Public Protection Officer – Offensive Weapons Act Project

Location: Romford 

Duration of booking: 3 months with possible extension

Rate: £45 per hour (flexible for the right candidate)
 Working Pattern: Hybrid (field-based inspections required)

Hours / Working Days: 36 hours per week (Monday–Friday)

 Role Purpose

To lead and deliver a specialist project focused on implementing the Offensive Weapons Act across Havering. The role will involve reviewing legislation, producing business guidance, carrying out inspections, and working with partners to improve compliance and reduce harm. This is a standalone role requiring someone who can hit the ground running, work independently, and produce results quickly.

Key Responsibilities

Project & Legislative Work

• Lead on the delivery of the Offensive Weapons Act project.
• Review legislation, best practice, and compliance requirements.
• Develop practical guidance for Havering businesses covering:
  • Bladed article
  • Crossbows
  • Corrosive substances
  • Zombie and zombie-style knives and machetes

Business Compliance & Engagement

• Build strong working relationships with local businesses and stakeholders.
• Ensure businesses understand legal obligations, age restrictions, and sales requirements.
• Support compliance through education, advice, and enforcement.
• Deliver a structured inspection programme across Havering.
• Conduct on-site compliance visits and desk-based audits of business activity, including online sales.
• Identify non-compliance and liaise with Police for enforcement action where required.
• Use intelligence platforms to gather, analyse, and interpret data.
• Produce actionable outputs and downstream results to the wider team.
• Work closely with key partners including the Met Police, Public Protection teams, and Challenge 25 lead officers.
• Support wider initiatives such as Responsible Retailer Schemes and Operation Sceptre.

Person Specification

• Previous experience in Public Protection, enforcement, or Trading Standards.
• Strong knowledge of the Offensive Weapons Act or similar legislation.
• Experience managing projects independently and delivering measurable outcomes quickly.
• Experience carrying out inspections, compliance checks, and enforcement activity.
• Ability to use intelligence platforms, analyse results, and feed findings back into operational teams.
• Knowledge of age-restricted sales, licensing, and Home Office requirements.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership working skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Self-motivated, flexible, and able to work autonomously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Key Focus

• Delivering business compliance with Offensive Weapons legislation.
• Running an effective inspection and enforcement programme.
• Building strong partnerships with Police and stakeholders.
• Producing practical guidance and quick, measurable results.