We’re looking to recruit the next generation of Trading Standards Officers to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, talented and ambitious person to work within our Trading Standards team. The primary function of the Trading Standards team is to fulfil those statutory obligations of Cheshire East that form part of the national regulatory framework, to protect consumers and to maintain a fair and equitable trading environment in which local businesses can thrive.

The Trading Standards Team is responsible for food standards, metrology, product and event safety, consumer and business fraud including rogue trading, intellectual property, scams and mass marketing, illegal goods, age restricted products, petroleum and explosive licensing, business advice, illegal money lending and financial investigations, and is based across two locations within the Borough; Crewe and Macclesfield.

Your role will be varied and fulfilling. As a Trading Standards Apprentice, you’ll be working towards a recognised professional qualifications under the Level 6 Trading Standards Professional apprenticeship programme. You will be supported through a structured training programme with a talented and experienced team around you. The position is full time, 37 hours per week.

More information on the apprenticeship can be found on the CSA and IfATE websites:

Level 6 Trading Standards Professional (Tobacco & Vapes legislation) - Credit Services Association

Trading standards professional / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

This post is initially fully funded by the Department of Health and Social Care for a period of 4 years with potential further career opportunities. You will focus on tackling illegal and underage sales as well as supporting businesses to achieve compliance across a vast range of tobacco and vapes regulations designed to protect consumers and in particular children, while at the same time, working to gain a L6 professional qualification, across all areas of Trading Standards activity.

About you

The role is diverse with no one day the same, for more information on the role, the essential and desirable criteria for the role please view the attached job description specification document.

To be considered, you’ll need a good standard of general education, and the aptitude and commitment to study towards a professional qualification. You’ll need the ability and desire to learn, and the capacity to understand and interpret complex legislation. You’ll also need first class communication and customer service skills, high attention to detail, and great organisational skills. We also think you’ll have perseverance, patience, the awareness to quickly read situations, and the ability to remain calm in sometimes difficult circumstances.

In return we are able to offer

• Annual leave - Start with 25 days of annual leave (including bank holidays) from day one, and watch it grow to 30 days after just five years of service
• Flexible working pattern - Enjoy a 37-hour standard full-time work week with the added perks of flexi-time and hybrid/remote working arrangements where possible. Your work-life balance just got a whole lot better
• Salary sacrifice green car scheme - Drive green and save green! Lease a brand-new electric or hybrid car through our salary sacrifice scheme. There’s no credit checks, no deposits, just significant savings and exclusive offers on a three-year lease
• White goods salary sacrifice scheme - Upgrade your home with ease. Purchase home and electronic items through our salary sacrifice scheme, spreading the cost of big-ticket purchases like appliances, computers, and tech gadgets directly from your salary
• Enhanced public pension - Secure your future with our career average pension, where contributions are built at a rate of 1/49th of your yearly pensionable pay
• Cycle to work scheme - Save up to 25-39% on the retail price of bikes and safety equipment through Income Tax and National Insurance savings. Get fit and save money!
• Employee assistance programme - Access a completely free and confidential assistance service to help manage, reduce, and overcome life’s challenges, both at work and in your personal life
• Discounted gym membership - Stay active and healthy with corporate membership prices for Everybody Leisure, including:
• Gym, Swim and Group Fitness at all 16 facilities
• Off-Peak Racket Sports
• Athletics Tracks
• Sauna/Steam/Spa

Join us and experience a workplace that truly values and supports you!

For further information, please contact Rick Hughes, Trading Standards & Community Protection Manager, at rick.hughes@cheshireeast.gov.uk