Employment Type: Temporary (3 months)
Location: Birkenhead, Merseyside
Hours: 18 per week
Contract Duration: 8 weeks
IR35 Status: Inside
Rate: £31.10 per hour (PAYE) / £39.28 per hour (Limited/Umbrella)
Role Overview
We are seeking a Trading Standards Officer – Technical to provide additional capacity for a statutory inspection programme and support apprentices with their qualifications. This role involves carrying out criminal compliance enforcement activities across service functions, including inspections, surveys, and investigations into complex or serious breaches of trading standards legislation.
The officer will identify legal contraventions, recommend and execute enforcement actions based on assessed risk, and present solutions to resolve complex issues.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct and supervise inspections, surveys, and complex investigations
Apply enforcement powers ranging from informal advice to formal legal action
Prepare reports, correspondence, and case files; brief solicitors and provide evidence in court as needed
Contribute to initiatives promoting compliance and public safety
Ensure Trading Standards work meets policy, quality, and statutory standards
Support and mentor apprentices, providing guidance on statutory qualifications
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, guidance, and best practice
Liaise with other departments and external agencies to resolve compliance issues
Represent the Trading Standards Service in meetings and regional initiatives
Candidate Requirements
Essential:
CTSI Trading Standards qualification (DTS/DCATS including Food & Legal Metrology modules) or equivalent, plus a university degree
Experience in Trading Standards, including consumer complaint investigations and business advice
Knowledge of current Trading Standards legislation, Enforcement Procedures, and PACE
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Experience preparing reports, conducting interviews, and collating legal case files
Desirable:
Lead Auditor/Assessor qualifications or related additional training
Experience training and mentoring colleagues
Experience working with statutory, voluntary, and external organisations
Experience drafting replies for MPs/Councillors, preparing Cabinet reports, and civil enforcement
Why This Role
This is a short-term, hands-on opportunity to work on complex compliance projects, contribute to community safety, and support the development of apprentices entering the profession.
Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK and provide references, confidentiality agreement, and criminal convictions declaration.
