Grade/Band  - £29,269 - £32,076 (full-time) 
Vacancy Hours  - 37 per week (1 post x Harrogate) 
Contract Type  - Permanent 
Weekend Working – No

Closing date: 26 May 2024 
Interview Date – 3 June 2024

Our service

Our Licensing service covers all of the North Yorkshire area with numerous and diverse licensing functions such as Pubs, clubs including large events such as festivals, betting shops, scrap metal dealers, taxis and street trading to name but a few.

Our function is imperative to ensuring safe communities where residents’ lives are not being adversely impacted. The service has a key focus on crime prevention e.g. money laundering, violence, protection of children and vulnerable adults. The Licensing function is not limited to final licensing outcomes and includes ongoing investigations, monitoring, complaint handling, suspension and revocation of licence, prosecution, attendance at tribunals. Members of the team will come across sensitive and often distressing scenarios which need to be dealt with professionally and with empathy for those involved.

The Technical Licensing Officer will deal with requests from customers for advice regarding law and procedure on Licensing matters. They will receive and process Licensing applications, which includes dealing with criminal record checks, right to work checks, sensitive medical checks and liaison with the Police and Children’s Services as well as other statutory bodies. The role deals with consultation with public and statutory bodies and elected members. They will make decisions on whether Licences can be issued to establishments and referring more complex matters to the Licensing Enforcement Officer. The Technical Licensing Officer will also take and manage financial payments; including issuing invoices and collecting debt, referring non-payment to legal services. The role is also responsible for maintenance and development of the Licensing database.

This role is a fundamental element of the Licensing service, involving interpreting complex and diverse range of laws governing all the different Licence types and ensuring that all statutory requirements are complied with. It is also imperative to have an understanding of the consequences of non-compliance with the law e.g. impact on communities, successful challenge, appeal to court, financial or reputational loss for the Council or the Licence holder.

The role

With your team colleagues in a defined geographical area, your duties will include processing and issuing licences and giving technical and legal advice to customers. You will decide when licences are to be issued after confirming that all checks have been made in accordance with Law and Policy.

You will report to the Senior Licensing Enforcement Officer.

You will also:

• Calculate and raise invoices, deal with debt management, take payments and resolve customer queries regarding fees and charges.
• Assist with the production of guidance notes and application forms.
• Maintain and update web forms, pages and payments.
• Liaise with external bodies and partners where required throughout the Licensing process e.g. Police, Children’s Services, GPs, Border Force.
• Ensure that complaints are dealt with efficiently and sensitively, in line with agreed timescales.
• Maintain knowledge and awareness of over 100 subject specific pieces of law in relation to Licensing, knowing where to seek guidance and further information when required.
• Prepare and carry out analysis of statistical reports e.g. Home Office returns, Gambling Commission returns.
• Keep appraised of all current legislative or technical changes in licensing and ensure that the Council’s core visions and policies with regard to such matters are efficiently and effectively implemented.

Where is the role located?

Based in the Harrogate office with occasional travel to other offices in the North Yorkshire area.

You will need a full driving licence.

What you will bring…

To be successful you must have knowledge of Licensing law, policy and guidance, experience of data management and be confident in using IT systems and be able to work in a fast-paced environment. You will have excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to negotiate with a variety of audiences using a variety of skills, be able to keep clear and accurate records, be able to undertake work of a highly complex nature across the broad spectrum of licensing functions and to own and manage issues, enquiries and cases for customers who need support with any relevant enquiries.

What you will get in return…

When you join us, you are entitled to our outstanding benefits and wellbeing plan as part of your position. Our holiday entitlement starts at 28 days rising to 34 days (pro-rata) per year with continued service, plus public holidays. Pension: save for your retirement with our generous local government pension scheme with a 22.6% contribution. Fitness & Rewards: Fitness discounts with various gyms across the county. Stay on top of your game and save £££. Lifestyle Savings: explore a huge range of discounts to help you save money across hundreds of the UK’s favourite high-street and online retailers. Plus lots more…

Contact and apply

For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Wan Malachi on 07525 988064 or Sharon Cousins, Area Licensing Manager on 01757 242033 .

Please use the following link to apply: Jobs and careers | North Yorkshire Council