Job Description
Who we are & what we stand for
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 Trading Standards team operates within Economy Innovation and Growth delivering a professional regulatory and advisory service that protects both consumers and businesses. The team works collaboratively to enforce Trading Standards legislation, ensure compliance, and maintain high service standards. Officers manage their own caseloads while supporting each other to achieve shared objectives, often working with colleagues across the Council as well as external partners. A strong emphasis is placed on communication, teamwork, and customer focus, ensuring that service users receive clear advice and fair outcomes. The team is adaptable and committed to continuous learning, staying up to date with legal and industry developments while contributing to projects, inspections, and enforcement activity that uphold public safety and confidence.
What you will get to do
- 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
- The Investigation of 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.
What you will bring
- 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.
What’s in it for you
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days
- Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), 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 through our partner GLL 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 in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service)
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service)
Our commitment to you
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 know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. 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
How to apply
You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.