Head of Public Protection & Regulatory Services

West Berkshire Council; Newbury; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Hybrid work

Training opportunities

Local Government pension scheme

Family friendly policies

Employee discounts

Wellbeing programme

Annual leave 30 days + 5 after 5 years

Job summary

West Berkshire Council is seeking a Service Lead to provide strategic leadership and operational management of the Public Protection Service, delivered through the Public Protection Partnership. You will oversee Environmental Health, Trading Standards and Licensing, guiding the team to meet community needs and ensure a fair trading environment.

The role requires extensive public protection expertise, strong leadership and stakeholder engagement, plus the ability to advise elected members and

Qualifications

• Extensive experience and knowledge in public protection, environmental health, trading standards and licensing.
• Proven track record leading and managing teams to deliver outcomes.
• Strong stakeholder management with internal and external partners.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with elected members and the Council.
• Sound understanding of regulatory frameworks and enforcement practices.
• Ability to analyse complex issues and make informed decisions.
• Proactive and solution‑focused approach to problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Public Protection Shared Service, including Environmental Health, Trading Standards and Licensing.
• Ensure delivery of high‑quality services meeting local community needs.
• Collaborate with internal services and external partners on public protection issues.
• Provide expert advice to the Council and elected members on public protection matters.
• Oversee regulatory compliance and enforcement activities.

Skills

Public protection

Environmental health

Trading standards

Licensing

Stakeholder mgmt

Communication

Regulatory frameworks

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Job description

West Berkshire Council is seeking a Service Lead to provide strategic leadership and operational management of the Public Protection Service, delivered through the Public Protection Partnership. You will oversee Environmental Health, Trading Standards and Licensing, guiding the team to meet community needs and ensure a fair trading environment.

The role requires extensive public protection expertise, strong leadership and stakeholder engagement, plus the ability to advise elected members and