Permanent, full time

Salary: £24,054 - £34,723

The Licensing Team is emerging from a workforce review and ready to move forward as a modern and energetic team with enforcement as a priority.  A new database is being introduced, policies and procedures need streamlining and opportunities need to be exploited to drive the improvements to make this an efficient and high functioning licensing team.  It is an exciting time to be involved in it.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the role

We want our people to be the best they can and to give them a platform from which they can deliver the highest quality services to our stakeholders, be that residents, businesses, visitors, or elected members.  Central to this is the delivery of a customer-focused, accurate and efficient licensing service.  Reporting to the Principal Licensing & Enforcement Officer this role will deliver on a wide range of licensing functions including administering, monitoring or taking enforcement action relating to taxi and private hire licenses, gambling & gaming, street café’s, alcohol and entertainment licenses, temporary event notices and more.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Assessing applications
• Conducting background checks
• Accurate use of the database
• Issuing or withdrawing licenses
• Monitoring for breaches of conditions
• Conducting proportionate and timely enforcement action
• Conducting compliance checks and visits
• Involvement in enforcement operations, observations and test purchases
• Liaison with other law enforcement agencies, local authorities and stakeholders
• Input to committees, policies, strategies and panels
• Investigate complaints
• Prepare and present reports

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place. Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one Team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do

Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential

Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way

Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

About you 

We’re looking for someone who can prioritise and organise their own workload, enjoys a challenge, is confident in challenging situations and can make things happen, whilst never losing sight of the customer. You should be an experienced Licensing Professional with a track record of working across a wide range of licensing functions and activities.

Specific Requirements

• Ability to organise and prioritise workload and support the work of others. It is essential that the person can manage a varied caseload while remaining calm and can meet realistic deadlines.
• Ability to work methodically, accurately and to a high level of detail.
• Ability to work on own initiative and with others as part of a team including where appropriate leading on projects such as covert operations or specialist work.
• Ability to pick up and retain new information and systems quickly and be able to put them into practice. This includes administrative and computer database systems.
• Ability to present written and verbal information in a logical and coherent manner including compiling reports and statements.
• Ability to develop a good understanding of local authority licensing legislation, interpret legislation and guidance, give advice and take appropriate action based on the correct legislation, licence conditions and guidance.
• Ability to maintain and develop proactive relationships with our stakeholders.
• Excellent customer care skills which includes a proven ability and understanding of communication at all levels including being able to work tactfully with the public and businesses.
• Have an understanding of and a willingness to comply with the council’s equal opportunities policy and sustainability objectives.
• Ability and willingness to attend committee and present reports.
• Flexibility to undertake work at unsociable hours when required with minimum supervision.

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

You will working in a hybrid way, based both at the Civic Centre and working at home.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted, and a salary sacrifice scheme to help lower the cost of your nursery fees
• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact clyde.masson@reading.gov.uk on 07710664077.

Closing Date: 10th July 2023

Interview Date: TBC

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

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