Gateshead Council
Senior Fair Trading Officer
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Who We Are & What We Stand For
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.
We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.
We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
The Key Aspects of This Role
- To advise and assist members of the public with consumer complaints regarding goods or services they have purchased
- To advise businesses in Gateshead as to their legal obligations under consumer legislation and other law
- To manage staff to ensure optimum performance. Consequently, to allocate complaints to ensure a manageable workload
- To have one to one meetings with staff to discuss any questions relating to their caseload. To also ensure knowledge is kept up to date and to provide guidance to ensure this is achieved
- To intervene in disputes between traders and consumers to affect an amicable resolution, often through a process of mediation
- Where required, to assist consumers in taking legal action in County Court to enforce their legal rights. Equally, to assist consumers in other adjudicative processes such as those provided by the Financial Ombudsman, Furniture Ombudsman, ABTA etc
- To seek to educate the public as to their rights and obligations under civil consumer law
- To keep up to date on all developments in the field of consumer law both legislative, regulatory, case law and any changes in interpretation to said law
- To maintain records on the number of complaints taken on every month and the amount of redress achieved through our intervention
- Ensure that the service is maintained in accordance with Council policies
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Essential Criteria
What You’ll Need to Succeed
- Previous experience of civil law relating to the sale of goods and services
- A degree, or equivalent qualification, in Law
- Management experience, although training could be provided for an appropriately qualified candidate
- Mediation skills
- Knowledge of the Trading Standards remit and of consumer protection law
- A full UK driving licence
What’s In It For You
Competitive Salary
We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
Outstanding Pension Scheme
We don’t just offer a great salary we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
Generous Annual Leave
Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
Flexible Working Hours
Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
Hybrid & Flexible Working
We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
Learning & Development
Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
Health & Wellbeing Support
From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
Cycle to Work Scheme
Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme
Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
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Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice
Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our Commitment to You
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
How To Apply
You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.
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