Trading Standards Officer in Gateshead

Responsibilities

• Carrying out enforcement work relating to weights and measures, product safety, fair trading or animal health and licensing related legislation in line with Council policy, always giving due regard to the need to protect the public.
• Undertaking planned visits to businesses subject to Trading Standards regulation to ensure that statutory obligations are met.
• Responsibility for updating information systems and using IT relevant to the post.
• Investigating alleged applicable offences in line with procedural requirements; preparing prosecution reports and other reports for use in court where necessary and providing evidence in court proceedings as required on behalf of the Council.
• Responsibility for the development, implementation or review of special projects.
• Participation in a range of work in conjunction with key partner organisations and agencies to develop intelligence-led enforcement and project work designed to target high risk trading activity.
• Liaising with other agencies, services and groups to achieve the aims of the Trading Standards Service.
• Providing impartial, practical and professional advice to business, consumers and other groups on the work of the service and to ensure compliance with legislation.
• Maintaining an up-to-date professional and technical knowledge of appropriate legal issues to ensure the effective delivery of the service.
• Representing the service at talks, displays, exhibitions, and other events as necessary, increasing public awareness of consumer protection issues and developing overall awareness of the services provided by Trading Standards.

Qualifications

• Hold a relevant professional qualification (e.g. Degree/Diploma in Trading Standards, DCATS or equivalent, or Level 6 Trading Standards Professional Apprenticeship).
• Demonstrate experience enforcing the full range of Trading Standards legislation.
• Possess strong inspection, investigation and research skills.
• Have proven experience taking enforcement and legal action, including conducting PACE interviews.
• Be experienced in preparing evidence, prosecution reports, and issuing fixed penalty notices.
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of people across different settings, including managing and resolving conflict.
• Hold a full UK driving licence.

Benefits

• 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 through our employee benefits platform.

Equal Opportunity

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.

Disability Confident

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.