Job Description
6 Month Contract With A Local Authority
Job Purpose
The post holder will be responsible for delivering high-quality trading standards regulation and enforcement activities to ensure the Council meets its statutory duties. This includes applying professional judgment, technical expertise, and legal interpretation to safeguard consumers, support businesses, and maintain a fair, compliant, and successful trading environment within the London Borough of Redbridge.
The post holder will independently manage their workload, meet performance targets, and make appropriate enforcement decisions in line with legislation, codes of practice, and Council policies.
Key Responsibilities
* Undertake a full range of trading standards enforcement duties in accordance with statutory requirements, including inspections, investigations, sampling, test purchases, and evidence gathering.
* Apply relevant legislation (e.g. Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations, Weights & Measures Act, Fraud Act, product safety laws) to ensure compliance and take proportionate enforcement action.
* Prepare and present reports, case files, and witness statements to support formal enforcement actions such as cautions, penalty notices, and prosecutions.
* Attend court proceedings, tribunals, and other hearings as required, providing professional evidence and expert opinion.
* Exercise sound professional judgment in interpreting complex legislation and assessing compliance or breaches.
* Provide specialist advice to businesses, consumers, council colleagues, and partner organisations.
* Keep abreast of legislative changes, emerging threats, and best practice in trading standards enforcement.
* Manage an allocated caseload effectively, ensuring tasks are prioritised and completed within required timescales.
* Meet team and service targets for inspections, case progression, enforcement outcomes, and reporting.
* Maintain accurate records, case notes, and statistics in accordance with Council procedures and audit requirements.
* Work collaboratively with internal departments (e.g. Licensing, Environmental Health, Community Safety) and external partners (e.g. Police, HMRC, regional trading standards groups) to tackle rogue trading, scams, illicit goods, and consumer harm.
* Participate in joint operations, intelligence sharing, and multi-agency initiatives.
* Provide technical advice and support to local businesses to encourage compliance and promote fair trading practices.
* Assist in developing and delivering targeted education, awareness campaigns, and business engagement initiatives.
* Contribute to policy development, service planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.
* Support junior officers and provide technical guidance where required.
* Represent the Council at meetings, forums, and professional networks.
Requirements
* Relevant Trading Standards qualification or substantial practical experience in trading standards enforcement.
* Evidence of ongoing professional development in regulatory or enforcement fields.
* Diploma in Consumer Affairs and Trading Standards (DCATS) or equivalent.
* Specialist Trading Standards modules (e.g., Product Safety, Weights & Measures, Food Standards).
* Training in PACE, investigations, or enforcement procedures.