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Trading standards officers are responsible for monitoring, promoting and maintaining safe and fair trading standards and for enforcing legislation that protects both the consumer and the law-abiding trader alike.

Trading standards officers check that products, services and equipment match advertised specifications and comply with quality standards.

Other responsibilities include:

• writing reports

• compiling records

• gathering prosecution evidence

• investigating complaints

• managing junior staff

• serving legal notices

• providing evidence in court

A large amount of time is spent away from the office meeting consumers and visiting premises such as shops, farms, food outlets, pubs, markets, importers, manufacturers and warehouses.

Qualifications and training required

It is possible to become a trading standards officer (TSO) both with or without a degree.

For graduates, a degree in any discipline is acceptable, although a degree in law or consumer protection might make you exempt from some of the professional examinations needed to become a TSO.

Key skills for trading standards officers

• Confidence

• Maturity

• Diplomacy

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Verbal communication skills

Typical employers of trading standards officers

• Local authorities

• Chartered Trading Standards institute (CTSI)

• Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)