Trading Standards Enforcement Officer

Full Vacancy Description

Job Description

Trading Standards Enforcement Officer

Main Purpose(s) of the Job:

Through the enforcement of Trading Standards legislation, keep individuals, communities and businesses from financial loss and unfair practices

Provide support, advice and guidance to local businesses to help them develop and grow and do not suffer from unfair competition

Ensure business compliance by ensuring that they comply with applicable legislation.

Safeguard vulnerable people by using customer focussed and intelligence-led approaches to tackle issues of consumer harm and loss

Work with other Services and organisations to meet the aims and objectives of the Trading Standards Service and Oxfordshire County Council.

This post holder is responsible for ensuring that all relevant County policies and procedures are adhered to and concerns are raised in accordance with these policies.

This post holder is responsible for ensuring that all County Adult Protection Policies are adhered to and concerns are raised in accordance with these policies

Main Duties:

Prioritise complaints and enquiries from businesses and consumers and appropriately respond to/investigate these enquiries having regard to the Service’s policies.

To gather evidence and investigate breaches of the law across the full remit of Trading Standards legislation in accordance with statutory codes e.g. PACE, RIPA, CPIA.

Prepare infringement reports in a thorough and timely manner and give evidence in court when required.

Enforce Trading Standards legislation and carry out inspections of trading premises to ensure that legal requirements are being complied with.

To undertake project work, and respond flexibly to emerging issues to help the Service deliver the business plan, meet customer service priorities, managing project budgets and directing staff as necessary

To actively gather intelligence on business malpractice, contribute to tactical assessments and make proposals for action to reduce consumer harm.

To provide a good level of customer service.

To provide advice to businesses, communities and consumers on legislation, Trading Standards activities and business systems.

To liaise and work effectively with partner organisations, where applicable to resolve, problems, gather information and represent the service.

To make decisions based upon council/service policies or procedures.

Undertake other relevant and reasonable duties as defined by line managers which will include occasional out of hours working appropriate to grade.

Gain and maintain a level of professional knowledge and competence relevant to the post.

Ensure data and information is stored securely, distributed and destroyed appropriately in accordance with government guidelines.

To undertake activities to ensure the Trading Standards Service meets its obligations and duties in relation to other legislation.

Additional Duties for higher grade staff

Conduct many functions of the service, with little support and supervision

Give complex advice and lead on more complex enforcement across a broad range of Trading Standards legislation.

Lead on projects, controlling the allocated budget and directing other officers as required

Support other officers in their day to day work

Develop specialist skills or knowledge in a particular legislative area, core to the Service’s work

Work with Partner organisations where appropriate.

Conditions of Service

Normal local government conditions apply. The post holder may be required to work outside normal office hours (including weekends and public holidays) on occasion.

The post holder will need to be able to undertake lone enforcement duties.

The duties of this post may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility.

Additional Conditions of Service for Enforcement Officer Public Safety

The post holder will be required to work outside normal office hours (including weekends and public holidays) and to respond to emergency incidents 24/7.

The post holder will need to be able to work in close proximity to petrochemicals and explosives. Personal Protective Equipment will be provided.

A specialist vehicle will be provided and will be available for personal use.

Additional Conditions of Service for Enforcement Officer Farming Standards 

The post holder will be required to work outside normal office hours (including weekends and public holidays).

The post holder will need to be able to work in close proximity to large animals in confined spaces.

For all staff -

The postholder will be required to hold a satisfactory DBS (Criminal Records) Checks

You have specific responsibilities under Health & Safety legislation to ensure that you:

Take reasonable care for your own health and safety, and that of others affected by what you do, or do not do.

Cooperate on all issues involving health and safety

Use work items provided for you correctly, in accordance with training and instructions

Do not interfere with or misuse anything provided for your health, safety or welfare

Report any health and safety concerns to your line manager as soon as practicable

Selection Criteria

Educational achievements, Qualifications, Training and Knowledge:

Essential

Five GCSEs or ‘O’ levels at grade C or better

Knowledge of and ability to write professional business letters

Knowledge of and ability to write reports

Knowledge of basic maths, including decimal places. 

Knowledge and use of Microsoft applications

Interest in consumer rights and consumer protection matters

Ability to travel to a variety of locations

Experience:

Essential

Job related aptitude and skills:

Essential

Customer Focus

Possession of good customer service skills

Ability to deal with difficult customers and confrontational situations

Can balance achieving the best outcome for customers with available resources

Honesty

Approachable, ready to consult and share information and communicate with sensitivity and understanding.

Self-awareness and ability reflect and learn from previous situations

One team

Ability to prioritise work

Ability to work with colleagues to achieve a positive outcome/meet service plans

An effective team member and an understanding of what makes a good team

Innovation

Confidence to ask for and listen to the ideas of others and share your own

Problem solving skills

Commercial

An ability to make decisions so resources are used effectively and best value is achieved.

Enthusiasm

Can bring energy and commitment to work, be proactive and open to change and look for opportunities to contribute to service improvement

Manage your workload effectively to ensure that targets and deadlines are met

Take a pro-active and flexible approach to your work

Ability to work on own initiative

Ability to work in an organised way, prioritise and meet tight deadlines

Has confidence to work remotely without close supervision

Personal qualities:

Essential

Ability to adapt to different situations and deal with people in a wide variety of contexts at all levels

Effective communicator

Able to stay calm under pressure

Good negotiation skills

Good attention to detail.

Special Requirements:

Essential

If not already present, a willingness to undertake training to become competent in legal controls and Codes of Practice governing law enforcement (i.e. PACE, RIPA, CPIA, etc)

Satisfactory DBS in accordance with Council policy.

Ability to lift heavy (max 20kg) and unusual shaped loads

Ability & willingness to work outside office hours.

Ability & willingness to work out of doors in adverse weather conditions.

Ability and willingness to work in a variety of locations including farms, building sites, warehouses, all parts of food premises and other locations.

Physical:

Essential

Equal Opportunities:

Essential

Commitment to, and understanding of, the principles of Equal Opportunities for all, in employment and the delivery of services.

Educational achievements, Qualifications, Training and Knowledge:

Desirable

CSCATS or DCA part 1 or BSC/BA Consumer Protection or other related qualification.)

DCATS, Diploma in Consumer Affairs or relevant degree

Knowledge of legal controls and Codes of Practice governing law enforcement (i.e. PACE, RIPA, CPIA, etc)

Knowledge of council/service policies or procedures.

Experience:

Desirable

Experience of investigating criminal offences and compiling reports for consideration of legal action, including experience of taking witness statements and interviewing under PACE Act and Codes

Experience of working for other enforcement agencies.

Experience of using bespoke databases

Job related aptitude and skills:

Desirable

Customer Focus

Experience of working with difficult/diverse customers

Project management skills

Honesty

A willingness to develop and improve

Commercial

Ability to analyse complex information and draw reasoned conclusions

Ability to motivate customers and colleagues to achieving compliance/meeting goals.