Kirsten Halliday
Glasgow,East Dunbartonshire
Summary
Public sector professional with over 19 years in Trading Standards and Consumer Protection. Known for effective stakeholder collaboration and leading cross-agency projects that yield significant consumer benefits. Expertise in regulatory reform and partnership building, delivering systemic improvements across national and local government. Focused on advancing public safety through strategic initiatives and critical assessments.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Public Sector Service Policy and Advocacy Manager
Consumer Scotland
Edinburgh, Edinburgh
10.2025 - Current
- Established collaborative partnerships with external stakeholders to gather valuable insights.
- Advocated for consumer interests in public services during discussions representing Consumer Scotland.
- Enhanced stakeholder relationships through detailed analysis and consistent communication.
- Developed new engagement forums to facilitate effective collaboration with consumers.
- Created feedback mechanisms to inform policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
- Collaboratively developed policies addressing key consumer issues with stakeholders.
- Promoted guidance on consumer duty to partner organisations and authorities.
- Produced comprehensive reports integrating stakeholder perspectives on consumer issues.
Investigator
Trading Standards Scotland
Edinburgh, Edinburgh
01.2018 - 10.2025
- Conducted extensive investigations into consumer harm, submitting findings to COPFS.
- Facilitated complex investigations with UK authorities, prioritising consumer protection and safety.
- Launched Scam Share bulletin during Covid-19, engaging thousands of consumers weekly.
- Applied MoRILE risk assessments to enhance strategic enforcement across Scotland.
- Rapidly removed misleading energy-efficiency grant adverts through Operation Maxwell initiative.
- Partnered with Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG), resulting in confiscation of over £3 million in counterfeit merchandise.
- Managed evidence collection processes for effective case resolution through stakeholder engagement.
Authorised Officer
Trading Standards, West Dunbartonshire Council
Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire
01.2009 - 01.2018
- Led investigations into unfair trading practices, resulting in prosecutions that protected consumers.
- Guided local businesses on compliance to enhance standards and foster trust.
- Facilitated interdepartmental communication to align prevention campaigns for vulnerable communities.
- Initiated first call-blocking service for elderly residents in Scotland, securing funding and installing over 500 blockers.
- Identified illicit product safety violations, prompting nationwide recall of hazardous unsafe goods.
- Conducted compliance checks through regular business visits to ensure legal adherence.
- Liaised with external agencies, including social services, to support individuals in need.
- Managed diverse caseloads effectively to ensure timely progression.
Service Development Officer, Waste Management Strategy
East Dunbartonshire Council
Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire
01.2004 - 01.2009
- Implemented Clyde Valley Area Waste Plan, transforming waste services in East Dunbartonshire.
- Achieved 22% reduction in landfill waste and increased recycling rates by 35%.
- Oversaw audits for data collection, recommending strategic improvements.
- Established stakeholder relationships through consistent updates and meetings.
- Delivered comprehensive project status reports to senior management.
- Facilitated community events to enhance awareness of organisational programmes.
- Drove outreach activities and presentations to promote sustainability initiatives.
- Analysed financial performance to inform strategic enhancements.
Education
Trading Standards Practitioner Diploma - Consumer Law and Trading Standards
Chartered Trading Standards Institute
Basildon, Essex 04.2018 - 04.2022
Diploma in Consumer Affairs and Trading Standards - DCATS
Chartered Trading Standards Institute
Basildon 09.2014 - 04.2016
Diploma of Higher Education - Business Management
College of Commerce
East Dunbartonshire 06.1997 - 05.2002
Diploma of Higher Education - Business Management
College of Commerce
Glasgow, Glasgow City 08.2000 - 05.2002
Skills
- Partnership development and stakeholder engagement
- Compliance governance
- Risk management and policy development
- Consumer protection and standards
- Change management
- Evidence-based decision-making
- Public relations expertise
- Legal research
- Strategic analysis
- Advocacy and policy leadership
- Self-directed work capability
- Research techniques
- Public sector knowledge
- Collaboration and communication
- Problem-solving
- Report writing
Affiliations
- British Standards Institution (BSI) – Consumer & Public Interest Network (CPIN) (2014 – Present) Represent UK consumer voice in national and European standards development. UK expert on CEN/TC 252; contributed to PAS 5222 to strengthen product safety.
- Neighbourhood Watch Scotland – Board Member (2017 – 2025) Supported national advocacy and community protection initiatives. Collaborated with partners to improve community safety and consumer confidence. Contributed to governance and oversight, ensuring services addressed the needs of vulnerable consumers.
Personal Effectiveness and Behavioural Insights
DISC Profile & Interpersonal Style
IS (Influence/Steadiness) profile, combining empathy, patience, and relationship-building strengths. Known for fostering trust, listening actively, and creating inclusive environments. This style supports effective stakeholder engagement, long-term collaboration, and thoughtful decision-making in complex public sector contexts.
Demonstrates a calm, inclusive, and relationship-focused working style. Known for thoughtful decision-making, emotional intelligence, and a genuine commitment to helping others. Skilled at building trust, fostering collaboration, and maintaining composure in complex environments.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Public Sector Service Policy and Advocacy Manager
Consumer Scotland
10.2025 - Current
Trading Standards Practitioner Diploma - Consumer Law and Trading Standards
Chartered Trading Standards Institute
04.2018 - 04.2022
Investigator
Trading Standards Scotland
01.2018 - 10.2025
Diploma in Consumer Affairs and Trading Standards - DCATS
Chartered Trading Standards Institute
09.2014 - 04.2016
Authorised Officer
Trading Standards, West Dunbartonshire Council
01.2009 - 01.2018
Service Development Officer, Waste Management Strategy
East Dunbartonshire Council
01.2004 - 01.2009
Diploma of Higher Education - Business Management
College of Commerce
08.2000 - 05.2002
Diploma of Higher Education - Business Management
College of Commerce
06.1997 - 05.2002