Authorised Officer

Midlothian Council has an exciting new opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to join our Business Regulation Team, specifically working in the Food and Safety unit as an Authorised Officer.

The team carries out regulatory functions in the areas of food safety and standards, workplace health and safety, and communicable disease to assist in providing a safe and healthy environment for those that live, work or visit Midlothian.

The successful post holder will be responsible for carrying out all food law duties at commercial premises including; inspections, audit, sampling and providing advice and guidance, encouraging food businesses to comply with food legislation. They will take formal enforcement action when required to protect the public, in line with Midlothian policies and procedures. The role also involves the investigation of food complaints from members of the public and cases of infectious disease. The Authorised Officer will work closely alongside Environmental Health Officers within the team providing support and assistance with Health and Safety interventions, projects and investigations and responding to licence consultations. Further information regarding the role of an Authorised Officer can be found here Food Safety Officers - REHIS

We are looking for a dedicated and suitably qualified individual who is keen to learn and progress. Applicants who can demonstrate the essential criteria below will be invited for interview. Applications will also be considered from individuals who hold a HND in food technology and/or food science or BSc (Hons) in Food Science or equivalent and who are willing to undertake a period of study and practical training to prepare for the Scottish Food Safety Officer's Registration Boards Higher Certificate in Food Practice. If appointed at this level the individual would join the team as a Trainee Authorised Officer at SCP 35, currently £27,181.61 and it is anticipated would undertake the required exams in 2025. Practical training will be provided to the right candidate. If you do not have the qualifications specified above but have a qualification in a food related subject, please contact Royal Environmental Health Institute for Scotland (REHIS) here , prior to applying, to confirm if your qualifications and experience could be accepted.

The role will allow for the growth and development of the successful individual, with further training opportunities available and encouraged.

Midlothian Council is a semi-rural authority located immediately south of the City of Edinburgh and is the fastest growing Local Authority in Scotland. There is mixture of retail, catering and manufacturing establishments, including some large scale approved manufacturing premises. This requires a dynamic team of individuals to be flexible and rise to the challenges faced to protect the public health of Midlothian's residents.

The role will be delivered on a hybrid working model giving the successful applicant the opportunity to combine working from home, in the field and in the office. Some out of normal office hours work may be required on occasion.

If you have any questions or wish to discuss this role please contact Catherine McFadyen, Principal Environmental Health Officer on or email

CLOSING DATE - 5 August 2024

INTERVIEW DATE - 14 & 15 August 2024

Position Title: Authorised Officer (Food & Safety)

Position Number: WCD015

Directorate: Place

Location: Fairfield House, Lothian Road, Dalkeith

Working from Home: This post is a hybrid post

Contract Status: Permanent

Hours of Work: 36 hours per week

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 7 hours 12 minutes per day

Weeks per year: 52

Please note that it is Midlothian Council's policy that successful applicants will be appointed to the first point on the salary scale.

Based on you working 36 hours over 52 weeks per year the minimum actual salary for this position is £36,311.02 per annum.

Compliance with the mandatory Cabinet Office PSN (Public Sector Network) Code of Connection requires the Council to meet a baseline personal security standard. This requires completion of a disclosure check for all employees who can access official information. The fee for this PSN Disclosure check will be met by you.

If you have difficulty applying for this post or accessing attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please call to speak to a member of the Recruitment Team stating the post reference number.

Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations. Candidates are advised that, for some vacancies, internal candidates in this situation will be interviewed before the wider selection pool and a slightly longer delay may be experienced before application outcomes can be advised to you. Thank you for your patience in this matter.

If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.