Trading Standards Professional Apprentice

Trading Standards is responsible for supporting legitimate business activity by providing advice and support, encouraging economic development and prosperity, and helping to create a level playing field. We protect the economic interests of Essex residents (particularly the more vulnerable members of the community) by using all the tools available to swiftly and effectively tackle rogue traders and businesses that cause the most consumer detriment. We adopt an intelligence led approach to enforcing a broad range of Trading Standards legislation including fair trading, underage sales, food and product safety, animal health and welfare to name just a few. This exciting opportunity will see you train to become a qualified Trading Standards Officer by undertaking the training and learning requirements of the Level 6 Trading Standards Professional Apprenticeship. Previous experience of working in a regulatory role is an essential requirement of this post. You will already have experience of interpreting the law, providing advice and guidance on legal requirements, undertaking visits to businesses and complainants, and following legal process including compiling reports and undertaking interviews under caution. You will work closely with, and be supported by, members of the Trading Standards team throughout your training and when qualified will be considered for a Trading Standards officer post. The role will require successful study of Level 6 Trading Standards Professional Apprenticeship and end of study assessment with CSA Learning. You will be responsible for managing your own training and development to gain and apply a working knowledge of Trading Standards legislation, developing skills and competencies to enable effective enforcement and investigation.,

• Development, planning, delivery and management of enforcement projects, to ensure
• Trading Standards enforcement priorities are met.
• Lead on investigations and all enforcement activities, including carrying out PACE interviews, preparing notes, statements and prosecution reports and giving evidence in court to comply with the Trading Standards Investigation Protocol.
• Working collaboratively with other enforcement agencies (such as the Police, VOSA, DEFRA) District Councils, Parish Councils and politicians; attending external meetings such as Alcohol Licensing Reviews and Parish Council meetings to represent the council.
• Carry out visits to businesses to ensure compliance with legislation, provide advice and decide on the most appropriate remedy for non-compliances at the time of visit.
• Responsible for liaising with members of the public and complainants to gather intelligence and provide updates on progress made with enquiries and complaints.
• Review and grade intelligence using a threat matrix approach, to ensure best use of resources.
• Responsible for consultancy services quotations, customer relationships management and agreed sums of petty cash, to ensure Council financial policies are complied with, all spend is auditable and income opportunities are maximised.
• Responsible for undertaking a range of enforcement activities alone and as part of a team (e.g. 'test purchasing' operations of age restricted products, licensing inspections) to deliver Trading Standards enforcement priorities.
• Responsible for accurately recording work undertaken and prepare accurate and concise guidance letters to business and consumers to ensure the delivery of Trading Standards priorities.
• Mentor and assist with training Regulatory Compliance Officer Apprentices (Level 4).
• Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.
  
  You will have excellent communication skills (and the ability to deal confidently with a range of stakeholders) and be equally comfortable working both alone with minimal supervision and as part of a team of Trading Standards professionals. You will have significant enforcement experience having already worked in a regulatory role for a minimum of 5 years. Excellent organisational skills are a must together with the ability to assess, prioritise workload and hit agreed deadlines. You will hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a car that can be used for work., You will have:
• Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area.
• Evidence of the ability to develop skills and knowledge relevant to the role.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to deal confidently with a range of stakeholders.
• Be comfortable working both alone with minimal supervision and as part of a team of Trading Standards professionals.
• A proven ability and willingness to study and develop the skills and knowledge to successfully complete the Level 6 Trading Standards Professional Apprenticeship.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Evidence of the ability to use bespoke databases or other IT applications.
• Excellent organisational skills are a must, together with the ability to assess, prioritise workload and hit agreed deadlines.
Essential Requirements for the role:
• You will have a minimum of 5 years demonstrable experience of working in a regulatory environment.
• This role requires the postholder to be mobile throughout a wide operational area including travelling around the county of Essex and beyond. Driving licence and a vehicle, or ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means, is essential.
  
  Healthy work life balance; flexible and hybrid working options.
• Wide range of learning and development opportunities.
• IT equipment and home-working equipment provided.
• 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + option to purchase extra.
• Generous Local Government Salary related pension scheme.
• Access to hundreds of discounts and benefits through Essex Rewards.
• Access to our health and wellbeing support platform with LifeWorks.
• Disability Confident Leader: we're committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job.
• Up to 4 days per annum volunteering leave.
• Employee support networks, to ensure everyone in treated with dignity and respect.
• A fully funded Level 6 Trading Standards Professional qualification delivered online over 40 months.