Upper Licensing Officer
About the job
Salary: £36,363 - £39,152 a year plus £963 essential car user allowance
Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Permanent
You are a motivated, knowledgeable, and experienced professional with a strong background in licensing, regulation, and enforcement within a local authority or similar public service environment.
You bring demonstrable experience of working in a licensing or regulatory team, including engaging with both the public and commercial organisations. You have previously worked in a legislative or compliance-focused setting and are confident presenting cases at formal legal hearings, such as Licensing Sub-Committees or court proceedings.
Your understanding of licensing law is solid and up-to-date, including relevant legislation such as the Licensing Act 2003, Gambling Act 2005, and laws relating to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licensing. You’re also familiar with associated enforcement procedures and the legal framework that governs investigations — including CPIA 1996, RIPA 2000, and PACE Code E-F.
You can demonstrate:
The ability to investigate, interview, and negotiate effectively
A sound knowledge of licensing enforcement procedures
An understanding of court processes and evidence handling
Experience in producing clear, accurate, and well-structured documents, reports, and correspondence
Confidence in maintaining accurate manual and digital records
You are skilled in using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and licensing databases. You’re capable of managing a varied and sometimes conflicting workload, working independently while recognising when to escalate issues or seek support. You approach work with attention to detail, a strong sense of ethics, and a proactive attitude to problem-solving and decision-making.
Your communication skills are excellent — assertive when required, but always respectful, tactful, and professional. Whether speaking to individuals in interviews, engaging with businesses, or liaising with partners such as the Police, Trading Standards, or Border Agency, you represent the Council with professionalism and diplomacy.
You also understand the impact of discrimination and are committed to delivering inclusive and equitable services to all communities.
Ideally, you have completed training relevant to licensing inspections and hold (or are working towards) an Advanced Professional Certificate in Investigative Practice or can demonstrate equivalent experience. You’re committed to continuous professional development and staying informed of legislative changes and best practices.
Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.
About you
You are a motivated, knowledgeable, and experienced professional with a strong background in licensing, regulation, and enforcement within a local authority or similar public service environment.
You bring demonstrable experience of working in a licensing or regulatory team, including engaging with both the public and commercial organisations. You have previously worked in a legislative or compliance-focused setting and are confident presenting cases at formal legal hearings, such as Licensing Sub-Committees or court proceedings.
Your understanding of licensing law is solid and up-to-date, including relevant legislation such as the Licensing Act 2003, Gambling Act 2005, and laws relating to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licensing. You’re also familiar with associated enforcement procedures and the legal framework that governs investigations — including CPIA 1996, RIPA 2000, and PACE Code E-F.
You can demonstrate:
The ability to investigate, interview, and negotiate effectively
A sound knowledge of licensing enforcement procedures
An understanding of court processes and evidence handling
Experience in producing clear, accurate, and well-structured documents, reports, and correspondence
Confidence in maintaining accurate manual and digital records
You are skilled in using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and licensing databases. You’re capable of managing a varied and sometimes conflicting workload, working independently while recognising when to escalate issues or seek support. You approach work with attention to detail, a strong sense of ethics, and a proactive attitude to problem-solving and decision-making.
Your communication skills are excellent — assertive when required, but always respectful, tactful, and professional. Whether speaking to individuals in interviews, engaging with businesses, or liaising with partners such as the Police, Trading Standards, or Border Agency, you represent the Council with professionalism and diplomacy.
You also understand the impact of discrimination and are committed to delivering inclusive and equitable services to all communities.
Ideally, you have completed training relevant to licensing inspections and hold (or are working towards) an Advanced Professional Certificate in Investigative Practice or can demonstrate equivalent experience. You’re committed to continuous professional development and staying informed of legislative changes and best practices.
About us
Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision – that no-one in Luton will have to live in poverty – is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents.
The people of Luton depend heavily on this council – and that means our workforce! Are you ready to realise the remarkable and help us deliver our vision?
We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our borough
Application Process
Benefits
We offer a range of excellent staff benefits which include:
- From 25 to 32 days’ annual leave: linked to length of service and grade
- Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave
- Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
- Pension scheme: with generous employer contributions of up to 20.2 per cent (at July 2023) and 3x salary death in service grant
- Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
- Employee Assistance Programme: a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home
- Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements including part-time hours and alternative working patterns
- Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
- Staff offers: includes discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons
- Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel
How to apply
We understand that job applications take time and effort, but a high-quality application shows that you are professional with a good attention to detail. The recruiting manager may receive a number of applications for each job advertised so you want yours to stand out!
Our ‘How to apply' page has more tips to help with your application: How to apply
Available documents
Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.Salary range
- £36,363 - £39,152 per year