post.  To assist with the accurate maintenance of reference works.

To provide advice on civil and criminal legislation to consumers and traders.  To prepare and provide presentations to appropriate groups internal or external to the Council.  To take part in the production of relevant publicity to raise awareness of the service, and to improve trader and consumer knowledge.

To act as Home Authority liaison officer for any allocated companies.  To represent the Council on any local, regional or national bodies as required.  To establish and maintain contact with other Council sections and any outside bodies to further the aims of the service.

To work on the officer’s own initiative within any established policies and procedures.  To have input to such policies and procedures and to make a positive contribution towards meeting any objectives set for the section.

To be responsible for the effective operation of one or more specialist professional functions, planning new initiatives, monitoring performance and producing reports on that function.

To deal with more complex areas of legislation, trade practices and investigations.

To assist with the supervision, motivation and management of staff within the team.

Standards

The council expects the highest standards of conduct from its employees and at all times you must carry out your duties with integrity and in accordance with the code of conduct for employees.

Equal opportunities

The council has a strong commitment to achieving equality of opportunity and expects all employees to implement and promote its policy in their own work.

Health and safety

The council is committed to a healthy and safe working environment and expects all its employees to implement and promote its policy in all aspects of their work.

Confidentiality

The council is committed to maintaining privacy of all its staff and customers. It expects all staff to handle all individuals’ personal information in a sensitive and professional manner. All staff are under an obligation not to gain access or attempt to gain access to information they are not authorised to have.

The duties of this post will change and develop over time. It is the jobholder’s responsibility, in conjunction with their manager, to regularly review this document and amend it when necessary.