Trading Standards Officer – Poa

Salary: £41.33 per hour

Working on behalf of a Local Authority, Aatom Recruitment has an opportunity for a Trading Standards Officer – POA on a 6 month’s contract with a possibility of an extension.

Job Purpose.

To work as a member of the Trading Standards Service applying expert professional and technical skills in the provision of an effective, efficient and responsive regulatory service
To contribute positively to the Trading Standards Service’s action plan, and to work within the overall vision, values, aims and objectives of Hillingdon Council

Main Accountabilities.

To demonstrate understanding of the Council’s Customer Care Standards and ensure that these standards are met in order to deliver the Council vision of ‘putting our residents first’
No direct supervisory responsibility however there may be a requirement to assist in the induction and training of peers and new employees
The post holder will be authorised to make regulatory decisions on a range of enforcement actions available to them. These will be commensurate with their level of competency and overseen by the Trading Standards and PoCA Manager as appropriate
To exercise professional judgement, interpersonal and communication skills in the application and evaluation of enforcement interventions and decisions and in the interpretation of the relevant legislation while having due regard to current associated guidance and protocols relevant to their work
To communicate effectively in the exchange of oral and written information in what can be complex and sometimes contentious situations in a way that meets the needs of a diverse audience yet also effectively influences behaviours in a positive manner
To manage a caseload (which can be a mixture of risk-based inspections, special project visits, consumer complaints, criminal and civil investigations, partnership working and the delivery of business advice) within the terms of current policies and procedures
To manage a caseload which can encompass the complete range of Trading Standards legislation, and involving, though not exclusively or exhaustively:

The assessment and prioritisation of complaints and service requests coming into the Service
The investigation of complaints and service requests that fit within current criteria
Management of product withdrawals and recalls
Investigation of rogue traders and scams
Providing appropriate support to victims of crime and making referrals to other agencies where appropriate
Provide trading standards advice to consumers and businesses in line with legislation and case law
To promote the interests of the Service and Hillingdon Council through representation at meetings (internal and external) and to liaise with other authorities, other enforcement and protection agencies (Metropolitan Police, UK Border Force, HMRC, CAcs, Insolvency Service etc), other Hillingdon Council services, Government representatives, solicitors, traders, residents and other stakeholders, – all at both local and, where necessary, national level

Knowledge, Skills and Experience.

Diploma in Trading Standards (DTS) or its antecedents OR Diploma in Consumer Affairs and Trading Standards (DCATS) OR Full Diploma in Consumer Affairs (DCA)
Current Full Driving licence
To have a vehicle available for work so that visits to traders, witnesses etc can be carried out
Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service
Experience of obtaining Justices’ warrants, RIPA authorisations and similar legal processes
Experience of leading and participating in investigations with a track record of preparing complex infringement reports that have resulted in legal proceedings
Experience of working with small, medium and large enterprises and an understanding of commercial realities when seeking compliance with legislation
Experience in providing advice and information to, and influencing, a wide variety of stakeholders including businesses, consumers, enforcement partners and colleagues – from vulnerable consumers to Directors and representatives of large businesses
Thorough knowledge and understanding of the role of regulatory services covered by Local Authorities
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding to undertake effective investigations and hold a diverse caseload