JourneyCareersTrading Standards Officer

Trading Standards Officer

AI

Trading Standards Officers check that shops and businesses sell safe products and treat customers fairly. They investigate complaints and prosecute businesses that break the rules.

The role

What a trading standards officer actually does, day to day.

As a Trading Standards Officer, you protect shoppers in your area from scams, unsafe products and unfair practices. You visit local shops, markets and businesses to check that food is safe, prices are honest and products are not fake or broken. You also look into complaints from customers who feel they have been cheated or sold something dangerous.

Some days you will be inspecting a supermarket, the next you might investigate counterfeit goods or help an elderly person who has been scammed. You gather evidence, interview people, and if a business is breaking the law you can take them to court. You also give advice to small businesses about how to follow the rules. The job can feel like detective work, and you get to help real people in your community stay safe and not get ripped off.

A typical week

Day to day

1Conduct inspections of businesses to ensure compliance with trading standards legislation.
2Investigate consumer complaints and reports of unfair trading practices.
3Collect and analyze evidence related to breaches of trading standards.
4Provide advice and guidance to businesses on compliance with laws and regulations.
5Prepare and deliver presentations or training sessions on consumer rights and trading standards.
6Collaborate with other regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies.
7Draft reports and documentation for legal proceedings as needed.