Licensing Officer

This vacancy is only open to North Somerset Council employees and agency workers contracted to North Somerset Council.

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

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Licensing Officer within our Licensing Service. The Licensing Team are responsible for advising on, processing, issuing and enforcing a variety of licences and permits including alcohol and entertainment, gambling, taxis, street trading, pavement licences and charitable collections.

In this role, you will undertake a number of diverse specialist or technical activities within the Licensing Team framework using skills that would have been gained through formal qualifications and/or considerable relevant work experience. Roles at this level are expected to work unsupervised for much of the time, accessing and assessing information independently.

Key Responsibilities:

• To take responsibility for the assessment, issue and (compliance) monitoring of various licences and permits, within statutory timeframes, demonstrating understanding of the service area, relevant Licensing legislation, policies and procedures. This will include alcohol & entertainment, taxi, gambling, street trading, street cafes and sex establishment licensing regimes
• Undertake inspections and monitoring of specific technical schemes under the guidance of senior colleagues and/or within statutory frameworks. Requirement to carry out proactive and reactive visits to licensed premises, outdoor events and gambling establishments and to check compliance of licensed taxi vehicles.
• Introduce or give information and advice to customers about technical standards and processes they should follow. Complete pre-application advice sessions for applicants of alcohol/entertainment, street trading and street café applications
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and customers, both verbally and in writing through the appropriate use of case or site notes and other records within information sharing protocols and record keeping policies. Prepare Committee papers and collate prosecution files as appropriate and present as necessary
• The post holder may be required to participate in partnership work programmes and activities. Take part in enforcement exercises with external agencies as required, to include some out of hours working.

Valid driving licence and own transport, ability to utilise pool vehicles, 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 all things Licensing and regulation in general and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

• Vocational qualification or experience to level 3 or 4 relevant to the service user group or equivalent. E.g. Professional Licensing Practitioner Qualification, Certificate of Higher education in Licensing Law.
• Significant Practical work experience to give a thorough understanding of the processes and practices required to deliver the service. The post holder will demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the law relating to the licensing functions carried out by the team and the necessary enforcement processes undertaken to ensure compliance.
• Knowledge and understanding of technical standards, safe working practices and legislation for service areas.
• Ability to manage own work without close supervision with an understanding and recognition of professional boundaries.

Desirable Criteria:

• Ability to present evidence clearly and confidently, this may include presentation of reports to a Licensing Committee and assistance in preparation of Council Policies.
• Use of case management databases such as CIVICA APP and previous use of government and other agency portals to carry out background checks and enquiries.

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 Sioux Isherwood, Licensing Service Lead, at Sioux.isherwood@n-somerset.gov.uk or 07833 293160

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: TBC

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.