At a Glance
- Tasks: Support planning officers by managing applications and customer inquiries.
- Company: Join a dedicated team in the Planning, Housing & Health service area.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work setup with flexible hours and a focus on teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: 1 year in customer service, 5 GCSEs including English and Maths required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with planning software and GIS tools.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: EX31 1DG
Service Area: Planning, Housing & Health
Contract End Date: 22 August 2025
Pay Type: PAYE
Selection: CV & Interview required
Purpose of the Role
To provide administrative and customer service support for the Development Management (DM) service, including registering planning applications, validating submissions, and supporting planning officers in delivering a high-quality service.
Key Responsibilities
- Validate and register planning applications, ensuring fees and documentation meet national and local standards.
- Handle incoming correspondence and respond to public inquiries in a helpful and legally compliant manner.
- Maintain accurate records using planning and GIS systems.
- Support consultations and notifications to neighbours and statutory bodies.
- Assist with producing planning reports, agendas, and local newspaper notices.
- Support planning appeals and maintain enforcement and application databases.
- Perform administrative tasks such as scanning, printing, and linking documents.
- Conduct land charge and property history searches.
- Promote excellent customer service and contribute to continuous improvement.
Skills & Experience Required
- Minimum 1 year in a support or customer service role.
- 5 GCSEs (Grade 4/C or above) including English and Maths.
- Proficiency in MS Office and planning software; experience with GIS and mapping tools preferred.
- Knowledge of planning procedures, data protection, and basic finance (invoicing, fee reconciliation).
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage workload independently and meet tight deadlines.
Work Environment & Expectations
Hybrid work setup with performance-driven culture. Expected to work flexibly between 9am and 5pm. High emphasis on teamwork, accuracy, initiative, and customer care.
Contact Detail:
i-Jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Support Officer (Admin and Clerical)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local planning regulations and procedures. Understanding the specific requirements for planning applications in your area will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your customer service skills. Since the role involves handling public inquiries, showcasing your ability to communicate effectively and provide excellent service will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Gain a basic understanding of GIS and mapping tools. If you can show that you have some familiarity with these systems, it will highlight your readiness to take on the technical aspects of the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples of how you've managed workloads independently in previous roles. Being able to discuss specific instances where you've met tight deadlines will demonstrate your organisational skills and reliability.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Support Officer (Admin and Clerical)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in administrative and customer service roles. Emphasise any specific skills related to planning procedures, MS Office proficiency, and GIS software experience.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities of the Planning Support Officer role. Mention your ability to handle correspondence, maintain records, and support planning officers, showcasing your understanding of the position.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications, especially your GCSEs in English and Maths. If you have additional certifications or training related to planning or customer service, be sure to include those as well.
Showcase Communication Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with customers or colleagues in previous roles. This will demonstrate your strong interpersonal skills, which are crucial for this position.
How to prepare for a job interview at i-Jobs
✨Know Your Planning Procedures
Familiarise yourself with local and national planning procedures. Be prepared to discuss how you would validate and register planning applications, as well as your understanding of the relevant documentation and fees.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since the role involves handling public inquiries, be ready to share examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and ability to respond to inquiries in a helpful manner.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Proficiency
Make sure to mention your experience with MS Office and any planning software or GIS tools you've used. If you have specific examples of how you've utilised these tools to maintain accurate records or support planning processes, share them!
✨Emphasise Your Ability to Work Independently
The role requires managing workloads independently and meeting tight deadlines. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully managed your time and prioritised tasks in past positions, especially in a hybrid work environment.