Multiple locations - Barnstaple, Exeter, Newton Abbot, Plymouth, Torbay or Wellington
The Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service are looking to recruit Trainee Trading Standards Officers to join our innovative joint service.
About Us
As one of the largest Trading Standards Services in the UK, our joint service is commissioned by the four local authorities, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset & Torbay. Our service area covers two coastlines, Dartmoor & Exmoor National Parks, the cathedral city of Exeter, historic port of Plymouth, county town of Taunton and the 'English Rivera' in Torbay.
The Service covers a wide range of regulated activities essential for supporting a vibrant economy and maintaining public safety. We always work closely with our partners to ensure high standards are achieved in agriculture, animal health & welfare, consumer safety, fair trading, food standards and metrology. As an intelligence led investigative service, we have defined specialist teams that provide innovative solutions to complex regulatory problems.
The Role
We are seeking trainee officers to join these specialist teams. In these teams the new officers will be assisting and learning from experienced officers undertaking visits to business and consumers and giving advice on complex legislation. As their experience grown they will assist on investigations into breaches of criminal legislation. Full training, management support and mentorship will be provided. All trainees will be expected to move between teams according to service need and professional development requirements, gaining valuable skills and experience as they complete their learning journey.
The successful candidates will be expected to undertake and complete a level 6 qualification on their journey to becoming qualified Trading Standards Officers. The Joint Service operates a career progression scheme (CPS) for all Trading Standards Officers, which recognises and rewards individual development, and provides the opportunity to earn up to £37,938 at grade F and £42,708 at grade G.
About you
You will need to be self-motivated, well organised, and be able to work independently or as part of a team, to achieve successful outcomes to complex regulatory problems within strict deadlines. We are looking for people who are above all approachable, flexible and able to learn and adapt quickly to changing circumstances and situations.
You will be able to liaise confidently with members of the public, business leaders, colleagues and partner organisations to achieve defined outcomes. You will need to be able to manage competing priorities and be keen to gain and maintain knowledge and understanding of legal process and Trading Standards legislation.
Knowledge and experience of Trading Standards and/or regulation / enforcement is desirable but not essential.
Additional Information
We have offices in Plymouth, Torbay, Newton Abbot, Exeter, Barnstaple, and Wellington. As we cover a large geographical area, travel to these locations and also to visit business and members of the public across the service area is to be expected. Depending on team allocation there may also be the need for occasional weekend and evening work.
All candidates must visit our website where they will find further details on the role, together with case studies from both experienced and trainee officers. On this page is a question for candidates, and the answer to this question should be placed at the bottom of the applicant’s personal statement in their job application. This question is designed to give candidates an idea of research they will need to do in their day-to-day work.
Interview dates: 25th to 27th March 2025
For an informal conversation about the role please contact our one of our recruitment managers, Rob Huskisson, Christopher Rice, Rosemary Rowe or Kelly Andrews on 01392 383000 asking for each by name, during normal office hours.
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Please click Apply Now to see the Job Description.
1. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
2. DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our.
3. We particularly welcome applications from people under 30 and those from a BAME background who are currently under-represented in our workforce. All appointments will be made on merit."
4. The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
5. This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
6. Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the.
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