Trading Standards Officer

Full Vacancy Description

Job Description               Trading Standards Officer

Job Purpose:

Manage and organise the effective and efficient provision of a trading standards service to protect consumers and businesses by promoting a fair and safe trading environment and contribute to the delivery of the council’s objectives and priorities.

As a subject matter lead and technical expert in the Trading Standards Team you will effectively manage casework, keep abreast of Trading Standards matters, motivate and support colleagues and lead on specific projects and subject areas.

Description Of Duties:

Maintain specialist knowledge and be the service lead in a subject matter area which include:

Weights and Measures Inspector as defined by Section 72 of the Weights and Measures Act 1985, this may include holding the appointment as the Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures for the  Council. In carrying out the role, you will undertake the duties and functions specified under the Act on behalf of the Council and compile and submit Annual Returns within the time scales specified. 

Accredited Financial Investigator as defined by Section 3 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. Training as prescribed by the National Crime Agency must be undertaken and evidence of investigations undertaken must be provided to the NCA in order to maintain accreditation (along with the annual fee). Any returns must be complied as submitted within the time scales specified.

Level 4 Diploma in Intelligence Operations, carrying out intelligence analysis to highlight priority areas of work which may influence the Trading Standards business plan and/or project work and ensuring all intelligence submitted is to the required standard and disseminated appropriately. Lead liaison with Regional and National Intelligence Teams.

Lettings and Estate Agency Specialist leading in the enforcement of estate and lettings agent’s legislation. In undertaking this specialist role, you will keep abreast of any changes in legislation and case law/tribunal results, maintain and develop working instructions, procedures, and template documents, and sit on any specialist working groups.    

As primary lead for these subject areas, compile and deliver any associated annual inspection plans and annual returns applicable to your subject matter area.  Recommend any changes to relevant policies or procedures to the Team Manager as appropriate. Contribute to the development of the Service Plan and individual team plans and deliver services to businesses and consumers as directed by those plans.

Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of general Trading Standards legislation and technology to uphold competencies and awareness of current best practice. 

Develop, implement, and enforce trading standards policies, using specialist technical skills and knowledge to protect consumers and businesses by promoting a fair and safe trading environment.

Advise consumers and businesses, including Primary Authority partners on consumer protection law in relation to the buying, selling, renting, and hiring of goods and services. As required provide in-depth specialist advice to businesses, orally and/or in writing, communicating messages clearly and appropriately, on their rights, duties, and obligations under Trading Standards legislation.

Undertake enforcement work including investigations, inspections, routine tests, projects, and other interventions as directed to determine compliance with legislation, including taking part in national, regional, and local initiatives and enforcement activities.

Gather and present evidence for investigations in accordance with statutory requirements, codes of practice and council policies and procedures. Ensure that businesses, consumers, and witnesses are updated regularly on the progression of their case/enquiry. Where appropriate participate in the legal process through the preparation of legal reports and giving evidence in Court as necessary.

Investigate complaints from the public, working with Council teams and other agencies, including police and HMRC, to prevent, detect and take appropriate enforcement action, which may involve prosecuting offences, initiating legal proceedings, preparing, and giving evidence in court.

Maintain records of activities undertaken in accordance with service requirements, statutory notices, inputting and maintaining information held on databases utilised by the Service.

Give talks at public enquiries, meetings, and exhibitions, as well as ensuring compliance through education, advice, and enforcement.

Manage high profile and complex trading standards issues and provide advice and support to Trading Standards Officers.

Represent the Service at the highest level at meetings with both internal and external partnerships, work with a range of stakeholders including other authorities and key organisations. Promote partnership working to achieve Service objectives.

Co-ordinate and lead projects and initiatives to ensure that objectives are delivered on time and within budget, including monitoring and evaluating the success of activities against the desired outcomes. Identify any improvements that can be made.

Mentor and coach staff providing support, assistance, guidance and training to the team in the area of service expertise.

Undertake training and sit examinations identified as necessary for the performance of the post.

Person Specification

Equal Opportunities

Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to Council policies in relation to Equal Opportunity, Customer Care and service delivery, and the ability to implement these policies in the workplace.

Qualifications

Diploma in Trading Standards (DTS)/Diploma in Consumer Affairs and Trading Standards (DCATS) or equivalent.

Qualified Weights and Measures Inspector (S73 Weights & Measures Act 1985) or an Accredited Financial Investigator or other specialist area within the Trading Standards remit

Skills; Experience and Attitude

Proven experience of managing a diverse workload

Work experience in trading standards or related field of work and recent experience of applying a broad range of enforcement tools

Knowledge of investigatory practices including PACE, CPIA and RIPA

Knowledge of legal practices and court systems

In-depth knowledge and understanding of the legislation, procedures, and practices applicable to at least one of the following: Weights and Measures, Proceeds of Crime investigations, Intelligence Operations, Lettings and Estate Agency laws.

Excellent knowledge of the structure, workings, needs and risks of businesses operating in these fields

Knowledge of CPRs, BPRs, underage sales, pricing, credit, safety and other consumer protection legislation and ability to demonstrate by example an understanding of statutory processes and instigating criminal proceedings sufficient to carry out the duties of the post.

Ability to carry out the statutory duties relating to the regulation of businesses and the investigation of consumer complaints, including the interpretation and application of legislation.

Ability to manage projects both internally and with external stakeholders, within agreed deadlines and according to specification.

Experience of planning, organising and prioritising workloads to satisfy performance targets and meet deadlines.

Experience of using initiative and innovation to resolve problems and improve service delivery.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and to be able to converse, both orally and in writing, concisely with a variety of different audiences and can contribute to corporate issues within the organisation.

Ability to use computers, digital technology, and software to input and extract data, write letters, reports and produce other documentation, and to connect and work remotely when required.

Experience of providing Primary Authority/ Home Authority advice to companies

Experience as a project Lead Officer, for example an underage test purchasing programme, including alcohol.

Regularly submits 3x5x2 intelligence for all areas of trading standards work.

Responsible for the enforcement and regulation of premises and matters with a legal metrology element, where qualified to do so.

Ability to identify potential threats, risks, and harm in accordance with the National Trading Standards Intelligence Operating Model.

Ability to assess and analyse intelligence, locally, regionally, and nationally and takes effective enforcement action for a range of disciplines in accordance with the National Trading Standards Intelligence Operating Model

Experience of monitoring performance against agreed criteria and/or performance indicators

Ability to participate in continuing professional development training and job development programmes to keep abreast of changes in legislation and technical guidance in order to maintain statutory competency to undertake the lead officer role.

Experience of making presentations and organising and participating in Trading Standards displays and events.

The ability and willingness to participate in work duties outside the normal hours of work

Our Values & Behaviours

We put local people at the heart of decision making in everything we do.

We seek to include and involve: all voices matter.

We provide quality services that are responsive, effective and efficient.