At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise the public on consumer rights and manage staff for optimal performance.
- Company: Gateshead Council, dedicated to making Gateshead thrive.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and excellent pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values creativity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience in civil law, management skills, and mediation abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match. We're delighted that you're interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
The key aspects of this role are:
- To advise and assist members of the public with consumer complaints regarding goods or services they have purchased.
- To advise businesses in Gateshead as to their legal obligations under consumer legislation and other law.
- To manage staff to ensure optimum performance, allocating complaints to ensure a manageable workload.
- To have one to one meetings with staff to discuss any questions relating to their caseload.
- To ensure knowledge is kept up to date and to provide guidance to ensure this is achieved.
- To intervene in disputes between traders and consumers to affect an amicable resolution, often through a process of mediation.
- Where required, to assist consumers in taking legal action in County Court to enforce their legal rights.
- To assist consumers in other adjudicative processes such as those provided by the Financial Ombudsman, Furniture Ombudsman, ABTA etc.
- To seek to educate the public as to their rights and obligations under civil consumer law.
- To keep up to date on all developments in the field of consumer law both legislative, regulatory, case law and any changes in interpretation to said law.
- To maintain records on the number of complaints taken on every month and the amount of redress achieved through our intervention.
- Ensure that the service is maintained in accordance with Council policies.
Essential Criteria What You’ll Need to Succeed:
- Previous experience of civil law relating to the sale of goods and services.
- A degree, or equivalent qualification, in Law.
- Management experience, although training could be provided for an appropriately qualified candidate.
- Mediation skills.
- Knowledge of the Trading Standards remit and of consumer protection law.
- A full UK driving licence.
What’s In It For You:
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We invest in your future too.
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years, plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year, giving you more control over your time.
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme.
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on essential purchases.
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Senior Fair Trading Officer in Gateshead employer: Gateshead Council
Gateshead Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. As a Children's Registered Manager, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people while benefiting from a competitive salary, generous pension scheme, and ongoing professional growth opportunities in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Fair Trading Officer in Gateshead
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Gateshead Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Gateshead Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Fair Trading Officer in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Gateshead Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gateshead Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Gateshead Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Gateshead Council.
