• Multiple locations – Barnstaple, Exeter, Newton Abbot, Plymouth, Torbay or Wellington

The Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service are looking to recruit a Trainee Trading Standards Officer 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 a trainee officer to join one of these teams specialising in illegal tobacco and vapes enforcement. The new officer will be assisting and learning from experienced officers undertaking visits to business and consumers and giving advice on complex legislation. As their experience grows they will assist on investigations into breaches of criminal legislation with a focus on tobacco, vapes, and nicotine products. (This position is funded as part of the government’s initiative to increase enforcement in the areas of illegal tobacco, vapes, and other nicotine products). Full training, management support and mentorship will be provided. A Trainee is 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 candidate will be required to undertake and complete a level 6 qualification on their journey to becoming a qualified Trading Standards Officer. This will take a number of years. Details of the apprenticeship can be found here Level 6 Trading Standards Professional (Tobacco and Vapes). We currently have other trainee officers progressing through the qualification framework. The Joint Service operates a career progression scheme for all Trading Standards Officers, which recognises and rewards individual development, and provides the opportunity to earn £36,581 to £40,444 at grade F and £41,177 to £45,529 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. Due to the nature of some of the work we require someone who has the ability to work in confrontational situations. 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, regulation and/or 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 Jobs and careers – Trading Standards Service 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.

For an informal conversation about the role please contact our one of our recruitment managers, Alex Fry or Laura Cridland on 01392 383000 asking for each by name, during normal office hours.

How to apply

Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

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 further information.

• 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 Equality and Diversity webpages.
• For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council’s use of AI in Recruitment please seeUse of AI in Our Recruitment Processes – Working for Devon | Devon County Council
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
• This role requires a DBS disclosure.
• This job role requires you to be mobile throughout our operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to their own transport.