Trading Standards Officer; Offensive Weapons Project

Trading Standards Officer (Offensive Weapons Project) Full Vacancy Description

Job description Public Protection Officer (Offensive Weapons Act)

Overview

Project:
Offensive Weapons Act implementation

Purpose of Role

Lead on a project implementing and progressing work related to the Offensive Weapons Act

Review legislation and develop guidance for local businesses to ensure compliance

Focus on ensuring businesses across the borough understand and adhere to legal requirements

Key Responsibilities

Legislative & Project Work

Review Offensive Weapons Act legislation and best practice

Develop clear guidance for local businesses across the borough

Cover areas including:

• Bladed articles
• Crossbows
• Corrosive substances
• Zombie / zombie-style knives and machetes

Note:

Does not include standard knives, this work has already been carried out

Business Engagement & Compliance

Establish strong communication with local businesses and stakeholders

Work closely with:

• Local Police
• Internal teams (incl. Challenge 25 lead officer)

Ensure businesses:

• Understand legislation
• Comply with sales and age restriction requirements

Inspections & Enforcement

Deliver a programme of inspections on businesses across the borough to ensure they understand the new legislation and that they are compliant

Visit premises to check compliance with legislation

Where non-compliant:

• Liaise with Police for follow-up action

Review locally based businesses

Audit online activity/websites for compliance

Use intelligence platforms to:

• Gather insights
• Analyse trends
• Feed results back into the team

Expected to produce quick, actionable outputs

Partnership Working

Close collaboration with:

• Met Police (key stakeholder)
• Internal Public Protection team

Alignment with initiatives such as:

• Operation Sceptre (Police Initiative dedicated to tackling knife crime and reducing serious violence)

Working Style

Standalone role with autonomy

Oversight from manager

Requires someone who can:

• “Hit the ground running”
• Work independently
• Flexible working environment – hybrid working environment available but candidate will be expected to be on site for inspections and be field based to undertake these

Ideal Candidate Profile

Strong experience in:

• Public Protection / enforcement

Ability to:

• Manage projects independently
• Engage stakeholders effectively
• Conduct inspections and compliance checks
• Analyse and interpret intelligence data

Knowledge of:

• Age restrictions, licensing, and Home Office requirements

Key Focus Areas

• Ensuring business compliance with legislation
• Delivering a structured inspection programme
• Building effective partnerships with police and stakeholders
• Producing practical guidance and measurable results quickly