Trading Standards Officer

Job Overview

Protect residents, support businesses and help create a fairer, safer borough. As a Trading Standards Officer at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, you will protect consumers and ensure fair business practices across the borough, safeguarding vulnerable residents, tackling unfair trading, and supporting businesses to operate responsibly.

• Deliver the full range of Trading Standards duties, including investigating complaints, conducting inspections, and offering specialist advice to consumers and businesses.
• Gather evidence, carry out test purchases, prepare reports and present evidence in court or hearings when necessary.
• Provide detailed guidance to local enterprises and Primary Authority partners on consumer protection law, helping them meet responsibilities and maintain high standards.
• Collaborate with partner agencies such as the police, HMRC and council services (including Safeguarding and Adult Social Care) to detect and prevent offences.
• Intervene in cases involving scams or financial abuse to safeguard vulnerable residents.
• Contribute to education and prevention initiatives, delivering awareness campaigns, coordinating projects and measuring their success.

• Hold a Diploma in Trading Standards (DTS), a Diploma in Consumer Affairs and Trading Standards (DCATS), or an equivalent qualification.
• Proven experience in Trading Standards or a similar enforcement field with ability to apply investigative and regulatory tools.
• In-depth knowledge of legislation and procedures (PACE, CPIA, RIPA, CPRs and BPRs).
• Strong communication skills, able to explain complex issues clearly to residents, businesses and partners.
• Highly organised, skilled at managing multiple priorities and deadlines, comfortable working independently or as part of a team.
• Demonstrates curiosity, adaptability and keeps knowledge of legislation and emerging trends up to date.
• Will share core values:
  Putting Communities First, Respect, Integrity and Working Together.
• Subject to an Enhanced DBS check (Adult and Child) including barred lists.

• Professional growth through ongoing training, mentoring and opportunities to develop expertise in a diverse, fast‑paced environment.
• Supportive Trading Standards team and a small skilled team dedicated to keeping the borough safe, fair and informed.
• Transparent pay practices with a minimum starting salary at the pay scale, potential for higher pay based on skills or experience, and annual increments up to the top of the pay scale.
• Work‑life balance with 3 days a week in the borough and flexible arrangements.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion;
  Disability Confident Employer.

We are committed to promoting equality and respecting diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.