At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate planning concerns and manage a varied caseload to ensure compliance with legislation.
- Company: Join Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, dedicated to building vibrant communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, competitive pension, wellbeing support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic roles with excellent training and progression opportunities in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while advancing your career in planning enforcement.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree or equivalent experience in planning enforcement required.
The predicted salary is between 32578 - 37563 £ per year.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
Address: Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX
Salary: £32,578 - £37,563 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week
Contract: 1x Permanent and 1x Fixed Term or Secondment opportunity for 2 years
Both roles are open to full time, part time, and job share applications, all of which will be assessed equally.
Join our team
We are looking for Planning Enforcement Officers to join our Planning Enforcement team. If you share our values and you are motivated to make a difference for our residents, clients, and communities, we would love to hear from you.
About the roles
Kick-start or advance your career in Planning Enforcement with a role that offers excellent training, professional development and genuine opportunities to progress. As part of our team, you will manage a varied and rewarding caseload, investigating planning concerns, carrying out site inspections and assessing developments to identify potential breaches of planning legislation. You will work closely with residents, businesses and developers, providing clear advice and guidance on the most appropriate course of action to resolve a breach, and when necessary, draft enforcement notices, gather evidence and support legal proceedings. These are proactive and people-focused roles where you will be encouraged to seek practical, proportionate solutions at the earliest opportunity, including involvement in the pre-application service and through mediation with communities to resolve issues outside direct legislative control where necessary. These are career grade positions, offering structured training, mentoring and ongoing professional development. Whether you are looking to build your expertise in planning enforcement or take the next step in your career, you will benefit from clear progression opportunities and the support needed to reach your full potential.
About you
You will hold a relevant degree or a Certificate in Planning Enforcement or be able to demonstrate equivalent experience and transferable skills. You will have a sound understanding of planning legislation and enforcement practice, with a desire to further develop your technical expertise through ongoing training and professional development. Experience or knowledge of legislation relating to the protection and conservation of listed buildings would be an advantage, although support and development will be available for the right candidate. You will be a confident communicator with strong investigative, negotiation and report-writing skills, able to engage positively with residents, businesses, developers and other stakeholders. We are looking for someone who can take ownership of their work, exercise sound judgement and work effectively both independently and as part of a supportive team. Excellent customer service skills are essential, along with the ability to approach challenging situations professionally, pragmatically and with a solutions-focused mindset. These roles offer the opportunity to manage a diverse caseload across a varied and attractive rural district, requiring regular site visits. You will need to hold a full current driving licence and have access to a vehicle.
About us
At Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils we are passionate about building communities that people want to live, work, visit and invest in. We serve around 200,000 residents across our two districts and are well known for our collaboration and partnership working across public, private and voluntary sectors. We believe that the heart of Suffolk is an incredibly special place to live and work, with:
- 60 conservation areas
- two National Landscapes
- many picturesque market towns
It is no surprise we are ranked among the top 50 places to live in the UK.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Generous leave entitlement (26 days a year, rising to 31 days after 5 years).
- Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Wellbeing Support and Employee Assistance Programs.
- Private Health Care Options.
- Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
- Paid volunteering days.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (Business needs permitting).
- Great learning and development opportunities.
Our ways of working
We believe work is what we do, not just where we go. We work in a hybrid way, with a mix of office, home, and remote based working (Business need permitting). Our hybrid working arrangements support flexibility and collaboration, helping our teams to thrive. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, providing opportunity and ambition for all, supporting and enabling our people to deliver the best possible services for our residents.
For an informal discussion about these roles, please contact Simon Bailey.
Please read the Job Description and Person Specification before applying for these job opportunities.
Closing date: 5.00pm, 25 November 2026.
How to apply
Please ensure your application form is fully completed, including employment and education history. Your supporting statement should clearly address how you meet the criteria in the Person Specification.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
Planning Enforcement Officers, Ipswich in Bramford employer: Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises community impact and employee wellbeing. With generous leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to professional development, employees can thrive in a collaborative environment while making a meaningful difference in the lives of residents across the picturesque heart of Suffolk.
Contact Details:
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Enforcement Officers, Ipswich in Bramford
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Enforcement Officers, Ipswich in Bramford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils.
