Trading Standards Civil Advisor

Full Vacancy Description

Job Description and Person Specification

Trading Standards Enforcement Officer - Civil

Main Purpose of the Role

To provide expert advice on the full range of civil Trading Standards legislation to the public and the business community in order to maintain and promote a fair and safe trading environment.

Support local consumers in pursuing their consumer rights through to court, where necessary, and attend court on their behalf where appropriate.

Advise consumers on their legal rights, drafting of relevant paperwork, such as letter before action, particulars of claim and court paperwork in the County Court. Intervene on the consumer’s behalf and liaise with traders to obtain civil redress.

Working alongside Criminal Trading Standards / Enforcement officers to assist with cases and support consumers.

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

All officers are expected to work flexibly and respond to the needs of the service and the community. Any officer may be required to undertake any Trading Standards duty, subject to their knowledge / experience or the provision of necessary training. 

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

To produce evidentially robust civil court paperwork (and if necessary, give evidence in Court or represent vulnerable consumers) to meet the Service’s legal enforcement and civil advice roles.

To be responsible for and continually develop an expertise in one or more Trading Standards subject areas to act as a specialist resource for colleagues.

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 

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

Assist criminal officers with ongoing investigations into trading malpractices and, where necessary, give evidence in court in order to meet the legal enforcement role of the Service.

The post holder will be required to utilise a full range of enforcement powers commensurate with their qualification and experience 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 internal and 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.

The Council and its schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expect all staff, workers and volunteers to share its commitment.