At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Strategic Planning Team to shape local policies and tackle climate challenges.
- Company: Spelthorne Borough Council, committed to sustainable development and community engagement.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, pension scheme, free parking, and at least 23 days paid leave.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local planning and contribute to exciting projects like Heathrow Expansion.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy development and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 34650 - 42350 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Strategic Planning Team at Spelthorne Borough Council. The team is responsible for preparing a new Local Plan, leading engagement on the Heathrow Expansion project for Spelthorne, and playing an active role in the development of the Surrey Strategic Development Strategy (SDS). In addition to the strong emphasis within the evolving planning system on a climate led approach to plan making, there are also significant climate and environmental challenges associated with Heathrow Expansion.
We are therefore seeking an experienced and motivated team player with a proven track record in developing and implementing policy and initiatives to join the Strategic Planning Team. The team is also responsible for strategic infrastructure projects, cross-boundary engagement, and a range of other planning policy matters affecting the Borough. This role offers a challenging but rewarding opportunity for a candidate looking to advance their career and broaden their experience.
Spelthorne is located in North Surrey, bordering London, and faces a wide range of planning issues, including the expansion of Heathrow Airport, high levels of housing need (including affordable housing), pressure on the Green Belt, flood risk, a diverse mix of employment uses, and the regeneration of the Borough’s key town centre, Staines-upon-Thames.
The role will involve a broad range of responsibilities, including Local Plan preparation, leading on specific topic studies, policy formulation, and representing the Council at external meetings. The successful candidate will be expected to make an immediate and meaningful contribution to the new Local Plan and wider strategic priorities.
The successful candidate will need to have a flexible approach to work and have excellent problem solving and communication skills with a good knowledge of the Local Plan system and relevant legislation. This post is identified as a hybrid post supporting both office and home working in line with Spelthorne Borough Council’s policy. The post holder will be required to attend the office in line with a rota and any service requirements.
The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for customer facing posts. These posts fall within the scope of the Code of Practice on English language requirement for public sector workers. The Council, therefore, has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements.
If you have any queries or would like to discuss this further, please contact Human Resources. For more information on this position, please contact Laura Richardson, Strategic Planning and Projects Manager on 01784 448594 or email l.richardson@spelthorne.gov.uk.
In return we can offer excellent conditions of service with a benefits package that includes:
- flexible working hours
- working from home opportunities
- pension scheme
- free parking
- at least 23 days’ paid leave per year
Interview: Early to mid-September 2026 (flexible). CVs can only be accepted in support of a completed application form. Unfortunately, we are unable to reply to all candidates. If we have not contacted you within 3 weeks of the closing date then your application has been unsuccessful. All shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email after the closing date. Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.
Please contact Recruitment Services on 01784 444263 (24hr answer phone) or email recruitment@spelthorne.gov.uk if you are having difficulty applying online.
Senior Planning Officer employer: Spelthorne
Spelthorne Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a unique opportunity for individuals to contribute to public governance through its Audit Committee. With a commitment to independent scrutiny and a collaborative work culture, members can expect meaningful engagement with local governance while enjoying flexible evening meetings that accommodate professional schedules. The Council values diversity and encourages applicants from various backgrounds, providing a platform for personal growth and community impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Officer
✨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 Spelthorne, 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 Spelthorne 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 Senior Planning Officer
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 Spelthorne 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 Spelthorne
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Spelthorne, 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 Spelthorne.
