Senior Licensing Officer- Animal Activity in England

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Dacorum Borough Council’s Licensing Team as a Senior Animal Activity Licensing Officer. This is an important and rewarding role where you will play a key part in protecting animal welfare and ensuring businesses operating under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 meet the required standards.

Working closely with animal businesses, veterinary professionals, colleagues, and other partner agencies, you will be responsible for:

• Assessing licence applications and determining whether applicants meet the relevant statutory requirements.
• Undertaking inspections of licensed premises and activities, including assessing accommodation, management practices, records, staffing, and overall compliance with licensing conditions and statutory guidance.
• Preparing detailed inspection reports, licence recommendations, and associated documentation.
• Providing clear and professional advice and guidance to licence holders and prospective applicants to support compliance with legislation and animal welfare standards.
• Monitoring licensed establishments and responding appropriately to complaints, concerns, and reports relating to animal welfare or unlicensed activities.
• Taking proportionate enforcement action where necessary, including investigating breaches of legislation and licence conditions and working with other agencies where appropriate.
• Keeping accurate and comprehensive records and ensuring licensing decisions and enforcement actions are properly documented.
• Keeping up to date with changes in legislation, statutory guidance, case law, and best practice relating to animal licensing and welfare.

What we're looking for:

• A qualified and experienced Animal Activity Licensing Officer with relevant experience in animal licensing and welfare regulation.
• Substantial knowledge and practical experience of the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, associated statutory guidance, and relevant animal welfare legislation.
• Experience of carrying out inspections, assessing compliance, producing detailed reports, and making evidence-based licensing or enforcement decisions.
• A sound understanding of animal activity licensing principles and the ability to assess the suitability of premises, facilities, management practices, and the care provided to animals.
• Experience of dealing with difficult or challenging situations and using appropriate enforcement and investigative techniques.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and report-writing skills, with the ability to explain complex legislative and welfare requirements clearly to a range of audiences.
• A confident and professional approach, with the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and make sound judgements.
• The ability to build effective relationships with licence holders, colleagues, veterinary professionals, partner agencies, and members of the public.
• A commitment to delivering fair, proportionate, consistent, and customer-focused regulatory services, while maintaining a strong focus on animal welfare.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference to animal activity licensing across the borough while developing your career within a supportive and forward-thinking regulatory service. In return, we offer:

• Competitive salary.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements, where the role allows.
• Training and professional development opportunities.
• A supportive team environment committed to delivering high-quality regulatory and animal welfare services.

If you are passionate about animal welfare, have strong regulatory and inspection experience, and want to make a positive difference through effective licensing and enforcement, we would love to hear from you.

Applicants must have a driving licence that is valid in the UK, and use of a car to enable inspections and site visits. A Basic check will be undertaken with the Disclosure and Barring Service to ensure that the successful candidate has no relevant convictions.

The deadline for applications will be midnight on the closing date shown in the advert details.

Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation:

The Council is going through a major change as part of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and devolution. This means that the district and borough councils in Hertfordshire will be replaced by a smaller number of new unitary councils. The aim is to make local government simpler and more efficient, improve services for residents, and bring decision-making closer to the communities we serve.

What this means for you:

If you join Dacorum Borough Council between now and 31 March 2028, you will move to a new organisation on 1 April 2028. Your role will transfer to the new authority, but the way you work and who you report to may change. While this may be different from what you are used to, it is also a rare and exciting opportunity to join Dacorum at a time of real change. You will have the chance to help shape the future of local services and be part of building something new. The new unitary councils will create opportunities for innovation, growth, and better public services. They will offer a more joined-up and forward-looking working environment for employees. We are committed to supporting our staff and continuing to deliver high-quality services for residents throughout this change. Together, we are building a better future.