Planning Enforcement Officer

Planning Enforcement Officer

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
G

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Investigate planning complaints and tackle diverse enforcement cases in Gloucester.
  • Company: Dynamic local authority committed to improving community services.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, training opportunities, and supportive environment.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team with excellent career growth and community involvement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on Gloucester's heritage and regeneration projects.
  • Qualifications: Strong communication skills and understanding of planning regulations required.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

We are a dynamic local authority providing essential services to the people of Gloucester. Our main office, based in the Eastgate Centre on Eastgate Street in the heart of the city, is an accessible, modern and light space designed for collaborative working and finding new ways to work. It's all open plan, with a living green wall and other plants without set desks, so you can sit next to someone new every day. We're always looking to improve how we work, and we offer flexible and agile working to give our people a great work life balance.

About the role

Do you want to come and work in a friendly, multi-skilled enforcement and regulation service dedicated to tackling a diverse range of planning enforcement cases by finding innovative solutions to the challenges impacting Gloucester? The post offers an exciting opportunity to come into a busy team facing a wide array of challenging cases and interesting projects. You will be responsible for working in a flexible and adaptable way with a ‘can-do’ attitude investigating planning complaints. Gloucester is a historic city with a strong heritage and conservation legacy but one that is also delivering significant regeneration ensuring an interesting and varied caseload. You will work closely with our Conservation Officers and colleagues in the enforcement and regulation service. You will also provide advice to the general public, developers, applicants and other council services. This role is perfect for a planning officer with an enforcement background with a strong understanding of the planning and regulatory framework who wants to develop their experience working in an historic city environment, or a Conservation Officer, or other professional looking to move into an enforcement role.

What we need from you

  • You will have excellent organisational, communication, negotiation and mediation skills working with a diverse range of stakeholders focusing on delivering the aims of the role and organisation.
  • Attention to detail is essential in order to undertake investigations, process enquiries and manage complex enforcement cases accurately and effectively.
  • You must be committed to upholding the planning system and be enthusiastic about protecting our city and its historic environment from unlawful developments.
  • Candidates must want to get the best outcomes from their cases to ensure Gloucester can develop in a sustainable way that makes our resident’s lives better.
  • You will need to be able to work effectively with our Planners, Conservation Officers, and other internal consultees, as well as councillors, our legal team, and the general public.
  • You will be able to present complex information in an accessible way with great report writing skills.
  • The role requires you to have a driver’s licence and be proficient in the use of technology and have a good overview of the planning system.

What we can do for you

  • Flexible working opportunities
  • Generous Annual Leave entitlement 30 days annual leave. An option to purchase 10 days of additional leave per year (pro rata for part-time staff)
  • 2 days paid leave every year to participate in local volunteering activities
  • Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) & Life Cover of 3 times your salary
  • Regular training, career development and qualification opportunities
  • Supportive and positive working environment with regular, robust supervision
  • Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that provides free, confidential counselling and advice for employees, available 24 hours a day, online and by telephone, and in an in-house Occupational Health service
  • Enhanced family friendly leave and pay
  • Cycle to Work scheme (Salary Sacrifice - T & C apply)
  • Discounted tickets for local events, and reduced rate use of GL1 facilities
  • Free Flu-jabs
  • Access to employee led networks such as Black Worker's, Prism (LGBT+), Carers, Disability and the Young Employees Network, and opportunities to participate in our Equalities Working Group.

Additional Information

Applications from council employees who are currently on the redeployment register or at risk of redundancy will be considered first at shortlisting stage. The council is not currently able to offer sponsorship in this role. Candidates will need to have the right to work that enables them to commit to at least 6 months employment. Right to work is not transferable from a sponsored role held with another employer. Gloucester City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people or vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Equality and Diversity

We recognise the positive value of equality and diversity and pride ourselves on growing a high-performing workforce that is diverse, skilled and talented; that represents the community it serves. We aim to recruit a diverse pool of talent and will recruit the person who is most suited to the job without regard to their race, colour, religion or belief, age, nationality, ethnicity, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, caring responsibilities or disability. We are a disability confident employer committed to removing barriers to employment to those with disabilities or long-term health conditions. Reasonable adjustments will be made to the recruitment procedure to ensure that no-one is disadvantaged because of their disability. Please contact the recruitment team if you require support or reasonable adjustments during the application or recruitment process recruitment@gloucestershire.gov.uk.

Planning Enforcement Officer employer: Gloucestershire County Council

As a dynamic local authority, Gloucester City Council offers an exceptional work environment in the heart of the city, featuring modern, collaborative spaces that promote flexibility and a healthy work-life balance. Employees benefit from generous annual leave, career development opportunities, and a supportive culture that values diversity and community engagement, making it an ideal place for those passionate about planning enforcement and contributing to the city's sustainable growth.

G

Contact Details:

Gloucestershire County Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Planning Enforcement Officer

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 Gloucestershire County Council, 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 Gloucestershire County Council 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 Officer

Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Negotiation Skills
Mediation Skills
Attention to Detail
Investigative Skills
Report Writing Skills

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 Gloucestershire County Council 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 Gloucestershire County Council

Get to Know Public Sector Values

Before your interview with Gloucestershire County Council, 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 Gloucestershire County Council.