Licensing Officer

We are currently supporting a Surrey-based Local Authority in the recruitment of an experienced Licensing Officer to join their busy Licensing Team.

This role requires a specialist officer with proven experience in Taxi Licensing, who can step into the team and immediately manage a varied caseload with minimal supervision.

You will be responsible for administering and enforcing taxi licensing functions, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, local authority policies and licensing conditions.

The successful candidate will be expected to manage applications, investigations and compliance matters relating to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licensing and provide professional advice to applicants, licence holders and stakeholders.

• Processing and determining Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licence applications.
• Managing driver, vehicle and operator licensing matters.
• Conducting suitability checks and assessing applications against licensing policies.
• Investigating complaints relating to licensed drivers, vehicles and operators.
• Preparing reports and documentation for Licensing Committees and Sub-Committees.
• Providing advice on taxi licensing legislation, policy and best practice.
• Liaising with applicants, licence holders, legal services, enforcement agencies and elected members.
• Supporting enforcement action where required and ensuring compliance with licensing conditions.

To be considered, applicants must demonstrate recent Local Authority Taxi Licensing experience, including:

• Extensive experience in Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing
• Strong working knowledge of taxi licensing legislation and guidance
• Experience processing driver, vehicle and operator licence applications
• Experience investigating complaints and compliance issues relating to licensed drivers and operators
• Experience preparing reports for Licensing Committees and presenting licensing recommendations
• Ability to manage a caseload independently with minimal supervision
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

• Experience working within a Surrey or neighbouring Local Authority.
• Licensing Practitioner Qualification or equivalent.
• Experience attending Licensing Committee and Sub-Committee hearings.
• Enforcement experience within a Licensing environment.

This position is best suited to a Licensing Officer with a strong Taxi Licensing background who can quickly integrate into the team and manage cases from day one.

The hiring manager is specifically seeking candidates with direct experience of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing rather than broader licensing disciplines alone