At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Kingston’s Planning Enforcement function and tackle complex enforcement challenges.
- Company: Join a dynamic council in one of London’s most complex planning environments.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to mentor future enforcement professionals.
- Why this job: Shape a fair and trusted enforcement service while protecting community interests.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning or related field, with significant enforcement experience.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Protect Confidence. Uphold Standards. Lead Enforcement Excellence. We’re looking for an experienced and authoritative planning enforcement professional to lead Kingston’s Planning Enforcement function. This is a senior, highly influential role, ensuring development across the borough is lawful, responsible and consistent with the public interest, while protecting amenity, heritage and community confidence in the planning system.
Why Kingston? Kingston operates within one of London’s most complex planning environments, balancing growth and regeneration with heritage protection, residential amenity and environmental standards. The borough faces increasing enforcement pressures including unauthorised development, HMOs, short-term lets, listed buildings, advertisement control and non-compliance with conditions and legal agreements. This role sits at the heart of these challenges, shaping a firm, fair and trusted enforcement service.
What you’ll do:
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for Kingston’s Planning Enforcement function.
- Act as the Council’s senior professional expert on planning enforcement legislation, policy and case law.
- Lead on the most complex, sensitive and high-profile enforcement investigations across the borough.
- Ensure enforcement decisions are robust, defensible, proportionate and clearly aligned with public interest tests.
- Oversee and, where necessary, personally lead investigations into breaches including unauthorised development, listed buildings, HMOs, short-term lets, advertisements, and non-compliance with conditions and Section 106 obligations.
- Direct the preparation and service of formal enforcement notices and legal actions.
- Lead on enforcement appeals and prosecutions, acting as expert witness at hearings, inquiries and court proceedings where required.
- Work closely with Legal Services to agree appropriate enforcement strategies and litigation routes.
- Lead the implementation, review and ongoing development of Kingston’s Planning Enforcement Plan.
- Build strong relationships with Members, residents, community groups, ward councillors and external agencies.
- Provide professional leadership, mentoring and quality assurance to enforcement officers, promoting consistent, fair and lawful decision-making.
- Support service modernisation, digital working and continuous improvement, deputising for the Head of Service on enforcement matters when required.
What we’re looking for:
- Degree in Town Planning or a related built-environment discipline (or equivalent professional qualification).
- Chartered Member of the RTPI (or eligible for chartered membership) or membership of an appropriate professional body.
- Significant experience in planning enforcement, ideally within a London borough or comparable urban authority.
- Proven track record leading complex enforcement cases, appeals and prosecutions.
- Strong experience advising Members and senior officers in politically sensitive environments.
- Expert knowledge of planning enforcement legislation, policy and case law.
- Excellent judgement, negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to manage conflict and maintain public confidence.
- Experience acting as expert witness at appeals or court proceedings (highly desirable).
Planning Enforcement employer: Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
Kingston is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the Planning Enforcement function in one of London's most dynamic and challenging planning environments. With a strong commitment to professional development, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to make a significant impact on community standards and heritage protection, employees are empowered to excel in their roles while contributing to the public interest. The borough's focus on modernisation and continuous improvement ensures that staff are equipped with the tools and support needed for meaningful and rewarding careers.
Contact Details:
Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Enforcement
✨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 Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, 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 Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames 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 Enforcement
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 Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames 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 Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, 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 Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames.
