Location
Birmingham, Teddington
About The Job
Job summary
About OPSS
Do you care about the safety of products and want to protect people and places? Can we use your skills, knowledge and experience to enable UK business to thrive? If the answer is yes, then we would like to hear from you!
We are the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), part of the Department for Business & Trade. We are here for the purpose of making regulation work to deliver real world impact. Regulation is a powerful Government tool to address market failures, influence behaviour and promote positive action. Crafted and delivered well, regulation can be an enabler of growth, innovation and efficiency.
Since early 2018 we have been building a positive and creative team that enjoys a position of influence and respect within an organisation that continues to grow.
Our primary purpose is to protect people and places from product-related harm, ensuring consumers and businesses can buy and sell products with confidence
Further information can be found on our website here .
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. We embrace diversity and promote equality of opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. There is a guaranteed interview scheme (DCS) for people with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
We are Inclusive
We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible and recognise how important inclusivity is to achieve the best outcomes. We hope to attract applications from all underrepresented groups.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation if required to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Job Description
We are the OPSS Enforcement Team.
We are responsible for ensuring that businesses follow and comply with a range of regulations;
- Some teams help ensure the products that people buy are safe.
- Some help to protect the environment.
We do this by supporting businesses and making sure they have the information they need to make themselves compliant and, where needed, taking enforcement action against non-compliance. Our work helps to protect people and places.
What you will be doing as a Regulatory Compliance Officer.
This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic and varied role as part of a high-profile national regulator. You will be:
- Working on 3 different teams; giving you a range of experience to draw on, no matter what your future focus might become.
- Part of our Apprenticeship Programme, studying for a Level 4 Regulatory Compliance Officer Apprenticeship This is equivalent to the first year of a University Degree. Our apprentices are our future enforcement officers and leaders. Whether you are at the start of your career, or are an experienced professional looking for something new to move your career forward, we believe in supporting people to develop and grow.
- Gaining the continual professional development offered to our officers to ensure you are learning and developing the skills to be an effective regulator.
- Working with businesses to help them understand the regulations that apply to them and give them advice and support.
- Checking products and businesses to see if they are compliant with the relevant regulations… If not, you will assess the level of risk of harm to people or place to decide what the best course of action will be. You might do this in response to an issue or complaint, or as part of a project looking at a type of product or business area.
- Supporting enforcement cases. This means investigating businesses and products we believe are not compliant with the relevant regulations, and taking enforcement action where necessary, following the required processes and procedures.
- Communicating with businesses and our partner organisations, to solve problems and resolve any issues of non-compliance.
- Reading and understanding written documents and data and write reports following inspections or projects.
- Working with your colleagues in Enforcement Teams and across the Office for Product Safety and Standards, to share information and find ways to increase our impact.
The Apprenticeship
Alongside this role, you will be required to undertake the Level 4 - Regulatory Compliance Officer apprenticeship. More details on the apprenticeship can be found here on the OPSS careers site.
To be eligible to apply for the apprenticeship, applicants must:
- Be aged 16 or older
- Not be in full-time education
- Not be in receipt of funding for other learning programmes (such as another apprenticeship or a degree for which you have a student loan).
- Not be in receipt of funding for other learning programmes (such as another apprenticeship or a degree for which you have a student loan).
- Have been continuously resident in the UK/EEA for 3+ years or have an eligible residency status (see Annex A page 80 of ‘The latest rules (2021 to 2022) - Employers; for information) This can be found on Gov.uk Apprenticeship funding rules: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apprenticeship-funding-rules#the-latest-rules-2021-to-2022 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apprenticeship-funding-rules#the-latest-rules-2021-to-2022
- You should not hold a qualification in, or have substantially studied regulatory compliance or a similar subject. If you currently hold or are working towards a similar qualification of the same level or higher, then you will not be eligible to apply for this vacancy. In order to be eligible for our apprenticeship vacancy, any qualifications previously held or currently being worked towards must differ in content so that this apprenticeship provides substantial new skills.
Open Evening
We plan to run a virtual open evening for those that are interested in applying for this role, to allow them to find out more about the role and what they can expect should they be successful. This will be held on the
10th December. More information can be found by following the link here , to the OPSS careers website.
Locations
Please note that this role is open to candidates working in either our Birmingham or Teddington office. When you are required to give a preference, Twickenham will appear rather than Teddington, so please be aware that you should choose this option if you wish to be based in Teddington.
