Licensing Officer

Full Vacancy Description

Job Title:                                Licensing Officer

1.         Role Purpose

To carry out the duties of a Licensing Officer, involving enforcement, advisory and educational activities covered primarily under the Licensing Act, Special Treatment Licensing, Gambling and Houses of Multiple Occupancy

2.         Dimensions

The post holder represents the Council to educate and work in partnership with relevant organisations to enhance the safety and well-being of the public

The post holder carries out as appropriate duties and responsibilities to prevent infringements and/or take appropriate legislative actions to maintain and enhance the well-being of the public

To act in accordance with Council Financial Regulations

3.         Context

Environment and Enterprise is one of the four Directorates within the Council, delivering universal services to all sections of the community such as street cleaning, waste & recycling, parks, highways infrastructure, civil engineering, community safety, climate change, and property, along with planning and economic development

The directorate provides services that combine to improve the everyday quality of life of residents of the borough, as well as focussing on the creation of long term spatial and economic futures for the borough, its business and residents

The directorate also takes a lead in the Council’s drive to engage with local Communities through leadership of the Neighbourhood Champion and Pride in local schemes, and engaging and supporting voluntary groups to participate in assisting the Council to maintain countryside and open space areas

We are a suite of services that care about the borough, we caretake the facilities, the natural resources, and the public realm; and we create the right conditions for growth and development

4.         Main Duties / Accountabilities

Generic Duties/Accountabilities

To ensure compliance with your responsibilities as laid out in the Council’s equal opportunity policy and take an active role in promoting equality and diversity and to the borough’s diverse community

To ensure compliance with your responsibilities as laid out in the Council’s health and safety policy and take an active role in promoting a positive health and safety culture

To promote and participate in the Council’s investors in people (IIP) and individual performance appraisal and development (IPAD) initiatives and information management best practice

To ensure compliance with the Council’s information security policies and maintain confidentiality

To promote and adhere to the Council’s CREATE values

Service Specific Duties/ Accountabilities

To determine compliance with licensing legislation, to determine the need for and to initiate enforcement action, including inspection of premises and determination of legislative requirements and the need for further action

Represent the Council at public inquiries, public meetings, external organisations and Council committee meetings, providing technical information and reports for service related issues

Identify and carry out of investigations and preparing appropriate solutions for professional problems, within the relevant discipline, including consultation, liaison and partnership working

Support Technical Support Officers and members of the team from time to time to ensure continuous improvement in service delivery, meet business needs and support the continuing professional development of staff

Prepare, as necessary, reports and statements of evidence for legal proceedings resulting from contraventions of legislation, to meet and advise legal on cases to assist in the preparation of cases and securing legal action, and to attend court to give evidence on behalf of the council as required

Provide professional, expert and up to date technical and legislative advice to residents, businesses, Members and key stakeholders

Prepare committee reports, technical reports, proofs of evidence, briefing notes and correspondence for complex issues within the service area to which the post is designated with support from lead officers

To issue letters, notices, legal documents, formal cautions, fixed penalty notices, warnings and other documents as required by legislation

To ensure full compliance with established legal procedures and legislation relevant to the presentation of evidence and court procedures, including PACE, CPIA, RIPA and similar

Take responsibility for dealing with moderately complex operational delivery and enforcement issues with support from lead officers within the service area

Work collaboratively and carry out work schedules to service standards to achieve high standards and customer satisfaction

Use IT systems and specialist software relevant to the appropriate disciplines, including recording of all work to allow performance management analysis

Keep abreast of, and apply to service delivery, legislative, technical and professional developments in relation to licensing services

Take relevant action based on professional knowledge and judgement that results in improved service delivery

Work as required to deliver objectives set out in operational plans and service plans to achieve high standards of service delivery

Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders to meet Council and Statutory outcomes

Contact management as a matter of priority in respect of any item which is, or appears to be, of a serious nature and could impact service delivery

Deputise for the Team Leader as necessary to ensure continuance of service delivery

To undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the grade and level of the post

5.   Selection Criteria

Note for applicants – The selection criteria specifies the knowledge, experience, skills, abilities, qualifications and training required to perform the duties of the post for which you are applying. 

A working knowledge Licensing legislation relevant to the role and the ability to demonstrate specialist working and up to date knowledge and skills in legislation within the specified discipline         

A working knowledge of relevant Health, Safety and Welfare legislation and approved Codes of Practices       

Understanding of the political context and environment of Local Government      

Experience  

Experience as a Licensing Officer in Licensing or related discipline (e.g. Environmental Health, Police) including enforcement activities  

Experience of working with a range of stakeholders from public, private and third sector organisations

Experience of conducting licensing inspections in the area specified, including reference to associated areas of work.          

Education, Qualifications and Training          

Holds a recognised formal licensing qualification in Licensing, which can include Btec in Licensing, SELP Certificate in Licensing, or relevant related subject such as a Environmental Health qualification, OR substantial experience of a minimum of 5 years in a specialist field of Licensing Services operational delivery         

Completion of any necessary associated course to licensing inspections to be conducted        

Current clean, full UK driving licence     

Evidence of continuing professional development      

Skills and Abilities

Ability to work efficiently and effectively in a demanding and pressurised environment independently and as part of a team          

High standard of written and verbal communication skills     

Competent in the use of standard computer systems and technical databases     

Ability to create effective working relationships at all levels and proven ability to work effectively in a team  

Other Essential Factors

Must have a clear understanding of the diverse nature of the boroughs communities and the implications for services delivered to residents and service users        

Inclusive team worker who can foster partnerships, work collaboratively across teams to achieve desired performance and outcomes          

Ability to carry out duties outside normal working hours as may be necessary including response to emergency situations and the out of hours services