Trading Standards Enforcement Officer

Full Vacancy Description

We are looking for a Trading Standards Enforcement Officer to join our east London local authority 

To undertake the Council’s statutory functions in relation to the enforcement of Trading Standards Services including ensuring compliance with codes of practice, guidance and legislation.

As a front-line field officer, to play an active and proactive role in the practical delivery of the Directorate’s commercialisation programme and the generation of income, a major corporate priority. To constantly look to identify and develop innovative commercial opportunities and interventions as an integral part of day to day contact with residents, businesses and other service areas.

Generic AccountabilitiesEnd Results/ Outcomes

Plan, organise and deliver own work to support the delivery of the regulatory / statutory / legal service and ensure completion of tasks within required standards and timescales.

Work is completed on time and to the quality and standards required.

Changes to priorities are accommodated.

Investigate compliance / legal issues within area of responsibility.   Including where required more complex / serious issues within specific area of specialisation. Tests / inspections / reviews / interviews / audits are undertaken according to procedure.

The required data / evidence is clearly defined and obtained.

Record details and assess against relevant regulations / legislation /compliance procedures.

Non-compliance / legal issues are identified.

Preparation of reports, notices, orders, recordings, in standard formats as required. All documentation / information produced to the required standards and timescales.

Issues are clearly summarised, progress, implications and outcomes are reported.

Customers, colleagues, stakeholders are kept informed of progress / outcomes.

Authorised documents are issued according to procedures.

Provide advice and information to customers and stakeholders. Where appropriate challenge existing practices. Information, advice and support are accurate, timely and constructive.

Appropriate action is taken to resolve the issue or escalate / report it as appropriate.

Where appropriate, customers are supported in achieving compliance and improving practice.

Represent the council at inquiries / court / hearings / tribunals / to present evidence. Evidence/witness statement is prepared and presented accurately.

Arrange witness attendance at Court hearings and public inquiries.

Assist with the promotion and distribution of information / materials to customers / stakeholders.  Information is appropriately distributed.

Ensure all financial transactions are processed and reconciled correctly, money /payments are kept securely, and receipts are issued as required. Correct financial procedures observed.

Receipts are issued / Revenues are delivered.

Conduct training for staff and official visitors on the function of the service.

Carry out all duties and responsibilities with reasonable care for the health and safety of self and others and report any potential hazards or unsafe practices to line manager. Work is carried out in a way that is safe and without risks to health.

Act in accordance with all policies and procedures which apply to the job and understand the reasons for this. All policies and procedures are complied with.

Out of hours working. Out of hours work, including raids/ site visits/ inspections and attendance at committee and other meetings as necessary is undertaken.

Job Specific Accountabilities:

Diploma in Consumer Affairs (DCA) or equivalent qualification in the field of Trading Standards or competency relevant to Trading Standards assessments/enforcement in work area

Ensure that commerciality is fully integrated into day to day role as a front-line field officer as part of the overall Redefining Waltham Forest programme. Use all opportunities to identify potential sources of income for both the specific service and wider Council services to fully exploit commercial opportunities and maximise generated income.

Commercial opportunities are maximised, and that income generation is maximised. Commerciality is fully embraced and is integral to all working practices.

Authorised officer for the undertaking of the Council’s statutory functions in relation to work area and associated legislation. Work is carried out in compliance with the requirements of the relevant officer authorisations/service policies/ procedures

To be competent in Trading Standards assessments/enforcement actions. Inspections/assessments are carried out to a professional standard.

Cases are progressed in a timely manner and in compliance with the requirements of the relevant officer authorisations/service policies/ procedures.

Necessary reports, notices and witness statements are prepared. Officer attends Court/Tribunal as necessary to obtain warrants and to give evidence in prosecution cases as expert witness.

Provides comments in relation to complex licensing applications.

Job Specific Accountabilities: 

Trading Standards Officer with minimum of 3 years’ post-qualification experience in relevant field[s] of Trading Standards or Fully qualified Trading Standards Officer [as described below]:

Ensure that commerciality is fully integrated into day to day role as a front-line field officer as part of the overall Redefining Council programme. Use all opportunities to identify potential sources of income for both the specific service and wider Council services to fully exploit commercial opportunities and maximise generated income.

Commercial opportunities are maximised, and that income generation is maximised.

