Trading standards officer : Career development

Trainees usually achieve qualified trading standards officer (TSO) status by successfully submitting their portfolio of evidence within 18 months of starting their traineeship. Promotion prospects are narrow but fairly clear. A typical example of the promotion route is as follows:

• senior TSO;
• section head or team leader;
• divisional officer or manager;
• assistant head of service;
• chief/principal TSO.

There are limited opportunities within local authorities for progression beyond principal trading officer grade, although developing a specialist area of work in a large local authority is possible.

Opportunities beyond senior TSO grade are limited for those unable to relocate geographically.

Career development can also include moving into a general management position in a larger local government department.

Other routes for career development include opportunities for specialists with government bodies such as:

• Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS)  
• Office of Fair Trading  
• Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)  
• Food Standards Agency  

There is also a growing demand for experienced TSOs in private industry, particularly retail and manufacturing, advising on consumer law or quality control. TSOs sometimes become consultants, running their own business or advising large companies. Experienced TSOs can sometimes obtain contract work via specialist employment agencies while some move into education and lecture in consumer protection.