Trading Standards Officer

Contract Civic Recruitment Limited United Kingdom

Job Information

City Colindale

Province Barnet

Postal Code EN5

Job Description 3 Month Contract With A local Authority

Job Purpose

To support the Counter Fraud and Trading Standards Manager in the effective leadership, management and delivery of the Trading Standards Service, ensuring the Council's statutory responsibilities are discharged in a professional, proportionate, customer-focused and legally compliant manner.

The postholder will provide day-to-day operational leadership to a team of Trading Standards professionals, overseeing performance management, case allocation, quality assurance, workload prioritisation and staff development.

The role will lead and undertake complex Trading Standards investigations and enforcement activities, act as the Council's Lead Officer for Weights and Measures, and ensure enforcement activity is intelligence-led, evidence-based and aligned with Council priorities and statutory requirements.

The postholder will work collaboratively with elected Members, partner organisations, businesses, residents, regional and national enforcement bodies to protect consumers, support legitimate businesses and promote a safe and fair trading environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Counter Fraud and Trading Standards Manager in the management and delivery of the Trading Standards Service.
  
• Provide operational leadership, supervision and guidance to Trading Standards Officers and support staff.
  
• Allocate, monitor and review workloads to ensure effective service delivery and achievement of performance targets.
  
• Monitor service performance, quality standards and compliance with statutory obligations.
  
• Lead, motivate, coach and support staff to achieve high levels of performance and professional development.
  
• Ensure resources are effectively deployed to meet service priorities and emerging risks.
  
• Deputise for the Counter Fraud and Trading Standards Manager where required.
  

Trading Standards Enforcement

• Lead and undertake complex Trading Standards investigations across a range of regulatory areas.
  
• Exercise delegated enforcement powers in accordance with legislation, statutory codes and Council policies.
  
• Investigate complaints, referrals and intelligence relating to consumer protection and fair trading matters.
  
• Prepare and present evidence for formal enforcement action, cautions, prosecutions and legal proceedings.
  
• Conduct interviews under caution and gather evidence in accordance with legislative requirements.
  
• Oversee intelligence-led enforcement operations and joint agency initiatives.
  
• Provide specialist enforcement advice and guidance to officers, businesses and stakeholders.
  

Weights & Measures

• Act as the Council's Lead Officer for Weights and Measures.
  
• Ensure compliance with all statutory requirements relating to weights and measures legislation.
  
• Undertake inspections, testing, verification and enforcement activities.
  
• Provide technical expertise, advice and guidance relating to metrology and measurement legislation.
  
• Maintain professional competency and accreditation requirements associated with weights and measures functions.
  

Consumer Protection & Business Compliance

• Promote compliance through education, advice and engagement with businesses and residents.
  
• Investigate unfair trading practices, rogue traders, counterfeit goods, product safety concerns and consumer protection breaches.
  
• Provide businesses with advice on compliance with Trading Standards legislation and best practice.
  
• Support local economic growth by encouraging lawful and responsible trading practices.
  

Complaints & Case Management

• Oversee the effective triaging, prioritisation and allocation of complaints, referrals and intelligence.
  
• Ensure cases are assessed according to risk, priority and corporate objectives.
  
• Monitor complex investigations from inception through to conclusion.
  
• Ensure accurate record keeping and case management systems are maintained.
  
• Produce case reviews, performance reports and management information.
  

Partnership Working

Develop and maintain strong relationships with:

• Elected Members
  
• Police
  
• Regional Trading Standards Groups
  
• National Trading Standards
  
• Regulatory Bodies
  
• Businesses
  
• Consumer Organisations
  
• Partner Authorities
  

Participate in local, regional and national networks and enforcement initiatives.

Represent the Council at meetings, working groups, partnerships and external forums.

Ensure councillors are appropriately informed of significant enforcement activity and issues within their wards.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure all investigations and enforcement activities comply with relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
  
• Contribute to policy development, service improvement and strategic planning initiatives.
  
• Keep up to date with legislative changes, emerging risks and professional developments within Trading Standards.
  
• Prepare reports, briefings and presentations for senior management, committees and elected members.
  
• Ensure compliance with health and safety, data protection, equality and safeguarding requirements.
  

Requirements

• Degree, professional qualification or equivalent experience in Trading Standards, Consumer Protection, Regulatory Enforcement or a related discipline.
  
• Trading Standards Qualification (Diploma in Trading Standards or equivalent recognised qualification).
  
• Authorised Trading Standards Practitioner or ability to obtain relevant authorisations.
  
• Significant experience within a Trading Standards or regulatory enforcement environment.
  
• Experience leading or supervising professional teams.
  
• Extensive knowledge of:
  • Trading Standards legislation
    
  • Consumer Protection law
    
  • Weights and Measures legislation
    
  • Product Safety regulations
    
  • Fair Trading legislation
    
  • Investigatory and enforcement powers
    
• Experience undertaking complex criminal investigations.
  
• Experience preparing cases for prosecution and legal proceedings.
  
• Strong understanding of evidence gathering and case file preparation.
  
• Excellent communication, report writing and presentation skills.
  
• Experience working with elected Members, businesses and external stakeholders.
  
• Strong organisational and workload management skills.
  
• Higher-level management or leadership qualification.
  
• Experience managing enforcement budgets and resources.
  
• Knowledge of local government structures and decision-making processes.
  
• Experience leading multi-agency operations.
  
• Experience undertaking project management or service improvement initiatives.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Barnet, London - Hybrid Working / Council Offices