Senior Licensing Officer

Harrow Council; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Harrow Council in Greater London is seeking a Senior Licensing Officer to lead regulatory activities under the Licensing Act 2003 and Gambling Act 2005, combining office-based case management with field enforcement across the borough.

You will administer licensing applications, conduct inspections, investigate complaints, and provide guidance to businesses and residents while ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and council policies.

Qualifications

• Full current driving licence.
• Excellent knowledge of Environmental Protection Team legislation and Public Protection Team legislation.
• Able to work independently and in a team under pressure.
• Strong written and verbal presentation and communication skills.
• Competent in standard computer systems.

Responsibilities

• Administer and process licensing applications under the Licensing Act 2003 and Gambling Act 2005.
• Undertake inspections, investigations, and enforcement actions in accordance with legislation and council procedures.
• Represent Harrow Council in interactions with residents, licence-holders and stakeholders.
• Carry out site visits 60–75% of the time and manage casework and administration 25–40%.
• Provide guidance and education to businesses and residents to promote compliance and public safety.

Skills

Legislation knowledge

Written communication

Verbal communication

Teamwork

IT skills

Driving licence

Job description

Overview

The London Borough of Harrow is seeking a Senior Licensing Officer to play a key role in delivering effective licensing and enforcement services across the borough. The postholder will be responsible for ensuring the Council meets its statutory obligations by undertaking a range of regulatory, inspection, enforcement, educational and advisory activities that promote public safety, protect local communities and support compliance with relevant legislation.

The successful candidate will administer and process a wide variety of licensing applications, primarily under the Licensing Act 2003 and the Gambling Act 2005, ensuring that all decisions and actions are carried out in accordance with legislative requirements, Council policies and governance procedures. The role requires strong professional judgement, attention to detail and the ability to interpret and apply complex legislation in a consistent and proportionate manner.

Working in a customer-facing environment, the Senior Licensing Officer will represent Harrow Council in a range of challenging situations, engaging with residents, businesses, licence holders, responsible authorities and other stakeholders. The postholder will investigate complaints, conduct inspections, gather evidence and take appropriate enforcement action where necessary, while maintaining a fair, balanced and customer-focused approach.

The role combines both office-based and field-based responsibilities, with approximately 25% to 40% of time spent undertaking administrative and case management duties and 60% to 75% dedicated to site visits and enforcement activities throughout the borough. The successful candidate will work collaboratively as part of an experienced enforcement team, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and Council procedures while contributing to service improvement and best practice.

As an authorised officer, the Senior Licensing Officer will also provide guidance and education to businesses, residents and partner organisations, working closely with internal departments and external agencies to support community wellbeing, safeguard vulnerable individuals and enhance public safety across Harrow. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated and experienced professional to make a meaningful contribution to the borough through a varied and rewarding regulatory role.

About You

• Have an excellent knowledge of the range of legislation enforced by the Environmental Protection Team as well as a good knowledge of the range of legislation enforced by the wider Public Protection Team.
• Full current driving licence
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in a demanding and pressurised environment independently and as a team
• High standard of written and verbal presentation and communication skills
• Competent in the use of standard computer systems
• Aptitude for the technical and legal aspects of the discipline
• Inclusive team worker who can foster partnerships work Collaboratory across teams to achieve desired outcomes
• Ability to work outside normal working hours as may be necessary including response to emergency situation

Related Documents

For more information, please refer to the Role Profile/Selection Criteria