Commerciality is fully embraced and is integral to all working practices.

Authorised officer for the undertaking of the Council’s statutory functions in relation to work area and associated legislation. Work is carried out in compliance with the requirements of the relevant officer authorisations/service policies/ procedures.

To be fully competent and have experience in regulatory and enforcement activities. Inspections/assessments are carried out to a professional standard.

Cases are progressed in a timely manner and in compliance with the requirements of the relevant officer authorisations/service policies/ procedures.

Necessary reports, complex notices and witness statements are prepared. Officer attends Court/Tribunal as necessary to obtain warrants and to give evidence in prosecution cases as expert witness.

Provides comments in relation to complex licensing applications.

Job Specific Accountabilities:

Fully qualified Trading Standards Officer with a minimum of 2 years’ post qualification experience. To be ‘fully qualified’, must hold

Diploma in Trading Standards - DTS (or its antecedents) or

Diploma in Consumer Affairs and Trading Standards with 80 module points including Legal Metrology, Product Safety and Fair Trading (Criminal)

B.Sc. Consumer Protection (accredited)

Other Relevant Qualification

To act as lead officer on a designated policy area

Ensure that commerciality is fully integrated into day to day role as a front-line field officer as part of the overall Redefining the Council programme. Use all opportunities to identify potential sources of income for both the specific service and wider Council services to fully exploit commercial opportunities and maximise generated income. 

Commercial opportunities are maximised, and that income generation is maximised.  

Commerciality is fully embraced and is integral to all working practices.

Authorised officer for the undertaking of the Council’s statutory functions in relation to work area and associated legislationWork is carried out in compliance with the requirements of the relevant officer authorisations/service policies/ procedures.

To be fully competent and have experience in regulatory and enforcement activities Inspections/assessments are carried out to a professional standard.

Cases are progressed in a timely manner and in compliance with the requirements of the relevant officer authorisations/service policies/ procedures.

Necessary reports, complex notices and witness statements are prepared. Officer attends Court/Tribunal as necessary to obtain warrants and to give evidence in prosecution cases as expert witness.

Provides comments in relation complex licensing applications.

Provides support/guidance to colleagues as necessary

To provide expert advice and guidance to management in a designated area of Regulatory Services.

To act as the lead officer in the designated area.

Nature of Contacts

Customers and / or members of the public: to represent the service, give specialist advice and provide support. Respond to escalated and complex enquiries. Elicit and explain a range of information.

May have to appear in court / inquiries to present evidence. Contact with solicitors / court officials when presenting evidence.

Deal with people at all levels confidently, sensitively and diplomatically.

Procedural Context

Work within regulatory guidelines and relevant legal framework.  Agree objectives and standards to meet within service plan. Monitor and evaluate work, ensuring all parties are informed of progress.

Plan and organise work and priorities, co-ordinating with others (internal or external delivery partners) to ensure that timescales and targets are achieved. Operate under general direction with senior colleagues /managers available for advice guidance in complex situations if required.

Deliver a front-line service function in line with the Redefining Waltham Forest programme, the Council’s major transformation programme, such that income is maximised, and necessary revenue savings are achieved.

Provide support to clients and colleagues through applying knowledge of systems, procedures and best practice.  Identify issues and recommend solutions. Make decisions on how regulations should be applied.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience 

Experience in a range of technical activities relating to the work of the team.

Experience in enforcing legislation.

Experience in giving advice to members of the public, colleagues and external organisations.

Experience of working in and with a multi- agency enforcement to achieve compliance across a range of service areas e.g. Tasking/action days.

Experience of investigating all types of complaints within designated work area.

Experience of communicating effectively with members of the public and colleagues, both in writing and orally.

Experience of producing detailed reports.

Experience of working independently and on own initiative to meet deadlines.

Experience of organising work and maintain satisfactory work records.

Experience of working in a team environment.

Ability to work across a range of Regulatory Services functions.

Ability to travel within the Borough in the course of duties.

Ability to research information and implement change.

Indicative Qualifications

See career grade scheme above.

The above profile is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this role. It is not intended to be a detailed list of all duties and responsibilities which may be required. This role profile will be supplemented and further defined by annual objectives, which will be developed in conjunction with the post holder.  It will be subject to regular review and the Council reserves the right to amend or add to the accountabilities listed.