Job Introduction
This role has a starting salary of £32,512 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week.
Do you have great communication skills, work well under pressure, have excellent attention to detail and show determination and grit, when it matters? Do you want to work in a role where you can help keep people safe and well and prevent unfair trading practices?
We are excited to be recruiting the next generation of Trading Standards Officers to join our team to do just that. The team are based at Woodhatch Place, Reigate and you will have an expectation to work 2 days in office or out in the community.
Rewards and Benefits
-
26 days’ holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years’ service
-
Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
-
An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
-
Up to 5 days of carer’s leave per year
-
Paternity, adoption and dependants leave
-
A generous local government salary related pension
-
Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
-
2 paid volunteering days per year
-
Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
-
Friendly, helpful and supportive colleagues who will make you feel part of the team from day one
About the Team
Our service operates across both Buckinghamshire and Surrey. You will be based in the Surrey office with the majority of your work focused in the county of Surrey, but on occasions you may need to travel to and work in Buckinghamshire. We are a friendly bunch of people committed to maintaining a fair and safe trading environment for our residents and businesses. We enforce legislation, advise businesses and work with some of the most vulnerable members of our community to prevent them falling victim to scams and rogue traders.
About the Role
As a Trading Standards Officer you will be involved in a wide range of activities and projects, all aimed at ensuring a fair, safe, and legal trading environment for residents. This might mean:
-
Tackling the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes
-
Working with partners to protect consumers and businesses from frauds and scams
-
Investigating offences, preparing criminal cases, and giving evidence in court
-
Taking samples/test purchases of foods, consumer goods such as toys, cosmetics and vapes, or animal feed and pet food, to have them checked against legal standards
-
Advising businesses to help them trade fairly
-
Investigating rogue traders
-
Visiting farms or markets to inspect animal welfare conditions
-
On site and on-line inspections of manufacturers and suppliers of goods
Your role will be varied and fulfilling and we guarantee that no two days will be the same. As an Apprentice Trading Standards Officer, you’ll be working towards the Level 6 Trading Standards Apprenticeship. You will be supported through a structured training programme with a talented and experienced team around you. With a defined career path, you will qualify as a Trading Standards Officer. During your apprenticeship you will get to experience all aspects of Trading Standards work but there will be a focus on dealing with illicit tobacco and vapes as this is a high priority area of work for our service and we are looking for officers to help deliver this important work for us.
Shortlisting Criteria
To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:
-
A good standard of general education being educated to A Level, or equivalent with the aptitude and commitment to study towards a professional qualification
-
The ability and desire to learn, and the capacity to understand and interpret complex legislation
-
First class communication and customer service skills, high attention to detail, and great organisational skills
-
Perseverance, patience, the awareness to quickly read situations, and the ability to remain calm in sometimes difficult circumstances
We know we’re asking a lot, but in return we think we have a lot to offer. There’s the role itself, which offers variety; new challenges; and a first-class training programme that will help you establish a long-term professional career.
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.
For an informal discussion please contact David Bullen or Kate Bailey via email david.bullen@surreycc.gov.uk or kate.bailey@surreycc.gov.uk.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 25/06/2025 with interviews planned for 07/07/2025.
We look forward to receiving your CV and personal statement (max. 2 sides of A4), please click on the apply online button below to submit.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.
Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council.
Our Values
Our values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation. Discover more about our values.
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Our Life at Surrey handbook provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council.
Our Commitment
Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:
-
The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
-
The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form
Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.
