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About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

Are you ready to embark on an exciting new career path or make a change from your current trajectory? Here's your chance to join a dynamic and progressive Trading Standards Service and build a career for life.

We're seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Trading Standards Team as an Apprentice Trading Standards Officer. This apprenticeship offers a rare opportunity to work, study, and gain practical experience in a customer-focused public service environment.

In this role, you will contribute to the provision of a fair, safe and legal trading environment and a high-quality Trading Standards Service by:

• the enforcement of relevant legislation, and
• the provision of advice and education to businesses, consumers and others.

You will gain a good working knowledge of all legislation enforced by the Trading Standards Service, the law relating to evidence, criminal law practice and court proceedings and successfully complete the Level 6 Trading Standards Professional Apprenticeship, resulting in Trading Standards Practitioner (TSP) status.

Key Responsibilities:

• The post holder will be enrolled on the Level 6 Trading Standards Professional Apprenticeship and undertake a programme of study which is delivered via a mix of taught and independent learning.
• Between academic input blocks, the postholder will undertake work in the Trading Standards Service, building on the taught knowledge of the apprenticeship course to develop the practical skills of a Trading Standards Practitioner. This will cover all aspects of the trading standards role.
• Assist officers with (and progress to undertake independently) proactive inspections, compliance visits, investigations, surveys, sampling and interventions.
• As knowledge and competence develop, undertake a case-load of reactive work, including responding to and investigating complaints, participation in partnership enforcement activities, as well as proactive project work and educational activities as required. In all cases, respond within corporate timescales, keeping relevant parties informed and maintaining up to date case records.
• Develop a good knowledge of criminal and consumer civil law used by the Trading Standards Service and the wider consumer agenda, including policy development, the law relating to evidence, criminal law practice and court proceedings to enable the enforcement of consumer protection legislation.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 2-3 days in the office
• Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
• Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about Trading Standards, and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

• Good standard of general education & GCSE Maths and English at a minimum of grade 4/C
• Motivation and commitment to learn & develop knowledge and skills in trading standards law towards a professional qualification.
• Good verbal reasoning skills; demonstrating the ability to think, reason and solve problems.
• Able to demonstrate professionalism, assertiveness, empathy and understanding in order to deal with people from different backgrounds in a range of circumstances.
• Good organisational skills; able to plan, prioritise and carry out tasks in accordance with service standards, targets and deadlines.

Desirable Criteria:

• 80 UCAS points or equivalent in relevant subject areas (e.g., law/business/consumer studies/ maths/ physics).
• Experience of carrying out investigative and/or enforcement duties.
• Familiarity with legal process.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and valuesand are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Gareth Mellors, Trading Standards Manager at gareth.mellors@n-somerset.gov.uk.

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: Monday 24 August 2026.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.