At a Glance
- Tasks: Validate planning applications and maintain accurate records for a busy Local Authority.
- Company: Join a dynamic Local Authority with a focus on community development.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, hybrid working, and flexible hours.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while honing your organisational skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in validation or planning administration with strong attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
- Validation Officer
- Local Authority | Hybrid Working | 6-Month Contract | Competitive Hourly Rate
A Local Authority is seeking an experienced Validation Officer to support a busy Planning Administration service by ensuring applications, submissions, and records are processed accurately and efficiently.
This role is ideally suited to a highly organised professional with excellent attention to detail who can manage a varied workload while ensuring applications are validated in accordance with relevant requirements and procedures.
The Opportunity
Reporting into the relevant Service Manager, you will be responsible for validating planning and related applications, maintaining accurate records, and supporting the smooth operation of the administrative function.
You will play a key role in ensuring applications are registered correctly, information is complete, and service standards are maintained.
Key Responsibilities
- Validate planning and related applications against statutory and local requirements
- Review submissions to ensure all required documentation has been provided
- Liaise with applicants, agents, and stakeholders regarding validation requirements
- Maintain accurate records within the Council's planning systems
- Monitor application workflows and assist with progressing cases
- Support performance monitoring and reporting requirements
- Respond to customer enquiries and administrative requests
- Maintain high standards of data quality and record management
- Support wider administrative and service improvement initiatives
- Candidate Requirements
- Previous experience in a validation, planning administration, or local authority environment
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Experience working with planning or case management systems
- Excellent organisational and time management skills
- Ability to work to deadlines and manage competing priorities
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
- Experience using DEF systems would be advantageous
- Working Arrangements
- 6-month contract
- Full-time hours
- Hybrid working arrangement
- Flexible working pattern available
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Validation Officer in England
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Validation Officer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oyster
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Oyster.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Oyster that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
