Trading Standards Investigator

Full Vacancy Description

Job Description Trading Standards Enforcement Officer / Investigator

Job Purpose

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 the Council.

Any other duties as may be deemed necessary to carry out the full remit of the role.

Job Responsibilities

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 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.

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

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.

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.

Our Values

Our organisational values underpin everything we do and say and are supported by policies, processes and guidance. In short, our values describe ‘the way we do things here’ so that we deliver great services for our residents. Our values are:

Always learning

Be kind and care.

Equality and integrity in all we do

Taking responsibility

Daring to do it differently.

Everyone that works for us demonstrates their commitment to these values.  We will ask you to demonstrate your commitment to these values, and their associated behaviours, throughout the application process.

Essential Criteria   

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

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

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

Knowledge of and ability to write professional business reports and communications.

Good negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to adapt to different situations and deal with people in a wide variety of contexts at all levels.   

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

Strong attention to detail.   

Experience of working for other enforcement agencies.

Knowledge and use of Microsoft applications    

Ability to travel to a variety of locations, in and outside of the county.

Ability & willingness to work outside office hours.          

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

Experience of using bespoke databases and case management systems

Desirable Criteria  

DCATS, Diploma in Consumer Affairs     

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

Relevant degree (e.g., law, criminology, policing etc)   

Working Conditions

This is a guide to the working conditions and the potential hazards and risks that may be faced by the post-holder.

Health and Safety at Work

You are responsible for your own health, safety and wellbeing, and undertaking health and safety duties and responsibilities for your role as specified within the County Councils Health and Safety Policy.