Upper Licensing Officer

Luton Borough Council; Luton; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is seeking a motivated professional for a licensing and regulation role. Responsibilities include investigating licensing issues, engaging with stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in regulatory work and be comfortable presenting cases at legal hearings. This full-time position offers a competitive salary, generous benefits, and the chance to work within a supportive environment focused on continuous development.

Benefits

25 to 32 days’ annual leave

Generous pension contributions

Flexible working options

Unlimited access to training courses

Discounts on local services

Qualifications

• Experience in licensing or regulatory roles with public engagement.
• Solid understanding of licensing law and relevant legislation.
• Confidence in presenting cases at legal hearings.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and enforce licensing regulations effectively.
• Engage and negotiate with stakeholders, including law enforcement.
• Produce accurate documentation and reports.

Skills

Investigation skills

Licensing enforcement knowledge

Court process understanding

Document preparation

Communication skills

Education

Advanced Professional Certificate in Investigative Practice or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Job description

About the Job

Salary: £36,363 - £39,152 a year plus £963 essential car user allowance

Hours per week: 37

Contract type: Permanent

You are a motivated, knowledgeable, and experienced professional with a strong background in licensing, regulation and enforcement within a local authority or similar public service environment.

You bring demonstrable experience of working in a licensing or regulatory team, engaging with both the public and commercial organisations. You have previously worked in a legislative or compliance‑focused setting and are confident presenting cases at formal legal hearings such as Licensing Sub‑Committees or court proceedings.

Your understanding of licensing law is solid and up‑to‑date, including relevant legislation such as the Licensing Act 2003, Gambling Act 2005 and laws relating to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licensing. You’re also familiar with associated enforcement procedures and the legal framework that governs investigations – including CPIA 1996, RIPA 2000 and PACE Code E‑F.

• The ability to investigate, interview, and negotiate effectively.
• A sound knowledge of licensing enforcement procedures.
• An understanding of court processes and evidence handling.
• Experience in producing clear, accurate, and well‑structured documents, reports, and correspondence.
• Confidence in maintaining accurate manual and digital records.

You are skilled in using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and licensing databases, and you can manage a varied and sometimes conflicting workload, working independently while recognising when to escaly issues or seek support.

Your communication skills are excellent – assertive when required, but always respectful, tactful and professional. Whether speaking to individuals in interviews, engaging with businesses, or liaising with partners such as the Police, Trading Standards or Border Agency, you represent the Council with professionalism and diplomacy.

You also understand the impact of discrimination and are committed to delivering inclusive and equitable services to all communities.

Ideally you have completed training relevant to licensing inspections and hold or are working towards an Advanced Professional Certificate in Investigative Practice, or can demonstrate equivalent experience. You’re committed to continuous professional development and staying informed of legislative changes and best practices.

Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.

Benefits

• 25 to 32 days’ annual leave (linked to length of service and grade)
• Buying annual leave scheme – buy up to 20 days additional leave
• Career Pathways – step up in your career or move into a specialist area
• Pension scheme – generous employer contributions up to 20.2 per cent (at July 2023) and 3x salary death in service grant
• Generous relocation package – up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
• Employee Assistance Programme – free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service available to all employees and eligible family members
• Work/life balance – flexible working options including working from home where possible. Requests for flexible working arrangements are welcomed.
• Training and support – unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
• Staff offers – discounts on MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons
• Arriva Travel Club – great value savings on local bus travel

Application Process

We understand that job applications take time and effort, and a high‑quality application shows that you are professional with good attention to detail. The recruiting manager may receive a number of applications for each job advertised so you want yours to stand out!

Senior­ity level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Legal

Industries

Government Administration

Referral benefit

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Luton Borough Council by 2×

Job location

Luton, England, United Kingdom