Trading Standards Intelligence Officer

About the job

Key information

Multiple Locations: We have offices in Plymouth, Torbay, Newton Abbot, Exeter, Barnstaple, and Wellington

Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service are looking to recruit an Intelligence Officer to join our Intelligence Unit which is responsible for a wide range of intelligence functions, investigation support and responding to an array of intelligence requests.

About Us

The Service is jointly commissioned by Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay Local Authorities and is one of the largest Trading Standards Services in the Country, operating an intelligence led and innovative approach to regulation and service delivery.

As an intelligence-led Service working under the National Trading Standards Intelligence Operating Model (similar to the police National Intelligence Model), we are dedicated to supporting businesses and disrupting and prosecuting serious criminality across all areas of trading standards legislation.

We strive for innovation in our approach to regulation, providing excellent customer service and being a great place to work.

We cover 2 coastlines, Dartmoor & Exmoor National Parks and multiple areas of outstanding natural beauty. Also, the cathedral city of Exeter, historic port of Plymouth, County town of Taunton and the ‘English Riviera’ in Torbay.

What will I be doing?

We are seeking an Officer to identify, collate and develop intelligence as part of our intelligence led and evidence based approach to regulatory compliance and intervention. As an Intelligence Officer you will be expected to champion the correct use of intelligence within the joint service. To ensure that the intelligence system, including data entry onto specific intelligence databases, is embedded in the working practices of the Officers in the Service and that it is functioning smoothly.

You will be involved in researching and developing suitable intelligence products to support and direct compliance and intervention activities including investigations leading to formal civil and criminal action. This will require varied approaches and creative and innovative use of available intelligence and data resources, both internal and external to the Service.

Your role will include liaising with and sharing intelligence with key partners, other authorities and officers in the wider Service, requiring good communications skills.

You will be accessing officially sensitive data, including Police intelligence and will, therefore, need to be able to demonstrate accountability with knowledge of relevant data handling and disclosure legislation.

You will be preparing reports and providing briefings and presentations on findings and recommendations and producing high quality intelligence and evidential products (including problem profiles, subject profiles, I2 Charts and mapping).

You will work closely with the Senior Intelligence Analyst and other members of the Intelligence Team to record, evaluate and disseminate available intelligence in order to contribute to the service planning process and operations.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

You will need to be self-motivated and be able to work without direct supervision or within general guidance, for much of their time and will be personally responsible for delivery of allocated tasks and identified outcomes.

You will be expected to be organised, work well as part of a team and use your initiative to resolve issues. You must be able to confidently work under pressure and meet deadlines. We are looking for someone who is approachable, flexible and able to learn quickly.

You will be able to liaise confidently with managers, staff and partner organisations to obtain and share information and intelligence as needed. You will need to be able to manage competing priorities and be keen to gain knowledge and understanding of how Trading Standards operates. You will have had experience of working in the investigative arena.

Although training will be provided regarding our bespoke systems, you will need to be confident in using databases, as well as standard Microsoft Office 365 packages – including Teams, Word and Excel.

What is in it for me?

We can offer you flexible/hybrid working to meet service need and the role can be performed within agreed flexible hours, with a combination of home and office working.

We have offices in Plymouth, Torbay, Newton Abbot, Exeter, Barnstaple, and Wellington. There is an expectation that you would be available to attend some meetings and events in person, and as we cover a large geographical area some travel is to be expected.

Find out more about us on our website https://www.devonsomersettradingstandards.gov.uk/

Knowledge and experience of trading standards and local authority work is desirable but not essential. As a Service we are committed to ongoing Officer training and development and it is more important that you are willing to commit to training to maintain/improve your competencies.

Please note a Police Enhanced Vetting (NPPV2) will be required for the successful candidate.

Interview Date: 8 or 9 May 2025

If you would like to discuss this opportunity further please contact Laura Cridland on 01392 382081 or Rachel Pecz on 01392 383009.

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

Apply on the Devon County Council website

Apply now