At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate planning applications and influence outcomes for London's green spaces.
- Company: Join CPRE London, a charity dedicated to protecting the environment.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and a reference for future opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working with a commitment of 7-10 hours per week.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on London's environment while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of planning issues and strong communication skills required.
Opportunity to use your expertise and knowledge of the planning system, sound grasp of related procedures and a keen interest in the environment. At CPRE London you will help us protect and improve access to London’s green spaces, inform and support many worthy campaigns.
Your expertise will enable the team to support and inform campaign strategy, advise local groups and help steer campaigners to achieve successful outcomes.
What are we looking for?
- An eye for detail and an interest in investigative work
- Knowledge of planning and environmental issues is essential
- Previous experience in the planning sector
- Good local knowledge of one of these London boroughs would be useful: Barking & Dagenham, Redbridge, Newham, Haringey, Enfield, Harrow, Hillingdon, Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham, Wandsworth, Lambeth, Hackney, Camden, Brent, Ealing, Hounslow, Merton, Sutton, Croydon, City of London, Lewisham, Greenwich, Bexley, Havering
- A willingness to visit the local planning office and proposed development sites
- Able to carry out tasks independently and as part of a team
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Access to a computer and the internet at home and be comfortable using them
Benefits Of The Role
- Use your skills and experience to contribute to the success of our charity and make a positive impact on London’s environment
- Meet like-minded people and enjoy being part of a team
- We’ll support you to develop in your volunteering role and provide you with relevant training
- We’ll give you a reference for your future work or volunteering; enhance your CV by developing new skills and gaining valuable experience
- Get involved with social events and workshops on a local and national level, including the annual CPRE conference
- The opportunity to attend a volunteer induction day at CPRE’s national office in London or a regional centre
- We are happy to provide out-of-pocket travel expenses
Hybrid working with occasional attendance at meetings. As a Planning Volunteer for CPRE, use your investigative skills on planning applications which affect Londoners’ access to green spaces and help us influence positive, environmentally friendly outcomes. You’ll also have the opportunity to contribute to national consultations and policy development. The role asks for 7-10 hours commitment per week and you are accountable to the CPRE London Operations Director. Our team will provide you with training and support to develop in your role. CPRE London is dedicated to greening the city, sharing countryside’s beauty, tranquility, and accessibility. Volunteer with us to aid London in becoming carbon‑neutral by 2030, boosting biodiversity, and enhancing life for wildlife and residents.
What Will You Be Doing
- Investigating planning applications with an impact on London’s green spaces
- Preparing and submitting responses to influence the outcome of planning applications and appeals
- Visiting the local planning offices and proposed development sites to look at plans and record details
- Liaising with parish and district councils and other conservation bodies
- Seeking to influence local and neighbourhood plans
- Building relationships with local organisations to influence their management plans
- Liaising with the planning team and policy committee at National CPRE to contribute to consultations and policy development
- Proactively investigating the planning designation of green spaces in your local area to find out whether there is scope to strengthen these in order to better protect these sites for future generations
Senior Planning Volunteer - Volunteer employer: CPRE London
At CPRE London, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the contributions of our volunteers in making a tangible difference to the environment. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, providing opportunities for training and skill development while engaging with like-minded individuals passionate about protecting London's green spaces. With flexible hybrid working arrangements and a commitment to enhancing your CV through meaningful experiences, volunteering with us is not just a role; it's a chance to be part of a vital mission towards a greener future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Volunteer - Volunteer
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Projects
Join local organisations or community groups that focus on environmental sustainability. Whether it's clean-up drives, tree planting, or recycling initiatives, these hands-on experiences not only build your skills but also help you make connections in the environmental engineering tech field.
✨Utilise Online Platforms for Volunteering
Websites like VolunteerMatch or Idealist often list volunteer opportunities related to environmental initiatives. Set up alerts for roles that pique your interest and make sure you apply quickly – these positions can fill up fast and can lead to great networking opportunities!
✨Attend Environmental Tech Conferences
Keep an eye out for local or regional environmental tech conferences and workshops. These events are goldmines for networking; not only can you meet like-minded volunteers, but you can also chat with professionals in the industry who might be looking for passionate volunteers like you.
✨Showcase Your Passion Online
Create a public portfolio or blog to document your volunteer experiences and projects. Share insights about environmental engineering tech, highlight the work you've done, and connect with others in the field through social media – this visibility can help catch the attention of companies like CPRE London when they’re looking for passionate volunteers.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Volunteer - Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Environment:When applying for a volunteering role in environmental engineering tech, make sure your application reflects your commitment to sustainability and environmental issues. Share any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your passion—whether it's through coursework, personal projects, or even community initiatives.
Highlight Technical Skills and Relevant Coursework:Specific skills in software and modelling tools like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or GIS are highly valuable in this field. Be sure to showcase these skills prominently in your CV and relate them back to previous experiences or courses. This will help us see how you can contribute to our projects at CPRE London.
Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:Volunteering roles often require collaboration with others, so don’t forget to mention any group projects or teamwork experiences in your application. Highlighting how you've worked alongside others to tackle environmental issues will strengthen your application and show us that you're a great fit for CPRE London.
Use Your Cover Letter to Express Your Motivations:Your cover letter is a fantastic opportunity to express why you want to volunteer specifically with CPRE London. Share what excites you about the role and how you hope to learn and grow through this experience. This helps us see the personal connection you have to our mission!
How to prepare for a job interview at CPRE London
✨Showcase Your Passion for the Planet
When applying for a volunteer role in environmental engineering, it’s all about showing your genuine passion for the environment. Share any personal projects, community initiatives, or relevant coursework you've been involved in. This demonstrates not just your commitment, but also illustrates how you align with the values of CPRE London.
✨Brush Up on the Latest Environmental Tech
Be prepared to discuss the latest tools and technologies in environmental engineering, like GIS software or modelling techniques. Familiarise yourself with the innovations that CPRE London might be working on, as it shows you're not just aware but actively engaged in the field.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate problem-solving skills related to real-world environmental issues. Practising how you would approach a pollution cleanup or resource management challenge will give you an edge, showing you can think critically and practically in line with what CPRE London does.
✨Highlight Your Team Spirit
As a volunteer, collaboration is key. Be ready to discuss your experiences working in teams, particularly in projects related to sustainability or community service. Sharing specific examples will help illustrate how you can contribute to the team dynamic at CPRE London.
