Consumer rights adviser

Consumer rights adviser job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

The majority of consumer rights advisers are employed by local authorities and work for trading standards departments, in specialist consumer rights advice centres and in general advice centres. Opportunities also arise with government watchdog organisations that monitor the performance of specific companies such as utilities, public transport operators, etc.

The work is challenging and varied with duties that range from interviewing clients, assessing problems and writing reports, to mediating in disputes on behalf of clients and providing legal representation at court cases. Other responsibilities include:

• dealing with general enquiries about consumer issues;
• providing advice via the telephone and the internet;
• maintaining records and information systems;
• compiling statistics;
• preparing and distributing publicity materials and displays;
• interpreting/explaining legislation, sales contracts and/or official contracts;
• researching cases;
• negotiating and/or acting as an intermediary with service providers/retailers etc;
• maintaining awareness of changes to codes of practice and consumer rights legislation;
• referring to and liaising with other relevant organisations.

Vacancies are advertised via the internet; in local, regional and national newspapers; in specialist publications such as Adviser Magazine.

Qualifications and training required

Previous paid or voluntary relevant work experience iwill 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. The small numbers of permanent salaried vacancies and formal training opportunities that arise normally attract strong competition.

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.

Key skills for consumer rights advisers

Resourcefulness and good verbal and written communication skills are essential, as is a mature, confident, caring and patient manner.