At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate planning breaches and ensure compliance with legislation to enhance Portsmouth's environment.
- Company: Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
- Benefits: Permanent role with opportunities for career growth and valuable city-based experience.
- Other info: Join us during an exciting transformation period as we evolve into a larger unitary authority.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Portsmouth while developing your skills in planning enforcement.
- Qualifications: Relevant planning or investigative qualification; senior role requires significant enforcement experience.
The predicted salary is between 38798 - 47420 £ per year.
We are looking for a Planning Officer Enforcement or a Senior Planning Officer Enforcement to join our service. This is a full time, permanent role based at the Civic Offices, here in Portsmouth. The Planning Service is a busy service committed to delivering regeneration within the City. Planning enforcement is the process of investigating and resolving possible breaches of planning law.
Your new role
You will play a key role in protecting and improving Portsmouth's built environment by investigating breaches of planning control and ensuring development across the city complies with planning legislation. Working as part of our Planning Enforcement team, you will manage a varied caseload of investigations, carry out site visits, gather evidence, engage with residents and developers, and help secure positive outcomes for communities. For more complex cases, you will use formal enforcement powers and work closely with Legal Services and other partners to achieve compliance. At Senior Planning Officer level, you will also take the lead on high-profile and complex cases, support colleagues and help shape the delivery of the enforcement service.
Who is the person
You will be an enthusiastic, resilient and customer-focused professional who enjoys problem solving and can confidently deal with a wide range of people and challenging situations. You will have excellent investigation, communication and organisational skills, a strong eye for detail and the ability to manage competing priorities. For the Planning Officer role, you will have a relevant planning, investigative or related qualification (or equivalent experience) and be keen to develop your expertise within planning enforcement. For the Senior Planning Officer role, you will bring significant planning enforcement experience, sound knowledge of relevant legislation and the confidence to lead on complex and sensitive cases, along with a degree in Planning, Investigations, Law or a related discipline. Experience of supporting or mentoring colleagues would be advantageous. Across both roles, you will be able to work independently and collaboratively, communicate effectively with residents, councillors and stakeholders, and demonstrate a commitment to delivering a high-quality public service. A full driving licence and access to a vehicle is required as you will be required to visit sites across the city.
Whether you're looking to build your career in planning enforcement or take the next step into a more senior role, this is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable city-based experience and help shape Portsmouth's future.
About Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
As part of Local Government Reorganisation, current plans will see Portsmouth City Council combine with the district and borough councils of Fareham, Gosport and Havant and parts of East Hampshire and Winchester district councils to form a new, larger unitary authority for south east Hampshire. We are working towards an implementation date of 1st April 2028, known as vesting day, subject to Parliamentary approval. Until then, we remain focused on maintaining continuity, supporting our workforce, and continuing to deliver excellent services to our residents throughout the transition to the new unitary authority. This is an exciting time to join us, offering the opportunity to contribute to organisational transformation, develop your career, and help shape future services for our communities.
We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be shortlisted. You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Planning Officer (Enforcement) / Senior Planning Officer (Enforcement) in Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. With a focus on employee growth, the council provides numerous training opportunities and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the public sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer (Enforcement) / Senior Planning Officer (Enforcement) in Portsmouth
✨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 Portsmouth City 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 Portsmouth City 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 Planning Officer (Enforcement) / Senior Planning Officer (Enforcement) in Portsmouth
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 Portsmouth City 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 Portsmouth City Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Portsmouth City 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 Portsmouth City Council.
