National Role for Oxfordshire Consumer Watchdog

OXFORDSHIRE’s Head of Trading Standards has been chosen as Chairman of the UK?s Trading Standards Institute.

Nigel Strick, who joined Oxfordshire County Council in 2002, won a national ballot and will assume his new role at the end of June.

He said: “I am delighted to have been chosen to represent Trading Standards in this way and I can see that the next twelve months will be a very busy time for me and the profession alike. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to show what Oxfordshire has to offer and to explaining the good work that goes on here.”

Nigel began working in Trading Standards in 1983 as a technical assistant with Surrey County Council. His first job involved polishing the brass petrol measures, cleaning the other weights and measures and accompanying the Trading Standards? Officers and Enforcement Officers on their inspections and investigations.

This proved to be a great way to learn the ropes and he became a fully fledged Trading Standards Officer in 1988.

Working his way up through the ranks, Nigel became Head of Trading Standards at Oxfordshire County Council in April 2002. Along the way he lived and worked in Somerset, Suffolk, Oldham and Staffordshire.

“I?ve met some fantastic characters and made some great friends,? Nigel added. ?I?ve been involved with the Trading Standards? Institute for around 20 years.
I served as the South West Branch Representative during 1990/1991 and have been a member of the Institute?s National Council for about the last 5 years – and its Executive Board for around 3 years.

?More recently I have chaired the review of TSI?s organisation and its specialist ?Lead Officer? arrangements.”

Councillor Ray Jelf, Cabinet Member for Community Safety said: “This is a wonderful accolade for Nigel and thoroughly deserved. It is a reflection of his dedication and commitment to Trading Standards, not only in Oxfordshire but throughout the UK.”