Roles, pay and benefits

As a senior Trading Standards officer, you’ll use your in-depth knowledge of trading standards law and your post-qualification experience to manage complex cases. You’ll lead investigations and guide less experienced officers.

You’ll act as an expert in areas such as metrology, food standards or product safety, and may represent the service at planning groups or national forums.

The role includes:

• business interventions
• court appearances
• working with test houses
• managing covert operations tools and budgets

The role includes occasional manual handling, challenging environments and independent travel across West Sussex.

As a Trading Standards officer at West Sussex County Council, you’ll be a qualified professional who checks business compliance, leads investigations and makes regulatory decisions.

Your role may include:

• issuing improvement notices
• gathering evidence
• conducting interviews
• representing the service in court or regional groups

You may also support internal training and give expert advice. The role includes occasional manual handling and travel across the county, sometimes in challenging environments.

We support your ongoing professional development, with opportunities to specialise and progress to a senior Trading Standards officer role.

As an enforcement officer you will carry out regulatory interventions under appropriate guidance, focusing on areas such as illicit tobacco, vaping products, and age-restricted sales. Your duties will include:

• test purchasing
• inspecting premises
• collecting online evidence
• taking witness statements
• conducting formal interviews

You may have to present evidence in court.

While not responsible for planning or leading the service’s work in these areas, you will play a key operational role.

The role is based in Horsham with support including flexible, remote working.

The role includes occasional manual handling and may require working in challenging environments.

We’ll support you to gain APEA (UK) certificates in petroleum and explosives and the CTSI Animal Health and Welfare qualification through blended learning, which may include self-study.

You will assist officers by carrying out tasks such as:

• inspecting fire safety equipment
• checking animal welfare
• reviewing business records
• gathering evidence
• taking witness statements

You may need to give evidence in court and, as you gain experience, take on investigations under supervision.

The role can involve manual handling and working in challenging environments. Once you qualify, you’ll progress to Grade 8 enforcement officer for petroleum, explosives and animal health.

As a Trading Standards officer, you’ll help protect consumers and create a fair, safe trading environment for businesses across the county.

You’ll complete a fully funded Level 6 Trading Standards professional apprenticeship over 24 to 36 months. This will give you the skills and knowledge to become a qualified officer.

Working with experienced professionals, you will:

• inspect goods
• investigate illegal trading practices
• check animal welfare
• monitor compliance with trading laws

The role combines on-the-job learning with dedicated study time, supported by flexible working and clear career progression. You’ll join a service that plays a vital role in local communities to make a real and lasting difference.