At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Planning Policy Team to work on exciting local projects in Gloucester.
- Company: Gloucester City Council is a dynamic local authority focused on community services and sustainable growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to employee support programmes.
- Why this job: Perfect for recent graduates seeking to develop planning skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational and communication skills; proficiency in technology and planning systems required.
- Other info: Opportunities for career development and participation in diverse employee networks.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
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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
Come and work for a rewarding organisation, joining our friendly, and supportive Planning Policy Team to work on our new local plan.
Gloucester is a historic and regenerating city with a significant growth needs be meet the needs of our communities and you will have the opportunity to work on varied and interesting projects.
Gloucester City Council works in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council on its new local plan, called the ‘Strategic and Local Plan’. The SLP will set the planning framework for the next 15 – 20 years, provide a strategy to deliver new homes and jobs in a sustainable way, supporting regeneration, and protecting our special historic and natural environment.
You will work closely with a wide variety of different people, including policy planners, development management officers, heritage officers and regeneration officers.
This role is perfect for somebody who has recently graduated university, or early on in their career, looking for an exciting new opportunity to develop a wide range of planning skills.
What we need from you
You will get to work as part of a small and friendly team at Gloucester City Council, as well as a much wider team through the SLP.
You will need to demonstrate strong organisational and communication skills. Attention to detail is essential in order to ensure robust and accurate evidence and research to support plan-making. You will be able to present complex information in an accessible way with great report writing skills.
The role requires you to 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 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after 5 years continuous service
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)
Employee discount scheme
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.
How to apply
If you feel you have the skills, desire, relevant experience and passion to help deliver our ambitious plans for the city then please submit your application and personal statement today by clicking the “Apply Now” Button.
Short-listed candidates will be contacted by e-mail and invited to interview week commencing 01/09/2025.
Additional Information
To access the Job Profile, please follow the link below:-
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.
The council is not currently able to offer sponsorship in this role. Candidates will need to have 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.
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.
Further information on our commitment to Equality and Diversity can be found
If you wish to apply for this position on a secondment basis, please obtain approval from your current line manager that you may be released on a secondment before submitting an application form.
It is a legal requirement, under the Immigration Act 2016, that anyone appointed to a \’customer facing role\’ must be able to demonstrate an ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in fluent English.
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Planning Officer (Policy) employer: Gloucestershire County Council
Contact Detail:
Gloucestershire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer (Policy)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Gloucester's local planning policies and the Strategic and Local Plan. Understanding the specific challenges and opportunities in the area will help you engage more effectively during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the planning field, especially those who have experience working with local authorities. Attend relevant events or webinars to build connections that could provide insights or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your organisational and communication skills in detail. Think of examples from your academic or work experience where you successfully managed projects or collaborated with diverse teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your proficiency with technology by being ready to discuss any relevant software or tools you've used in your studies or previous roles. This will demonstrate your readiness to adapt to the technological demands of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer (Policy)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and skills required for the Planning Officer (Policy) position. Tailor your application to highlight how your background aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Your personal statement should reflect your passion for planning and your understanding of Gloucester's needs. Use specific examples from your education or experience that demonstrate your organisational and communication skills, as well as your attention to detail.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have any relevant internships, projects, or coursework, make sure to include them in your CV. Emphasise experiences that showcase your ability to work collaboratively and your proficiency with technology in planning contexts.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role. Consider asking a friend or mentor to review it as well.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gloucestershire County Council
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of a Planning Officer. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the role, especially in areas like report writing and communication.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since strong organisational skills are essential for this position, think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Be ready to explain how you prioritise and stay organised in a dynamic work environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of the Planning System
Familiarise yourself with the planning system and current issues affecting local authorities. Being able to discuss relevant policies or recent developments in planning will show your enthusiasm and preparedness for the role.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions about the team, the local plan, and the council's vision for Gloucester. This not only shows your interest but also helps you determine if the role is the right fit for you.