Senior Civil Enforcement Officer in Reading

Job Summary:

• Act as a visible and approachable presence in the community, patrolling designated areas to provide guidance to the public while enforcing road traffic regulations, including the issuance of Penalty Charge Notices when appropriate.
• Support the reduction of traffic congestion and improvement of air quality by managing kerbside activity and ensuring compliance with parking restrictions, using a moped, bicycle, or on foot in all weather conditions.
• Deliver excellent customer service by always engaging respectfully with the public and help to uphold a safe, orderly, and customer-focused environment.
• Deputise for Supervisors where needed, taking on additional responsibilities such as monitoring CEO performance, ensuring quality standards are met, and assisting in staff deployment to meet service-level agreements and contractual requirements.
• Collaborate with the Civil Enforcement team to manage resources effectively, ensuring smooth contract delivery, maintaining high standards, and consistently meeting contractual obligations.

Job Description:

• Monitor on-street and off-street parking areas using a moped, bicycle, or on foot, ensuring vehicles are parked in accordance with relevant regulations, and issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) where non-compliance is identified, in line with local traffic orders.
• Act as a visible and reassuring presence to encourage compliance, promoting responsible parking through positive public engagement and providing accurate, helpful advice on parking rules and facilities to residents and visitors.
• Collect and record comprehensive evidence to support the issuance of PCNs, including writing clear and accurate reports, capturing photographic evidence, and maintaining simultaneously notes in official records.
• Regularly inspect pay and display machines, signage, and car park equipment, reporting faults, vandalism, or maintenance issues promptly to ensure continuous service and public accessibility.
• Observe and report damaged or missing street furniture, unclear road markings, or suspicious vehicles, contributing to the upkeep and safety of the public realm.
• Attend court hearings or tribunal proceedings where required, providing factual witness statements and supporting documentation when a PCN is formally challenged.
• Collaborate with community safety partners such as Police Community Support Officers and local law enforcement, sharing relevant observations to address anti-social behaviour and support wider community safety initiatives.
• Stay informed about changes in legislation, policies, and systems affecting parking enforcement, attending training sessions and continually developing professional knowledge relevant to the role.
• Support the development of colleagues by providing guidance and informal mentoring, sharing knowledge and promoting a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork.
• Carry out any additional duties commensurate with the role and grading, supporting the flexible delivery of service priorities across the team.
• Operate in line with the company’s core values and professional standards, demonstrating integrity, accountability, and respect in all interactions with the public and colleagues, and contributing positively to the reputation of the service.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs), supporting their professional growth and development, and ensuring they gain essential qualifications.
• Brief and deploy CEOs to their designated areas of responsibility, ensuring full coverage of assigned beats and that operational goals are met. Monitor the performance of the team and provide support where needed to maintain efficient service delivery.

Person Specification

• Experience / Systems knowledge: Relevant experience in a comparable role, acceptable.
• Hand-held computers, with an integrated camera and printers for recording evidence and issuing PCNs.
• Two-way radios, or mobile phones, to keep in contact with supervisors.
• Body camera to be activated in the event of a confrontation with a driver or member of the public.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English are essential to effectively carry out the duties of this role, including engaging with the public, completing accurate documentation, and understanding enforcement procedures.
• Experience in managing Civil Parking Enforcement, and a solid understanding of on-street and off-street parking regulations, policies, and procedures, essential.
• Strong understanding of parking enforcement legislation, particularly the Traffic Management Act 2004, essential.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively collaborate with colleagues, clients, customers, and external stakeholders, when appropriate, able to challenge with tact and diplomacy.
• Good problem-solving skills with the ability to assess situations quickly and make informed decisions.
• Proficiency in using IT systems including hand-held devices, radios, mobile phones, body cameras; and software such as Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Excel and Word.
• A keen eye for detail to ensure quality enforcement and compliance with parking regulations.
• High level of personal integrity, who displays respect and empathy for others and is consistent, whilst understanding the impact of own actions on colleagues.

Additional Information:

• There may be occasions where the post holder is required to work outside of standard hours and/or attend meetings and events outside of normal office base and local borough.
• The role requires shift-based work, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
• The position holder must be comfortable working both in the office and on the street, conducting enforcement duties, regardless of the weather. Uniform and necessary enforcement equipment will be provided.