Corporate By-Law Review Officer in Newtownards

Job Title: Corporate By-Law Review Officer Directorate: Active & Healthy Communities Service: Environmental Health & Regulatory Services Service Unit: Licensing & Regulatory Services Location: Church Street, Newtownards but may be required to work at any other location within the Borough. Reports to: Licensing & Regulatory Services Manager Salary Scale: PO3, SCP 33 - 36 Car User Status: Casual PURPOSE AND FUNCTION OF THE POST Lead the corporate review, development, implementation and governance of Council by-laws, ensuring statutory compliance, consistency of approach and alignment with Council policy, enforcement priorities and corporate objectives. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and lead working groups to communicate effectively with internal services, elected members and external stakeholders to gather relevant information and support a comprehensive review of existing Council by-laws. Lead and undertake comprehensive research and analysis of relevant legislation, case law, statutory guidance, policy developments and best practice relating to local authority by-laws and enforcement activity. Lead the review of Councils existing suite of by-laws, assessing their lawfulness, effectiveness, enforceability and ongoing relevance, and identifying where revision, revocation or new provision is required. Provide authoritative recommendations and specialist advice to Council Services on regulatory options, legal implications, operational risks and proportionate enforcement approaches. Take responsibility for developing new by-laws and associated proposals to provide a comprehensive, proportionate and legally robust suite of enforcement tools aligned to Councils key priorities, Corporate Plan and Enforcement Policy. Plan, coordinate and support consultation and engagement processes with residents, partner agencies, elected members and other stakeholders in relation to proposed by-laws or amendments, ensuring feedback is appropriately considered and reflected in recommendations. Prepare reports, present information and attend appropriate panels, working groups or meetings to manage the progression and approval process for by-law proposals. Oversee and coordinate the statutory and administrative processes required for the introduction of new or revised by-laws and the revocation of existing by-laws, ensuring all procedural requirements are met. Prepare and present reports for Committee and Council, providing specialist advice, briefings and evidence-based recommendations to support informed decision making. Ensure the maintenance of accurate, comprehensive and auditable electronic records of by-laws, reviews, consultations, decisions, approvals and implementation actions. Develop, implement and maintain procedures, templates and guidance notes to support consistent, transparent and legally compliant by-law administration across the Council. Provide professional advice and legally informed training to officers responsible for enforcing existing, reviewed and new by-laws, supporting consistent interpretation, application and enforcement practice. Take responsibility for ensuring that by-laws and associated enforcement arrangements are legally robust, proportionate and defensible, minimising the risk of challenge, maladministration, reputational damage or ineffective enforcement. Lead collaborative working across Council departments to promote lawful, proportionate, transparent and effective regulation and to embed consistent by-law governance arrangements. Ensure compliance with, and actively promote, equality, diversity, health and safety in accordance with Council policies, procedures and legal requirements. Undertake any other appropriate duties as may be allocated from time to time, commensurate with the level of responsibility and grade of the post. Note: The post holder may be expected to work outside hours at weekends, evenings and public holidays as dictated by the needs of the service. PERSON SPECIFICATION The person specification provides information on the qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills required to carry out the duties of the post. The essential criteria will be used for shortlisting and as part of the selection process. QUALIFICATIONS Essential Requirements A degree or equivalent qualification in Law or Legal Studies. Desirable Requirements No criteria specified. EXPERIENCE Essential Requirements At least one years relevant experience in at least three of the following five areas: Reviewing, interpreting or applying legislation, statutory guidance, policies or regulatory requirements. Drafting legislative instruments. Undertaking research, analysis or review work to support policy, legal, governance or enforcement-related decision making. Preparing reports, briefings, recommendations or written guidance for committees, senior officers, panels or other decision-making bodies. Liaising with a range of internal and external stakeholders to gather information, resolve issues or support consultation and engagement activity. Desirable Requirements At least three years relevant experience in at least three of the following seven areas: Reviewing, interpreting or applying legislation, statutory guidance, policies or regulatory requirements. Drafting legislative instruments. Undertaking research, analysis or review work to support policy, legal, governance or enforcement-related decision making. Preparing reports, briefings, recommendations or written guidance for committees, senior officers, panels or other decision-making bodies. Liaising with a range of internal and external stakeholders to gather information, resolve issues or support consultation and engagement activity. Experience of advising senior management. Experience of managing consultation or statutory processes. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY Essential Requirements Strong research, analytical and investigative skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and identify practical implications. Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, accurate and well-structured reports, briefings and recommendations. Effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage professionally with elected members, officers, partner agencies and other stakeholders. Ability to plan, prioritise and manage workload effectively to meet deadlines and deliver successful outcomes. Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement and use initiative while operating within agreed policies, procedures and governance arrangements. Competent in the use of Microsoft Office applications and electronic record management systems. Desirable Requirements Knowledge of key pieces of legislation affecting the work of the service. OTHER REQUIREMENTS Essential Requirements A full current driving licence valid in the UK, minimum Category B, and access to a suitable form of transport to enable the post holder to fulfil the duties of the post; or access to a suitable form of transport that will enable the post holder to meet the requirements of the post. The above alternative (access to a suitable form of transport), is a reasonable adjustment specifically for applicants with disabilities, who as a result of their disability, are unable to hold a valid driving licence. The selection panel reserves the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria to facilitate the process when necessary ADZN1_NI41bf1e1f-b16b-4260-a40a-17c77a06fd15