5-6 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• The role involves enforcing consumer protection legislation to safeguard consumers against unfair trading practices.
• The postholder will investigate breaches of legislation, prepare cases for court, and provide expert advice to consumers, businesses, and partners.
• The role includes conducting inspections, delivering outreach and training activities, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation.
• The position may also involve leading complex investigations, manage staff, and contribute to service improvement and policy development.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Investigate complaints relating to breaches of consumer protection laws and pursue investigations to suitable conclusions.
• Prepare reports compliant with legal frameworks and present evidence in Magistrates, County, or Crown Courts.
• Deliver outreach, education, and training activities to stakeholders and the public.
• Carry out inspections of retail and trade premises, advise on relevant legislation, and manage infringements.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of assigned legislation and provide specialist advice.
• Represent the service at relevant meetings and liaise with internal and external partners.
• Develop specialist skills and provide support to colleagues as needed.
• Follow departmental procedures and ensure efficient service delivery.
• Participate fully in performance management processes.
• Lead on specific areas and deputise for senior management as required.
Skills/Experience:
• Experience in conducting contentious and complex investigations of regional or national significance.
• Proven leadership and people management skills, including supervising junior officers.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with experience in policy development and best practice documentation.
• Excellent communication skills, able to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and speak publicly with confidence.
• Ability to plan, organise, and prioritise workload effectively in a complex environment.
• High level of customer focus with commitment to continuous service improvement.
• Ability to influence others using appropriate tactics and styles.
• Flexible and adaptable to change, able to communicate change effectively within teams.
• Assertive and self-confident, willing to take initiative and volunteer for complex tasks.
Additional Information:
• Part-time role: 21 Hr/week.
• Diploma in Trading Standards or equivalent qualification, or demonstrable expert knowledge in a complex area.