Licensing Enforcement Officer Borough Council

Salary £28,142 – £39,152 + up to 10% unsocial hours pay = £30,956 to £43,067 Per year

Contractual hours 37

Basis Full time

Region Permanent / Full-Time

Job reference DEN
1586

We are looking for a motivated and professional Licensing Enforcement Officer to join our Public Protection Team. This is a key front-line role helping to protect public safety, health and local amenities by ensuring licensed activities are carried out lawfully and responsibly.

You will be responsible for inspecting licensed premises, vehicles and individuals,investigating complaints, and taking proportionate enforcement action where necessary. Working closely with colleagues, partner agencies and local businesses, you will play a vital role in maintaining high standards across licensed activities within the borough.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

We want our people to be the best they can and to give them a platform from which they can deliver the highest quality services to our stakeholders, be those residents, businesses, visitors, or elected members.

Central to this is the delivery of a customer-focussed, accurate and efficient licensing service. Reporting to the Principal Licensing Enforcement Officer this role will deliver on a wide range of licensing functions including administering, monitoring or taking enforcement action relating to taxi and private hire licenses, gambling & gaming, street café’s, alcohol and entertainment licenses, temporary event notices and more.

• Carry out inspections, investigations and surveys of licensed premises, vehicles and activities
• Assess licence applications and variations, making appropriate recommendations
• Investigate complaints and take enforcement action in line with legislation and Council policy
• Prepare reports and evidence for committee hearings and legal proceedings
• Interview licence applicants and holders to ensure compliance with licence conditions
• Liaise with partner agencies including the Police and other enforcement bodies
• Provide advice, guidance and education to licensees, businesses and members of the public
• Keep accurate records and maintain licensing data on relevant IT systems
• Participate in enforcement operations, including test purchasing where required
• Attend committees, court hearings and meetings, presenting evidence when necessary

We’re looking for someone who can prioritise and organise their own workload, enjoys a challenge, is confident in challenging situations and can make things happen, whilst never losing sight of the customer.

Whilst experience in licensing work will be advantageous to the position, a willingness to learn is most important.

You’ll be confident managing a busy and varied workload, able to prioritise effectively, stay calm under pressure and meet deadlines. You’ll work accurately and pay close attention to detail, while being comfortable working both independently and as part of a supportive team. There will be opportunities to take the lead on specific pieces of work or projects, including specialist or covert activity, and to support colleagues where needed.

You’ll be quick to learn and keen to develop, with the ability to pick up new legislation, procedures and IT systems and put them into practice. You’ll communicate clearly and professionally, both in writing and in person, producing reports and statements and explaining information in a way that is easy to understand. An interest in local authority licensing and enforcement is desirable, along with the ability to apply legislation and guidance fairly and consistently.

Strong customer service skills are key to this role. You’ll enjoy working with a wide range of people, including residents, businesses and partner organisations, and will be able to handle conversations tactfully and confidently. You’ll be committed to equality, inclusion and sustainability, willing to attend committee meetings and present reports, and flexible in your approach to…