Consumer rights inspector deal with consumer complaints and provide information, advice, and guidance to members of the public about items and/or services that they have purchased. The majority of consumer rights inspectors are employed by local authorities and work for trading standards departments, in specialist consumer rights advice centres and in general advice centres.

Tasks:

1. Dealing with general enquiries about consumer issues
2. Providing advice via the telephone and online
3. Maintaining records and information systems
4. Compiling statistics
5. Preparing and distributing publicity materials and displays
6. Interpreting/explaining legislation, sales contracts and/or official contracts researching cases
7. Negotiating and/or acting as an intermediary with service providers/retailers
8. maintaining awareness of changes to codes of practice and consumer rights legislation
9. liaising with other relevant organisations

Qualifications and training required:

Previous paid or voluntary relevant work experience will help with entry into the profession. This can be gained by helping in a local advice centre, citizens advice bureau or students' union welfare office.

Personality and relevant experience are usually more important than qualifications, although a degree in law, counselling, guidance, psychology, education, social/community work, public administration or social sciences can be helpful.