Work With Offenders - The Choices
Trading Standards Officer
Trading standards officers are responsible for protecting customers from unfair and unsafe commercial interactions. They work closely with local councils and advise on consumer law, prosecute unlawful traders and investigate and temper complaints from consumers. They operate in a number of areas ranging from counterfeit goods, animal welfare, under-age sales (like the selling of alcohol to those under the age of 18), issues surrounding weights and measures (and the pricing interaction with this system), and counterfeit goods.
Day-to-day activities may involve dealing with samples of products (which they can have analysed by food hygienists, for example); visiting local stores to check that the labeling of products is accurate (for example, food products are not out of date, or mislabeled); preparing for a court hearing, which can involve gathering evidence and testimonies from a variety of different sources; investigating complaints from both traders and customers; keeping accurate and up-to-date records on visits, investigations and other relative detail (this would involve computer work, so IT skills and general literacy are both necessary requirement for prospective position fillers); and performing often lengthy, detailed investigations into specific cases, sometimes involving undercover surveillance.
Previous experience in working with food hygiene and preparation, detective and fraud investigation, or any role relating to crime enforcement is a pre-requirement. Previous work as a consumer advisor or trainee enforcement officer with a local authority are typical starting points for a role such as this. Additionally, knowledge of relevant acts, such brand standards laws would be greatly advantageous. Trading standards officers work closely with a team of fair trading officers and advisors, so evidence of an ability to work well in a team dynamic would be favourable.
A prospective candidate would preferably hold a degree in a topic relative to a sphere of consumer protection, and accredited by the Trading Standards Institute. Alternatively, a national diploma in trading standards (which can be partly completed by taking part in a relevant work placement) is acceptable. Strong numeracy, problem solving and presentational skills are also required of the position holder.
Qualifications: An undergraduate degree in a topic relative to a sphere of consumer protection, and accredited by the Trading Standards Institute would be preferable. Diploma in Consumer and Trading Standards (DCATS) is also required.
Experience: A minimum of two years related work within the consumer protection sphere.
Skills: People skills, IT, verbal and written communication skills, investigatory skills, team work skills.
