Trading Standards Officer

Job Overview

The Trading Standards Officer position at Hillingdon Council is a temporary contract (£39.67 per hour) offering hybrid working. The role focuses on consumer protection, business compliance, and enforcement across the borough and requires a strong analytical and investigative skill set.

Location & Working Pattern

Location: Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 1UW
Working Pattern: Hybrid

Responsibilities

• Investigate consumer complaints and service requests.
• Lead criminal and civil investigations into breaches of Trading Standards legislation.
• Tackle rogue traders, scams and unfair trading practices.
• Manage product withdrawals and recalls.
• Gather evidence, conduct inspections and interview persons under PACE.
• Prepare high quality case files and infringement reports for legal proceedings.
• Attend court and present evidence where required.
• Provide advice and guidance to businesses to promote compliance.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external enforcement agencies.
• Maintain accurate case records and intelligence reports.
• Support vulnerable consumers and refer cases to appropriate partner organisations.

Qualifications & Experience

• A recognised Trading Standards qualification (e.g. DTS, DCATS, DCA, CSCATS) with relevant modules, or an accredited Consumer Protection degree, or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience of Trading Standards enforcement within a local authority or similar regulatory environment.
• Experience conducting complex investigations and preparing cases for prosecution.
• Strong knowledge of Trading Standards legislation, PACE, CPIA, RIPA and related enforcement procedures.
• Excellent report writing, interviewing and evidence gathering skills.
• Experience working with businesses of all sizes and a customer focused approach to regulatory compliance.
• Confidence in building relationships with residents, businesses, legal professionals and partner agencies.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage a varied caseload.

Skills

• Sound judgement and decision making.
• Excellent communication and report writing abilities.
• Strong organisational and case management capabilities.
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation effectively.
• Collaborative working with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.