Senior Planning Lawyer in Horsham

This is an advertisement for a vacancy at Peak District National Park Authority. LLG is advertising this vacancy on behalf of Peak District National Park Authority

Bakewell, Derbyshire

Fixed term for 1 year

The Role

As the body responsible for conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Peak District National Park, the work we undertake in the legal team is unique. In this role, you will be responsible for providing high-quality legal advice and representation in a wide variety of planning, environmental and minerals-related matters, all of which involve consideration of the special qualities of our protected landscape. In particular, you can expect to be undertaking S106 and associated Agreements, all methods of planning enforcement and litigation, and attending and advising at Planning Committee (meetings are held in daytime hours). This is a key role within our legal team working alongside experienced, forward-thinking colleagues, all of whom have the collective aim of preserving and protecting our National Park.

About You

We are seeking a fully qualified solicitor, barrister or CILEX with knowledge and experience of planning law and practice. You should have experience of providing accurate, solutions-focused legal advice, together with excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain positive stakeholder relationships. You will possess strong technical skills and be able to demonstrate exceptional organisation skills as well as high attention to detail and a strong practical approach to your workload.

Experience of working for a National Park is not essential; we welcome applications from all practice backgrounds and recognise the value, insight and breadth of knowledge that this brings. Similarly, whilst experience of advocacy and other specific elements of this role are desirable, if you have transferable skills and a willingness to learn, we will provide you with the training and mentoring to develop your skills, enabling you to excel in this role and progress your career.

About Us

Our legal team is highly regarded throughout the Authority as professional and reliable, delivering an excellent legal service, with every member of the team having a positive, "can-do" attitude and adopting a problem-solving approach to any challenge presented.

We have a positive and supportive culture within our legal team, sharing knowledge and best practices regularly. We are a true team, with the collective ambition of continuous improvement to provide an exemplar legal service to the Authority. Everyone is encouraged to share creative and innovative ideas to improve our team and the delivery of our legal service.

The Peak District National Park was the first of Britain’s 15 national parks and is still enjoyed by millions, looking for both adventure and a breathing space to escape. It is also the most accessible due to its proximity to four major cities of the UK and its 38,000 residents. We recognise the importance of our national park, and our job is to speak up and care for the Peak District National Park for all to enjoy forever.

Further Information

A job description and person specification are attached. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Angela Edwards. No agencies at this time please.

Benefits

We operate a hybrid working model and enjoy a healthy work-life balance.

• flexi-time
• high-quality defined benefit pension scheme
• 26-31 days' holiday
• plus Bank Holidays
• option to purchase more
• volunteering leave
• free parking at most of our offices

Please check out our Total Reward Brochure to see what else we offer.

Our Values

• Care – We care for the Peak District National Park, the people we work with and all those we serve. It's at the heart of everything we do.
• Enjoy – We take pride in what we do and feel good about our contribution.
• Pioneer – We were born of pioneers. We will continue to explore opportunities to inspire future generations.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Peak District National Park Authority is committed to equal opportunities. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us.

We are a Disability Confident employer and guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the essential criteria for the role.

If you are unable to apply online and require a Word version of the application form, please contact us.

You must have the right to work in the UK; we are unfortunately unable to offer sponsorship visas. Evidence of the right to work in the UK will be requested before appointment.