Our AI Usage Guidelines
We welcome the use of AI tools during your application process, as they can assist you in crafting your CV and personal statement. However, it is crucial that all submitted information is factually accurate and genuinely represents your own ideas and experiences.
Your application may be rejected, and you could face disciplinary measures if plagiarism is detected. Plagiarism includes presenting others’ ideas and experiences, or content generated by artificial intelligence (AI), as your own.
The information in your CV and personal statement will be verified during both the sift stage and your interview.
Person specification
Skills And Experience
Essential Criteria
- Career in Regulation: Demonstrates a strong interest in developing a career within regulation, with a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
- Analytical Skills: Able to use and understand complex information, including legislation and technical details, with confidence and curiosity.
- Communication and Influence: Comfortable speaking confidently, handling challenging conversations, and building positive relationships with a range of stakeholders.
- Team Collaboration: Works effectively within a team, openly sharing knowledge and skills to achieve shared goals.
- Time and Task Management: Manages multiple priorities efficiently, meets tight deadlines, and adapts to changing demands while maintaining attention to detail.
- Creativity and Initiative: Follows procedures carefully yet can think creatively, proposing solutions to support our objectives.
- Digital Literacy: Proficient in Microsoft Office and adaptable to learning additional digital tools as required.
- Driving Licence: Holds or is actively working towards a full driving license, as some duties may require travel.
Candidates from diverse backgrounds, including school leavers, university graduates, and career changers, are encouraged to apply.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £28,695, Department for Business and Trade contributes £8,312 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, people with a disability, and people with gender diverse identities.
Please refer to the attached candidate pack for further information on our benefits.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window) , and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.
After submission of the first stage of your application you will be invited to complete a
Civil Service Numerical Test and a Civil Service Verbal Test. If you successfully pass the tests, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application.
Please complete the online tests as soon as possible, the closing date for the tests is 02/01/2025, 23:55. If you fail to complete the online tests before the deadline your application will be withdrawn. Guidance for the test will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are administered online and accessed via the CS Jobs website.
Interviews for this vacancy will be conducted virtually. We will, however, consider in-person interviews by exception.
Please ensure that you check your emails regularly as all updates from us will be sent to you this way.
To apply for this post, you will be asked to complete the following as part of the online application:
- A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Provide employment history that relates to the essential criteria, and that any gaps in employment history within the last 2 years are explained. The CV should not exceed more than 2 x A4 pages.
- A Personal Statement of up to 750 words, explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role in reference to the essential criteria.
It is likely that the sift will take place
1-2 weeks after the closing date and interviews
3-5 weeks after the closing date, though this is subject to change.
In the event of a large number of applicants, an initial short sift will be conducted on the
Personal Statement. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Those successful in gaining an interview will be required to complete a
written exercise prior to their interview. Details of this will be shared near to the time.
Reasonable Adjustments
We are committed to supporting candidates so they can perform at their best throughout the recruitment process. This includes making reasonable adjustments to our process. In order to request an adjustment:
Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section on the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process.
Alternatively contact the Government Recruitment Service at DBTrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Who can start an apprenticeship:
To start an apprenticeship, you’ll need to be:
- 16 or over
- Living in England
- Not in full-time education
You can apply for an apprenticeship while you’re still at school but you’ll need to be 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays to start the apprenticeship. Please note if successful you must be 16 or over to undergo the relevant security checks.
Candidate Support
You may want to join a virtual Candidate Support Session . These sessions include helpful tips and advice on the recruitment process, from application to interview.
Please see attached Candidate Pack for further information on: Diversity and Inclusion; Benefits; Learning and Development; Working Patterns and what we deliver as a department.
Further Information:
- A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. Reserve Lists will be for each location and appointments made in merit order based on location preferences.
- Any move to the Department for Business and Trade from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments.
- The Department will not consider sponsoring a visa or issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship. We are unable to offer advice on any Visa and Immigration cases.
- New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
- Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty. Any applicant who has details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
- A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
- Terms and Conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.
- Please note – the successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 18 months before being released for another role.
- This role may be considered as a secondment opportunity. Please reach out to the hiring manager listed at the bottom of this advert to discuss.
- Candidates that do not quite meet the standard for this role may be offered a position at a lower grade.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Re cord Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on you r behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Feedback
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality Requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window) .
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window) .
Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window) .
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Erin Kehoe
- Email : OPSS.recruitment@businessandtrade.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : dbtrecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles.
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact DBT by email: Resourcing@businessandtrade.gov.uk.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.
For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission/Complaints
