Licensing Officer

About the role

Colchester City Council provides a broad mix of public and commercial services and is focused on helping residents, visitors and local businesses, promoting public safety, and sustaining lively communities. The Council is looking for a Licensing Officer to deliver a professional, legally compliant licensing service that helps ensure businesses and licensed activities operate safely and in line with statutory rules.

Key duties

You will handle a varied portfolio of licensing work covering several regulatory areas. This will involve processing applications, guiding applicants and residents, and making sure licensing legislation is followed.

The role also includes investigating complaints, visiting licensed premises and business sites, and taking proportionate enforcement action when required. That may involve serving formal notices, preparing evidence files, and assisting with legal proceedings.

You will work with responsible authorities, external partner organisations and internal teams to encourage compliance and support joined-up enforcement activity. You will also help with Licensing Committee work by drafting reports and presenting matters when needed.

Accuracy, organisation and strong attention to detail are essential, as you will need to maintain reliable records and complete work within legislation, policy and required timeframes.

Skills and experience needed

To succeed in this post, you should have worked in licensing, regulation or enforcement and have a solid understanding of relevant rules such as the Licensing Act 2003, taxi licensing, or similar frameworks.

You should be able to organise your own workload, communicate clearly in writing and speaking, and deal confidently with members of the public, businesses and partner agencies. The role also calls for the ability to investigate issues, weigh evidence carefully and make well-reasoned decisions.

Experience of drafting reports and formal letters, along with good IT ability including case management systems and Microsoft Office, is required. You must be able to work both independently and as part of a team.

Knowledge of enforcement procedures and previous work within a local authority would be beneficial.

Benefits

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours
• Monthly flex days
• Annual leave of up to 26 days, plus public holidays and 2 additional statutory days
• Access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities
• Stream salary access and savings scheme
• Payment of professional membership fees
• Tax-free cycle scheme and interest-free EV loan scheme
• Discounted gym, swim and healthcare options
• Vine Extras discount scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing groups

Additional information

The Council has a strong commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. Because some services and facilities may involve contact with these groups, staff are expected to support the Council’s safeguarding policies and follow the relevant procedures at all times.

Contact

For an informal conversation about this opportunity, contact Paul Donaghy at Paul.Donaghy@Colchester.gov.uk.