At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of impactful planning and transport policies for Halton.
- Company: Join a vibrant local authority committed to community growth and improvement.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in Planning & Transport Policy with an RTPI accredited degree.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
37 hours per week
Our Story: Halton is a vibrant local authority with a rich history and heritage, featuring three iconic bridges that connect communities across the River Mersey. Located in Cheshire, Halton boasts excellent transport links between Liverpool and Manchester, as well as close proximity to both Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester Airports. Our progressive community strategy aims to bring about meaningful, long-term improvements that enhance lives. It’s an exciting time to join us as we develop new policies and transform the way people access services. We are immensely proud that when asked what’s great about working for Halton, the most popular response from our workforce has been ‘our colleagues’.
Our Team: Halton are looking for a motivated Lead Officer – for Planning & Transport Policy to join its Forward Planning team. Halton adopted its ambitious Local Plan in 2022 which provides a platform for future generations to live, work and visit, and it’s about to embark on its journey to develop its next Local Plan. We are looking for an experienced Principal Planning Policy Officer who is ready to take the next step to become Halton’s Lead Planning and Transport Policy Officer. We would expect you to have a minimum of 6 years Planning & Transport Policy experience, hold a RTPI accredited degree and demonstrable experience of leading key planning policy to develop Local Plan Policies that will directly contribute to the growth and development of the Borough.
Your Contributions:
- Leading on Local Plan making in accordance with NPPF guidance
- Commissioning/Reviewing Evidence Base for Local Plan
- Writing & Presenting Reports to various boards/audiences
- Providing comprehensive Planning Policy responses
- Leading Public Consultation
- Experience of presenting /leading at an Examination in Public
Our Offer:
- A generous annual holiday allowance starting at 34 days per year (including bank holidays), increasing with long service with the option to purchase an additional four-days of unpaid leave for our Annual Christmas Closedown
- Membership of our defined benefit, salary-linked Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with generous employer contributions
- 3 x Salary Life Cover via Local Government Pension Scheme
- Investment in your personal development
- Free Car Parking at HBC sites
- Flexible working arrangements (currently 60/40 office/home)
- Extensive employee benefits platform including discounted shopping, car leasing, gym memberships, wellbeing hub and Employee Assistance Programme
Next Steps: Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 28th September 2026. At Halton Borough Council we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce and a vital part of this is to encourage diversity in all respects. We are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and tailored to best suit the needs and strength of the individual. This includes making adjustments for people with a disability, neurodiversity or with long-term health conditions. If you require accommodations, please reach out during the recruitment process so that we can make this the best possible experience for you – resourcing@halton.gov.uk. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applications. We look forward to receiving your application!
Lead Officer Planning and Transport Strategy in Widnes employer: Halton Borough Council
Halton Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the families they serve. With competitive pay and the flexibility of hybrid working, social workers have the opportunity to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community. The council is committed to fostering employee development, ensuring that staff are equipped with the skills and resources needed to thrive in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Officer Planning and Transport Strategy in Widnes
✨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 Halton Borough 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 Halton Borough 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 Lead Officer Planning and Transport Strategy in Widnes
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 Halton Borough 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 Halton Borough Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Halton Borough 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 Halton Borough Council.
