Trading Standards Professional Apprentice in Essex

This position has been classed as an anywhere worker role but has an expectation that the successful candidate will attend the office, in Chelmsford, Thurrock or Southend a minimum of 2-3 days per week, with the remaining time for visiting sites and remote working if desired, in line with the organisation's needs.

At Essex County Council, we believe in helping our workforce grow and succeed. That's why, as part of this role, you'll have the opportunity to complete a Level 6 trading standards apprenticeship. This is a fantastic chance to gain valuable skills, earn a recognised qualification, and set yourself up for a successful future career.

Essex Trading Standards is looking for a highly motivated person to join its team. 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 developing the knowledge, skills and competencies to become a Trading Standards Officer. You will undertake the training and learning requirements of the level 6 Trading Standards Professional apprenticeship. The role will focus on the enforcement of rules regulating vapes and tobacco, including the supply of illegal/illicit products and tackling age-restricted sales to children. You will study Trading Standards modules to complete your training including a Tobacco and Vapes module and will work closely with, and be supported by, members of the Trading Standards teams in Essex, Southend and Thurrock councils throughout your training spending approximately 50% of your time in Essex and 25% in each of Thurrock and Southend. When qualified you will be considered for a Trading Standards officer post.

The Trading Standards Professional (TSP) Apprentice supports the delivery of the regulatory functions within the Trading Standards service and undertakes the training, development and learning requirements of the level 6 TSP apprenticeship. Work is carried out both independently and with support and/or supervision from a member of Trading Standards staff and will include the provision of information, advice and assistance on Trading Standards law to businesses. This role contributes to the achievement of service and community objectives including the reduction of crime and disorder; reducing antisocial behaviour; improving health and wellbeing; and promoting a fair trading environment throughout the County of Essex, by enforcing civil and criminal Trading Standards laws in an effective, efficient and impartial way.

Accountabilities

• Responsible for managing own level 6 TSP apprenticeship 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.
• 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.

The Experience You Will Bring

• Successfully completed level 4 Regulatory Compliance Officer Apprenticeship – desirable.
• Evidence of the ability to develop skills and knowledge relevant to the role.
• Good communication skills and ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders.
• A proven ability and willingness to study and develop the skills and knowledge to successfully complete the Level 6 Trading Standards Official Apprenticeship.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Evidence of the ability to use bespoke databases or other IT applications.