Specialist Planning and Health Officer in Chelmsford

This is a fixed-term contract or secondment opportunity to March 2028. This is a hybrid‑working role, with a requirement to work at the functional work location on average 1 day per week, depending on business need.

The Specialist Planning and Health Officer provides advice and subject‑matter knowledge at the interface of spatial planning and public health. The role supports the development and delivery of strategy, policy and projects across the Planning and Public Health Programme, working collaboratively with senior colleagues and partners to plan and deliver activities to a high standard.

Responsibilities

• Support the Strategic Planning and Health Lead on key focus areas in the Programme.
• Provide public health advice to inform policy, strategy and decision‑making across the council and with partners.
• Integrate health and wellbeing into spatial planning frameworks, strategies and major developments.
• Develop and promote guidance, evidence and best practice to embed a “Health in All Policies” approach.
• Support health impact assessments against ECC guidance and the Essex Healthy Places Guidance, and ensure quality assurance of these assessments.
• Build and sustain effective relationships and capacity across public health, planning and partner organisations.
• Support governance, advisory and evaluation activities to ensure the Programme delivers measurable outcomes.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Strong knowledge of the UK planning system and public health strategies, including the wider determinants of health.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and produce clear evidence‑based reports.
• Proven ability to build relationships and influence a broad range of internal and external partners.
• Experience working in a political environment, engaging with members and senior officers across the council and partner agencies.
• Capacity to plan and prioritise a varied workload, meet deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams in complex multi‑agency environments.
• Track record of successfully delivering projects or programmes of significant complexity.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) and the ability to negotiate and use diplomacy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant IT tools.
• Independent, proactive problem‑solving and team collaboration skills.

Essential Education & Qualifications

• Degree level education in spatial planning, public health, environmental health or a related field, with ongoing professional development.
• Expert knowledge and experience in relevant professional area.
• Knowledge of Health Impact Assessments and integration with Environmental Impact Assessments.

Desirable Education & Qualifications

• Master’s level (MSc in Public Health/Planning or equivalent).
• UKPHR Registered/FPH or RTPI Chartered or membership of a relevant professional body.

Mobility Requirement

The role requires the holder to be mobile across an operational area, including a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or alternative means to meet mobility requirements.

EEO Statement

Essex County Council is a Disability Confident Leader and will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements of the role under the Job Interview Scheme. We also interview veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Other Information

As part of employment with Essex County Council, if a DBS check is required, the employee will be required to register with the DBS update service.