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- Tasks: Lead the development of planning policies and prepare evidence-based documents for Buckinghamshire's Local Plan.
- Company: Join Buckinghamshire Council, a dynamic organisation focused on positive change for local communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health initiatives, discounts, and a supportive career development environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Buckinghamshire's future while collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Must have a planning degree and RTPI membership or eligibility, plus strong interpersonal skills.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term contract until March 2028, with opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Senior Planning Policy Officer to join our team.
If you have significant experience of working within planning policy (including on local plans), can demonstrate the ability to work closely and collaboratively with a range of stakeholders and are able to support other staff, this could be the role for you.
By joining us as a Senior Planning Policy Officer at Buckinghamshire Council, not only will you be offered a competitive benefits package, you’ll also be part of a team committed to shaping the future of Buckinghamshire for generations to come, with great opportunities for personal career development.
About us
Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally.
Planning Policy sits within the newly formed Spatial Planning and Climate Resilience service, as part of our Planning, Growth and Sustainability directorate.
Our Planning, Growth and Sustainability directorate work with partners to help shape the future of Buckinghamshire. We deliver services on planning, economic growth, regeneration, strategic infrastructure, transport and property.
A key opportunity to shape the future is the new Buckinghamshire Local Plan that we are currently preparing, working across our different services and with our partners. We are active in supporting many towns and parish councils as they prepare neighbourhood plans, as well as ensuring we have high quality development monitoring information in place to underpin all we do.
About the role
As an experienced planning policy professional, you will take on key work areas in preparing the Local Plan for Buckinghamshire. This will entail working with others on the development of planning policies and in preparing evidence-based documents to support the development of the plan. You will also work on a range of other planning policy work and will be part of a team that delivers an efficient, high-quality, resilient and customer-focused service to the residents of Buckinghamshire.
We want to play to your strengths but also provide the opportunity for you to develop and broaden your skills and experience, and we will provide the right support to help you do that. As part of a larger team, you will benefit from working alongside colleagues with a wide range of experience across different topics.
As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can be from either home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week.
Any-Desk:
As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.
About you
You will have excellent interpersonal, persuasion, and negotiation skills with significant personal expertise and experience in Planning Policy, particularly in relation to local plans. You will be able to work collaboratively across teams and with partners. You will have a flexible approach to work, have good organisational skills and contribute positively in a team environment.
You will have a planning degree and full membership of RTPI (or be eligible for membership).
Other information
Location: Aylesbury Gateway or Wycombe offices
This is a Fixed-term contract/Secondment opportunity until March 2028.
For information about this role in more detail, please contact Nina Merritt at [emailprotected]
This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:
- All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions
We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.
Our values and culture
We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.
By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:
- a fair and inclusive culture
- the chance to really make a difference to those around you
- health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
- a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
- ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
- opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events
At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.
From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.
We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.
About the Business Unit
Our Planning, Growth and Sustainability directorate works with partners to help shape the future of Buckinghamshire. We deliver services on planning, economic growth, regeneration, strategic infrastructure, transport and property.
Our key priorities include developing the economic narrative for Bucks, creating more jobs and delivering the right infrastructure to help businesses and residents thrive. We also aim to provide a proactive planning service that is responsive, whilst making the best use of the Council’s land and property portfolio. This will in turn support community services and create housing, jobs, regeneration and income to support public services.
It’s a great time to join one of our teams. As part of the Planning, Growth and Sustainability function you will not only get to help shape the economic future of Buckinghamshire; you’ll also be involved in delivering high-profile development projects and work on some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the UK. You will support us to deliver the results that our local residents and businesses deserve.
We recognise and reward you
Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.
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Senior Planning Policy Officer employer: Buckinghamshire Council
Contact Detail:
Buckinghamshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Policy Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the planning policy field, especially those who have experience with local plans. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet potential colleagues and stakeholders, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Buckinghamshire's current planning policies and the ongoing development of the Local Plan. Understanding the local context will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your collaborative experiences in previous roles. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully worked with diverse stakeholders, as this is a key requirement for the Senior Planning Policy Officer position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your flexibility and adaptability in your discussions. The role requires a dynamic approach to work, so be ready to share instances where you've successfully navigated changing priorities or worked in different environments.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Policy Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your significant experience in planning policy, particularly with local plans. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders and support other staff.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for shaping the future of Buckinghamshire. Mention how your skills align with the role and the values of Buckinghamshire Council, such as being proud, ambitious, collaborative, and trustworthy.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your interpersonal, persuasion, and negotiation skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked across teams and with partners in previous roles.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Buckinghamshire Council
✨Showcase Your Planning Policy Experience
Make sure to highlight your significant experience in planning policy, especially regarding local plans. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on and the outcomes achieved, as this will demonstrate your expertise and suitability for the role.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
Since the role requires working closely with various stakeholders, be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them through teamwork and negotiation.
✨Understand Buckinghamshire Council's Values
Familiarise yourself with the council's values: Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative, and Trustworthy. During the interview, try to align your answers with these values, showing that you are a good cultural fit for the organisation.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Have thoughtful questions ready about the role and the council's future projects, particularly the new Local Plan. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
