Senior Planning Policy Officer / Planning Policy Officer
Senior Planning Policy Officer / Planning Policy Officer

Senior Planning Policy Officer / Planning Policy Officer

Cleethorpes Full-Time 29000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our Planning Policy team to shape community development through research and policy creation.
  • Company: Portsmouth City Council is dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salaries, and opportunities for professional development.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in urban planning while collaborating with passionate professionals.
  • Qualifications: Master's or degree in Town and Country Planning; experience in planning policy is a plus.
  • Other info: Indicate your preferred role in your application and showcase your skills.

The predicted salary is between 29000 - 42000 £ per year.

Senior Planning Policy Officer

Salary:Band 8 £35,235, – £37,937 plus a market supplement of £4,373 per annum

Planning Policy Officer

Salary:Band 7 £31,067 – £35,235 plus a market supplement of £3,113 per annum..

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our Planning Policy team—either as a Senior Planning Policy Officer or as a Planning Policy Officer. Both roles offer the opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of our communities through effective planning and policy development.

What is the role?

The Senior Planning Policy Officer plays a strategic role in shaping the future development of the city. This position involves research and analysis to support preparation of the Local Plan and other key planning documents. The senior officer conducts in-depth research and analysis, responds to changes in planning legislation, and leads public consultations. They work closely with colleagues, council services, and elected Members, and represent the Council at planning meetings, sub-regional groups, and public inquiries. Additionally, they provide guidance to other officers and contribute flexibly across the planning department, including supporting Development Management when necessary.

In contrast, the Planning Policy Officer supports the senior officer by assisting in the preparation and review of planning policy documents and monitoring development in the City. This includes compiling statistics for reports, conducting research, and helping to deliver public consultations. The officer liaises with internal teams and external partners, represents the Council at planning events, and helps prepare evidence for public inquiries. While the role is more supportive in nature, it also requires flexibility and a willingness to contribute across different areas of the planning department.

Who is the person?

As the Senior Planning Policy Officer you will be educated to Master\’s level in Town and Country Planning or an equivalent qualification, with post-qualification experience in planning policy. You will bring an understanding of sustainable development and nature conservation, ideally with experience in habitats regulation assessment, although not essential. You will have experience in community consultation and participation, excellent research and analytical skills, and a sound knowledge of current planning legislation and procedures. You will have strong communication and interpersonal skills, along with project management experience and the ability to manage your own workload effectively. As a collaborative team player, you will be committed to maintaining up-to-date professional knowledge and continuous development.

As the Planning Policy Officer you will be educated to degree level in Town and Country Planning or an equivalent field. While experience in planning policy and community consultation is desirable, it is not essential, but you should have a good understanding of planning legislation and procedures. You will be capable of conducting research and analysis and be able to summarise outcomes with clarity and accuracy. You will have good communication skills and the ability to build partnerships with other organisations. You will be able to manage your own workload and contribute effectively within a team. You will be willing to maintain up to date professional knowledge together with the training and development needs of the role.

Please also download the job profiles below for full details of both roles.

Please indicate in your personal statement which of the two roles you wish to apply for and tailor your personal statement accordingly.

Interviews will be held week commencing 11th August 2025

Our recruitment process

Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants\’ page: Support for applicants – Careers portal

We offer hybrid working with the expectation to attend the office 2 days a week (pro rata for part time) depending on the role and business needs.

When completing your application you will be required to complete a personal statement. You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the \’Who is the Person\’ points on the Job Profile. Please give examples of your experience and any transferrable skills. This is your opportunity to showcase yourself and your achievements. Please also remember to state which job you are applying for.

We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion – Careers portal. We are committed to offering an interview to all those candidates that qualify under one of our commitments and meet the minimum criteria, however for roles that receive a large number of applications, this is not always possible, and we will select the candidates that best meet the minimum criteria

We look forward to speaking with you soon.

About Portsmouth City Council

What we can offer you:

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.

Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our careers portal homepage: Careers Portal – Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council

Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk. or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616800

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Senior Planning Policy Officer / Planning Policy Officer employer: Portsmouth City Council

Portsmouth City Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the development of its employees while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. With a commitment to hybrid working, generous benefits, and opportunities for professional growth, staff can contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of the community in a vibrant coastal city. The Council's dedication to equality, diversity, and inclusion ensures that all voices are heard and valued, making it a rewarding place to work.
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Contact Detail:

Portsmouth City Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Policy Officer / Planning Policy Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest planning legislation and policies relevant to Portsmouth. This will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in the field.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the planning sector, especially those who have experience with local councils. Attend relevant events or webinars to build connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare specific examples of your past experiences that align with the responsibilities of the role you're applying for. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed projects or conducted community consultations.

✨Tip Number 4

Research Portsmouth City Council's current planning initiatives and challenges. Being knowledgeable about their ongoing projects will allow you to engage meaningfully during interviews and show your genuine interest in contributing to their goals.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Policy Officer / Planning Policy Officer

Master's degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent qualification
Post-qualification experience in planning policy
Understanding of sustainable development and nature conservation
Experience in habitats regulation assessment (desirable)
Community consultation and participation skills
Excellent research and analytical skills
Sound knowledge of current planning legislation and procedures
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Project management experience
Ability to manage workload effectively
Collaborative team player
Commitment to continuous professional development
Degree level education in Town and Country Planning or equivalent field (for Planning Policy Officer)
Good understanding of planning legislation and procedures (for Planning Policy Officer)
Ability to summarise research outcomes with clarity and accuracy (for Planning Policy Officer)
Partnership building skills with other organisations (for Planning Policy Officer)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Personal Statement: Make sure to clearly indicate which role you are applying for—either Senior Planning Policy Officer or Planning Policy Officer. Tailor your personal statement to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific requirements outlined in the job description.

Demonstrate Relevant Experience: In your personal statement, provide concrete examples of your experience that relate to the 'Who is the Person' section. Discuss your educational background, any relevant qualifications, and specific projects or roles where you've demonstrated the necessary skills.

Showcase Your Skills: Highlight your research and analytical skills, as well as your understanding of planning legislation and procedures. Use specific instances to illustrate your communication abilities and project management experience, ensuring you connect these back to the job requirements.

Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your personal statement and CV. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your writing is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council

✨Tailor Your Personal Statement

Make sure to customise your personal statement for the specific role you are applying for, whether it's the Senior Planning Policy Officer or the Planning Policy Officer. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the job description, particularly focusing on your understanding of planning legislation and community consultation.

✨Showcase Your Research Skills

Given the emphasis on research and analysis in both roles, be prepared to discuss your previous research projects. Bring examples that demonstrate your analytical skills and how you've applied them in real-world scenarios, especially in relation to planning policy development.

✨Demonstrate Communication Skills

Strong communication is key in these roles. Be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information to various stakeholders, whether in public consultations or team collaborations. This will show your ability to represent the Council and engage with the community.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills in planning contexts. Think about past experiences where you had to navigate challenges in planning policy or community engagement, and be ready to discuss your thought process and outcomes.

Senior Planning Policy Officer / Planning Policy Officer
Portsmouth City Council
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