Compliance Officer - Licensing

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Our preferred method is online application however if you do require a hard copy application pack please contact Human Resources, Guildford Borough Council, Millmead, Guildford GU2 4BB. Telephone (01483) 444111 (24-hr). Alternatively e-mail sally.nielsen@guildford.gov.uk quoting the relevant post number. Please note that we do not accept CVs, please ensure that you complete the application form fully.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and post-holders to share this commitment. To fulfil this commitment we have robust systems in place for the safe recruitment of staff and volunteers.

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Guildford is a thriving market town that has maintained much of its historic character and is a principal shopping destination with a vibrant night-time economy. The town’s location provides excellent transport links as well as providing the balance of being surrounded by beautiful countryside, including the Surrey Hills, an Area of Outstanding Beauty. All of these factors contribute to a quality of life that makes it one of the best places to live in the UK.

We would like to appoint an enthusiastic and committed Officer to deliver regulatory services in relation to Licensing, including the administration and enforcement of the Licensing Act 2003, Gambling Act 2005, Taxi and Private Hire, Street Trading, Sexual Entertainment, Charitable Collections, Pavement Licensing and Animal Activity Licensing.

The primary purpose of this post is to protect the public and support compliant businesses through the delivery of a full range of licensing functions as part of a multi-skilled, Compliance Team. The team regulates a diverse range of disciplines including: environmental control, public health, food safety, health & safety, licensing, planning, private sector housing and environmental crime.

This is also an exciting time for Guildford as we continue with our collaboration with neighbouring Waverley Borough Council. The two Council’s have a shared senior management team and there is further collaboration planned across the organisations, with a shared service, including a shared licensing team, likely to take effect from early 2026. This may involve staff moving under the employment of Waverley Borough Council, however details are to be agreed.

On a typical day, you would:

• Assist the Council in discharging is Licensing and Registration functions, including determining applications, inspections and presenting reports for hearings,
• Respond to service requests involving the licensing area, such as investigating complaints, assisting customers and others with requests for advice and collecting evidence for legal proceedings,
• Assist with the development of Policies and Procedures.

To succeed in this role, you will be able to demonstrate:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and confidence in dealing with people;
• Excellent ability to reason, process information, be curious, ask questions and analyse potential outcomes to make timely and effective decisions;
• The ability to work independently and as part of a high performing team;
• Excellent organisational skills;
• Either a good knowledge and practical experience of applying Licensing law, or the equivalent transferrable skills and a willingness to learn
• Tenacity and a problem-solving mindset;
• The ability to adapt to change and use initiative; and
• The ability to devise, learn and adapt to new systems and processes.
• Be willing to work outside of normal office hours on occasion as directed.

Qualifications

Compliance Officer Level 1: Educated to NVQ level 3 / A Level standard or equivalent experience.