Job title: Licensing Officer
Grade: SCALE 5
Role code: EGE1012
Status: Police Staff
Home Office code: Operational Support
Main purpose of the role:
Support the processing of applications for premises, persons and temporary events licensed under the Licensing Act 2003, Gambling Act 2005 and miscellaneous legislation relating to sexual entertainment venues, street trading etc. in order to support Force objectives which are impacted upon by the activities of the licensed trade. Work with licensed premises, partners and internal stakeholders to support statutory licensing objectives, taking positive action to achieve compliance where this is proportionate and necessary.
Main responsibilities:
- Receive and assess licensing applications, undertake relevant research including checks of Essex Police systems, arrange visits where necessary and make robust recommendations, submitting objections etc. to the relevant authority where appropriate.
- Maintain an overview of licensed premises operating within their area of responsibility, routinely checking STORM, ATHENA and other systems (including open source) to capture incidents linked to individual premises, updating the relevant licensing database and provide updates to local policing teams.
- Undertake (in person) planned and unplanned visits to licensed premises as part of the enquiry process and to promote the licensing objectives, investigating breaches of licensing legislation and examining the management of premises to support statutory and policing objectives.
- In cooperation with other police business areas, the post holder will take a proactive approach in dealing with licensed premises and persons whose management/activities appear to undermine the licensing objectives or otherwise contribute to crime and disorder etc. attending Tasking as required, including the escalation of police involvement or activity and a robust use of police powers, including applications for review and summary review, providing accurate, consistent and appropriate advice to local policing teams and liaising to ensure active monitoring of premises of concern and police intervention where necessary.
- Gather and record evidence and intelligence to build on-going case files which may be utilised to support consideration of a standard or summary review of a licensed premise; ensuring action plans and communications are recorded to corporate standards; preparing full case files and present cases at licensing hearings and support legal representatives at appeal tribunals, magistrates courts etc.
- Attend local, force and national meetings as directed and provide advice and support to designated premises supervisors and others working in the licensing arena, providing training to internal and external stakeholders as required.
- Attend relevant safety advisory group meetings, meetings of the local licensed trade, licensing hearings; attend premises and sites as necessary at evenings and weekends to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and check the satisfactory adherence to any conditions imposed upon an event.
- Proportionately exercise any power delegated to police (staff) licensing officers by the SIA or by the Chief Constable under any enactment.
March 2017
Vetting level:
Recruitment Vetting. (RV).
Necessary experience:
Hours of work are dependent upon local need but are generally normal office hours. Specifically however the post holder will be required to vary these times to include weekends and evenings (including after midnight) on occasion to undertake inspections, site visits and attend meetings held out of hours by partners and the licensed trade. Flexibility in working hours is therefore essential and the post holder is expected to amend their duties to meet role requirements at reasonably short notice.
The role requires travel within the county to undertake visits, often at short notice, and attend meetings/training; and nationally to attend training. The post holder must therefore hold a valid driving licence and have access to a vehicle. The post holder will be required to successfully obtain authorisation to drive their own vehicle, hire vehicles and police vehicles for police purposes.
The post holder must have excellent written and verbal communication skills; the ability to communicate effectively at all levels and possess sound negotiating skills.
The post holder must have an enquiring and logical mind and be able to gather evidence of a standard to present to licensing sub-committee hearings and magistrates courts.
The post holder must have the ability to work alone with little supervision and be confident in their ability to deal with conflict, taking robust action where appropriate.
The post holder must be I.T. proficient with good keyboard skills, knowledge of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint and the ability to use STORM, ATHENA and PNC as well as the Bacchus licensing database, with appropriate training.
The post holder will be based at a nominated police or partner controlled premise and will have primary responsibility for one or more coterminous local authority areas.
Post holders may be required to cover absent colleagues or assist other licensing officers as necessary throughout the county (usually, but not exclusively, on a North/South split as below).
Post holders based in North Essex to cover:
Chelmsford, Maldon, Braintree, Uttlesford, Colchester & Tendring
Post holders based in South Essex to cover:
Southend, Rochford, Basildon, Castle Point, Thurrock, Brentwood, Harlow & Epping Forest
The post holder is required to successfully complete the Level 2 Award for Licensing Practitioners (Alcohol) and undertake other training as required.
Vetting clearance is a pre-requisite of employment in designated posts and the post holder will be subject to management vetting assessment every 7 years. National security vetting clearances are reviewed every 10 years.
Behaviours:
Analyse Critically (Level 2)
I ensure that the best available evidence from a wide range of sources is taken into account when making decisions. I think about different perspectives and motivations when reviewing information and how this may influence key points. I ask incisive questions to test out facts and assumptions, questioning and challenging the information provided when necessary. I understand when to balance decisive action with due consideration. I recognise patterns, themes and connections between several and diverse sources of information and the best available evidence. I identify when I need to take action on the basis of limited information and think about how to mitigate the risks in doing so. I challenge others to ensure that decisions are made in alignment with our mission, values and the Code of Ethics.
Collaborative (Level 2)
I manage relationships and partnerships for the long term, sharing information and building trust to find the best solutions. I help create joined-up solutions across organisational and geographical boundaries, partner organisations and those the police serve. I understand the local partnership context, helping me to use a range of tailored steps to build support. I work with our partners to decide who is best placed to take the lead on initiatives. I try to anticipate our partners needs and take action to address these. I do not make assumptions. I check that our partners are getting what they need from the police service. I build commitment from others (including the public) to work together to deliver agreed outcomes.
