Principal / Senior Conservation Officer in London

Good Growth is responsible for delivering and implementing the Mayor’s environment, transport and economic strategies and for the effective implementation of the London Plan. The Directorate is also responsible for regeneration, enterprise, growth, capital projects and design work.

The Design Unit promotes equality and inclusion in the built environment, as well as advocates for quality design in the sector, building on a long culture of design excellence within the GLA. The Design Unit is part of the Mayor’s Planning and Regeneration team which seeks to ensure growth in London is more equitable, maximising cultural, economic, social and environmental benefits for Londoners.

Working in partnership across the GLA group, London Boroughs and local organisations, we deliver exemplary programmes, projects, policies and knowledge-sharing to help ensure London can adapt to wide-ranging challenges including the climate emergency, equalities, representation and citizen engagement.

London has evolved over centuries into a rich network of distinctive streets, squares, markets, parks, workplaces, and homes. The built environment we see today, shaped by past generations, has deeply influenced how and where we live, work, and socialise. As a global city, London’s historic environment remains one of its greatest assets. With the city now entering another period of growth, we have an opportunity to guide this next phase while safeguarding the significance of its historic places.

The role will support the Head of Design Unit in the overall delivery of Good Growth principles in London’s built environment and positively support development that meets the needs of Londoners while celebrating London’s historic fabric.

• Provide expert advice on heritage, conservation and London’s historic built environment and support the development of related research, strategies, programmes and policies to promote world-class architecture, sustainable and inclusive design in London’s buildings, public spaces and urban fabric in line with Mayoral priorities.
• Provide heritage advice on a range of planning matters and contribute to the assessment of planning applications that are referred to the Mayor and work in collaboration with boroughs to deliver the ambitions of the London Plan.
• Proactively engage with London’s heritage and conservation community, across boroughs, professional bodies, and national organisations, to ensure the GLA remains well‑connected, informed, and able to champion best practice.
• Provide thought leadership on the role of London’s historic built fabric in supporting sustainable, inclusive and deliverable growth, by developing robust research, evidence and best practice.
• Work closely with the Design Unit, as well as colleagues across Planning, Regeneration and the wider GLA Group, to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to heritage and the historic environment.

As part of the work, you will:

• Provide heritage and conservation advice to GLA Development Management on referable applications across Pre-apps, Stages 1, 2 and 3, including acting as the GLA expert witness at Public Enquiries.
• Assist with developing heritage and conservation positions in Mayoral policies and strategies and engage with LPA draft Local Plans.
• Support GLA Group colleagues delivering development across the capital with regard to its impact on the historic context.
• Engage with the sector across organisations and public bodies striving to champion the historic environment.
• Maintain knowledge of regional, national or international initiatives and best practice in planning and regeneration.
• Ensure effective engagement and relationships with politicians, partners, stakeholders, landowners, statutory bodies, and local communities.
• Contribute to the clienting of consultants to deliver projects and research.
• Enable effective design review arrangements across London, and manage design (project) review on behalf of the GLA group.
• Lead on the representation of the Mayor’s planning and development policies to examinations in public, commissions and public inquiries.
• Manage and prepare briefings and reports for the Mayor, Assembly and other organisations on planning and land-use policy issues.
• Manage staff and resources allocated to the job in accordance with the Authority’s policies and Code of Ethics and Standards.
• Realise the benefits of London’s diversity by promoting and enabling equality of opportunities.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary, cross-department and cross-organisational groups and project teams.

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Knowledge of the built environment sector with experience of promoting inclusive, high quality and sustainable growth in London.
• Detailed knowledge and comprehensive understanding of national, regional and London strategic spatial planning issues, legal processes and policy trends.
• Experience of research and policy development.
• Experience of project development, management and project review.
• Qualification in town planning, architecture, urban design and relevant professional experience as a senior Conservation Officer.
• Good track record of giving high level professional advice on complex and/or sensitive issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work successfully with a range of internal and external stakeholders.

In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest-free season ticket loan, interest-free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme. GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role.

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements.

Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview.