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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Help shape the future of Central Bedfordshire through innovative planning policies.
- Company: Join a leading Unitary Authority at the heart of national growth discussions.
- Benefits: Career progression, professional development, and a chance to influence local communities.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities to work closely with Councillors and developers.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting projects like the Oxford to Cambridge Corridor and Universal Studios resort.
- Qualifications: Master’s Degree in Planning or related field; experience in local authority planning preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Your Role
This is an exciting time for Central Bedfordshire. As one of the largest Unitary Authorities in the country, our unique geographical location means we are at the focus of national conversations around growth. The government has reintroduced the Oxford to Cambridge Corridor as a priority area for development and economic investment, which along with potentially significant investment in infrastructure, with schemes such as East-West Rail, has the potential to act as a great catalyst for future growth in Central Bedfordshire. We also have the new Universal Studios resort being delivered right on our doorstep and the prospect of a New Town at Tempsford.
Working within the Strategic Growth team, you will be responsible for helping to deliver the Council's statutory and non-statutory Planning functions including the creation of evidence-based policies and guidance. You will be involved in policy planning projects from conception to conclusion including supporting the commissioning and preparation of evidence for the Council to support the new Local Plan. The new Local Plan is in the early stages of development and will hopefully be one of the front-runners delivered under the new Planning Regulations. Now is a great time to be joining the team. You will be involved from the early stages right through to examination and adoption.
As a Planning Officer, you will be part of the Strategic Plan Partnership team within Strategic Growth, supporting Managers, Principal and Senior Officers as well as managing your own workload. Your ability to communicate effectively, work under pressure, prioritise and manage workloads to meet identified deadlines all to a high standard, is therefore essential. You will play a big part in helping to achieve the Council's priorities and objectives.
With both internal and external customers depending on your skills, you will find your greatness using your professional expertise in a strategic as well as local environment. You’ll work across the full range of Planning disciplines, and with a variety of customers, including Councillors and developers looking to you for specialist support and guidance, it’s vital that you understand and uphold best practice.
You will have a relevant Master’s Degree (or equivalent qualification), be a Member, or working towards becoming a member, of the Royal Town Planning Institute and have some relevant experience working in a forward planning environment within a local authority. With emerging political and commercial awareness, and good communication skills, you will have a desire for helping to influence others and working in partnership and be committed to evidence-based decision making.
There are excellent opportunities for career progression within Central Bedfordshire Council. We are a recognised RTPI Learning Partner, demonstrating our commitment to the training and development of our staff.
Planning Policy Officer in Oxford employer: Central Bedfordshire Council
Contact Detail:
Central Bedfordshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Policy Officer in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the planning field. Attend local events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for planning! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the projects happening in Central Bedfordshire. Talk about how you can contribute to the exciting developments like the Oxford to Cambridge Corridor and the new Universal Studios resort.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research the Council’s current policies and upcoming projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills and experience align with their goals, especially around evidence-based decision making and strategic growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in planning policy. So, get your application in and let’s shape the future together!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Policy Officer in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Planning Policy Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially your understanding of planning functions and evidence-based policies.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key in this role, give examples in your application of how you've successfully communicated with various stakeholders. Whether it’s Councillors or developers, show us you can engage with different audiences.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Planning: Let your enthusiasm for planning shine through! Share why you're excited about the opportunities in Central Bedfordshire, like the Oxford to Cambridge Corridor and the new Local Plan. We want to see your commitment to making a difference.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity within our Strategic Growth team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Central Bedfordshire Council
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on the latest planning policies and regulations, especially those relevant to Central Bedfordshire. Understanding the Oxford to Cambridge Corridor and its implications will show your genuine interest in the role and the area.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since effective communication is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex information to different stakeholders. Think about times when you’ve worked with Councillors or developers and how you navigated those conversations.
✨Demonstrate Your Project Management Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience managing planning projects from start to finish. Highlight specific projects where you’ve had to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines, as this will be crucial for the role within the Strategic Growth team.
✨Express Your Passion for Evidence-Based Decision Making
Prepare to talk about your commitment to evidence-based planning. Share examples of how you’ve used data and research to inform your decisions, and why you believe this approach is vital for successful policy development.