Deliver, Support and Inspire (Level 2)
I give clear direction and expectations, helping others to understand how their work operates in the wider context. I identify barriers that inhibit performance in my teams and take steps to resolve these, enabling others to perform. I lead the public and / or colleagues, where appropriate, during incidents or through the provision of advice and support. I ensure the efficient use of resources to create the most value and the right impact within my areas. I keep track of changes in the external environment, anticipating both the short and long term potential implications for the Police Service. I motivate and inspire others to achieve their best.
Emotionally Aware (Level 2)
I consider the perspectives of people from a wide range of backgrounds before taking action. I adapt my style and approach according to the needs of the people I am working with, using my own behaviour to achieve the best outcome. I promote a culture that values diversity and encourages challenge. I encourage reflective practice among others and take the time to support others to understand reactions and behaviours. I take responsibility for helping to ensuring the emotional well being of those in my teams. I take the responsibility to deal with any inappropriate behaviours.
Innovative and Open-minded (Level 2)
I explore a number of different sources of information and use a variety of tools when faced with a problem and look for good practice that is not always from policing. I am able to spot opportunities or threats which may influence how I go about my job in the future by using knowledge of trends, new thinking about policing and changing demographics in the population. I am flexible in my approach, changing my plans to make sure that I have the best impact. I encourage others to be creative and take appropriate risks. I share my explorations and understanding of the wider internal and external environment.
Take Ownership (Level 2)
I proactively create a culture of ownership within my areas of work and support others to display personal responsibility. I take responsibility for making improvements to policies, processes and procedures, actively encouraging others to contribute their ideas. I am accountable for the decisions my team make and the activities within our teams. I take personal responsibility for seeing events through to a satisfactory conclusion and for correcting any problems both promptly and openly. I actively encourage and support learning within my teams and colleagues.
Values:
Impartiality (Accredited)
I take into account individual needs and requirements in all of my actions. I understand that treating everyone fairly does not mean everyone is treated the same. I always give people an equal opportunity to express their views. I communicate with everyone, making sure the most relevant message is provided to all. I value everyone's views and opinions by actively listening to understand their perspective. I make fair and objective decisions using the best available evidence. I enable everyone to have equal access to services and information, where appropriate.
Integrity (Accredited)
I always act in line with the values of the police service and the Code of Ethics for the benefit of the public. I demonstrate courage in doing the right thing, even in challenging situations. I enhance the reputation of my organisation and the wider police service through my actions and behaviours. I challenge colleagues whose behaviour, attitude and language falls below the public's and the service's expectations. I am open and responsive to challenge about my actions and words. I declare any conflicts of interest at the earliest opportunity. I am respectful of the authority and influence my position gives me. I use resources effectively and efficiently and not for personal benefit.
Public Service (Accredited)
I act in the interest of the public, first and foremost. I am motivated by serving the public, ensuring that I provide the best service possible at all times. I seek to understand the needs of others to act in their best interests. I adapt to address the needs and concerns of different communities. I tailor my communication to be appropriate and respectful to my audience. I take into consideration how others want to be treated when interacting with them. I treat people respectfully regardless of the circumstances. I share credit with everyone involved in delivering services.
Transparency (Accredited)
I ensure that my decision-making rationale is clear and considered so that it is easily understood by others. I am clear and comprehensive when communicating with others. I am open and honest about my areas for development and I strive to improve. I give an accurate representation of my actions and records. I recognise the value of feedback and act on it. I give constructive and accurate feedback. I represent the opinions of others accurately and consistently. I am consistent and truthful in my communications. I maintain confidentiality appropriately.
Technical skills:
Casefile Preparation (Level 3)
Identify and present case materials, working with the CPS to progress the case. Example: Distinguish between evidence and unused material, identifying material, which might undermine the prosecution or assist the defence. Record, retain and reveal all unused material, distinguishing between sensitive and non sensitive. Ensure quality and accuracy of file contents, presenting evidence logically and with integrity. Present honest and objective comments regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the case in a fair and justifiable manner to the CPS. Liaise with the Criminal Justice Unit and/or Crown Prosecution Service for advice, as required submit the correct and completed case file to the Criminal Justice Units in the required time scales. Respond promptly and positively to CJU/CPS requests in respect of further actions.
Community Partnerships (Level 3)
Work with the community partners and other agencies to solve community problems in accordance with the relevant legislation policy procedures and partnership agreements. Example: Take positive steps to develop and maintain your awareness of community issues. Respond positively to community members who identify problems. Record and take appropriate action to deal with the issues raised. Obtain information and intelligence from the community, partners and other agencies. Use analysis of information and intelligence to identify the causes and effects of the problems. Develop partnership solutions, in consultation with the community and other agencies. Take action to implement solutions, with the assistance of police departments and partners, having obtained the appropriate authority. Continually monitor the effectiveness of the partnership strategy. Provide feedback to appropriate police personnel and partners.
Driving (Level 3)
Can drive police vehicles following an authorisation test. Undertakes checks to ensure roadworthiness of vehicles before use including, tyre pressures, lights, fuel, oil and water. Completes vehicle mileage logs. Ensures that the vehicle is kept clean and tidy. Ensures security of police vehicles when leaving unattended. Conforms to all relevant legal requirements for the use of motor vehicles.
Information Gathering and Analysis (Level 3)
Able to collect and store information relevant to own work and make sure that it is accurate, up-to-date and in line with the organisation's policies and procedures. Information gathered is sufficient for the purpose.
Information Management and Technology (Level 3)
Knows the range of police information systems available locally to support daily activities, and understands their uses. Can use police information systems to perform routine tasks. May be able to create simple records, and amends data to add information, within requirements of role. Understands data quality issues.
License and Regulation - Liquor, Entertainment etc. (Level 6)
Sets or seeks to influence local enforcement policy in line with declared business objectives. Aware of all licensing regulations and their impact on the local community. Ensures that a direct approach is taken to the authorities in order to put the full business case when licensing matters are under consideration.