Senior Licensing Officer

Job Description

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.

The successful candidate will have:

• 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

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

About us

Harrow Council is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, making it a great place to live, work and visit with a range of cultures, religions and opinions that come together to produce high achieving schools and a close and friendly community. Located 10 miles from the city centre and just 13 minutes to Euston from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are great transport links via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line and national rail service. It is easily accessible to the M1, M25 and A406.

Other information

Support for candidates visit:Harrow.gov.uk Our behavioural indicators roles below G11 and above G11 Here at Harrow Council, the vision is one of 'Working together to make a difference for Harrow' Please click here to view Harrow Council's benefits

Important Note

To deliver our commitment to equality of opportunity in service provision, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs at the London Borough of Harrow. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender, reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, or maternity unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification applies. As such, we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. For further information, please read our equality statement.

As a disability-confident employer, we are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and accessible to everyone. This includes reasonably adjusting the recruitment process for those with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further information, please contact us at resourcing@harrow.gov.uk

London Borough of Harrow is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Harrow operates stringent, safer recruitment procedures.

Due to the high number of applications received for some posts, we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.

Harrow redeployees will be given priority consideration.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, any your data protection rights, can be found by visiting www.cifas.org.uk/fpn