At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive impactful planning policies and engage with the community to shape local development.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council committed to positive change in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Supportive team culture with a focus on continuous improvement and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning policy and a relevant degree; RTPI membership is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Spinwell is recruiting for a Senior Planning Policy Officer for an excellent opportunity within the public sector.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SENIOR PLANNING POLICY OFFICER
- To make a proactive and positive contribution to the effective delivery of the Planning Service, including working flexibly and positively to achieve the objectives of the council.
- To deliver excellent customer service in every interaction for all internal and external customers, including Councillors.
- To respond in a timely and professional manner to requests for support from members of the public seeking to engage with the Planning Service.
- To support timely responses to customer, MP and Councillor complaints and feedback to ensure the Planning Service is consistently meeting corporate service standards.
- To support the regular entry of data into DEF and IT systems to ensure the Planning Service is consistently meeting, and exceeding, its statutory and corporate Performance Indicators.
- To implement the Council’s place shaping agenda and its objective to be positive and proactive in terms of allowing the 'right schemes' in the 'right place' at the ‘right time’.
- To provide support on all aspects of the preparation and review of Local Plans, Neighbourhood Plans and Supplementary Planning Documents and other planning policy/guidance.
- To research and advise the Council of its statutory obligations in relation to land-use planning policy and development planning issues.
- To liaise with and advise Development Management colleagues, other officers of the Council and other Local Authorities, statutory bodies, developers and the general public on the Council’s land use policy and any development planning matters.
- To contribute to the monitoring of development and projections of future development activity and the production of the five-year land supply report.
- To initiate, organise and undertake research and surveys in relation to Local Plan Policy and oversee the maintenance of information databases.
- To attend site visits, meetings with external organisations, Planning Policy Committee and working parties as required.
- To negotiate with prospective developers, informing them of Council policy and advising them how to proceed.
- To support the preparation of EIP papers/planning appeal statements/proofs of evidence in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework, the Development Plan, guidance and policy, within strict time limits.
- To represent the Council at Examination in Public, appeal site visits, informal hearings and public inquiries as a professional expert witness.
- To support the Assistant Director and Head of Planning Policy and Specialist Services with aspects of process improvement and systems review where needed.
- To support the delivery of aspects of the Planning Service’s Communications and Engagement Strategy.
- To support the co-ordination of relevant Fora, Member training, Parish and Town Council training and staff CPD programmes.
- To take responsibility and encourage personal development and continuous improvement within the team.
- To support the Planning Policy Team Leader in the training and support of Career Grade Officer and Apprentices within the team.
- To follow all planning and other legislation such as Data Protection - GDPR, Freedom of Information (FOI) and Health & Safety at work.
- To undertake any other duties commensurate with the general level of responsibility of this post.
SKILLS/EXPERIENCE OF THE SENIOR PLANNING POLICY OFFICER
- Displays a positive, ‘can do’, proactive and supportive attitude in a team environment.
- Consistently strives for continuous improvement and excellence.
- Time/priority management: high level of proficiency.
- Ability to work under pressure, handle stress and meet deadlines.
- Displays good attention to detail and accurate research skills.
- Verbal: excellent level of professional ability; exhibits a clear & comprehensible verbal style.
- Self-awareness: Ability to communicate and display consistent professional conduct with a wide range of people.
- Writing: excellent level of professional ability; exhibits a clear & comprehensible writing style in line with Plain English principles.
- General IT skills: basic keyboard/typing skills, use of Windows, word-processing and email.
- Demonstrate effective use of Office 365 or willingness to undertake training during the probation period.
- Sound knowledge of planning policy, legislation and guidance.
- Good knowledge of working effectively in a political environment with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Recent experience of planning policy formulation and project work.
- Relevant undergraduate degree.
- A member of the RTPI or demonstratively working towards APC as a Licentiate member.
If you are a Senior Planning Policy Officer, apply now or send your CV to Spinwell!
We welcome all applications regardless of background, in line with our commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.
Applying to this or any other vacancy advertised by Spinwell Ltd constitutes an agreement for Spinwell Ltd to hold your details for 24 months for the purpose of assessing suitability for the advertised position.
In line with GDPR regulations you are able to request your details be removed from the company data at any time by emailing us.
Senior Planning Policy Officer - Council in Towcester employer: Spinwell Global
Spinwell is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for the Senior Planning Policy Officer role in Towcester. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have opportunities for continuous improvement and professional growth while contributing to meaningful projects that shape the community. The hybrid working model promotes work-life balance, ensuring that you can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Policy Officer - Council in Towcester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the planning sector, attend local events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's recent projects and policies. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your knowledge and passion for their specific goals and challenges in planning policy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Senior Planning Policy Officer, you'll need to articulate your ideas clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to refine your verbal and written communication.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Policy Officer - Council in Towcester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Planning Policy Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in planning policy and customer service, showing us how you can contribute to our objectives.
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your excellent writing skills in action! Use clear and concise language that aligns with the job description. Remember, attention to detail is key, so proofread your application before hitting send.
Be Professional and Personable:In your application, reflect a positive and proactive attitude. We value good communication, so let your personality shine through while maintaining professionalism. This will help us see how you'd fit into our team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spinwell Global
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on the latest planning policies and legislation relevant to the role. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re genuinely engaged with the field.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Skills
Since the role involves interacting with various stakeholders, prepare examples of how you've delivered excellent customer service in the past. Think about specific situations where you handled complaints or provided support effectively.
✨Showcase Your Research Abilities
Be ready to discuss your research skills and how you've used them in previous roles. You might be asked about how you approach data entry or maintain information databases, so have some concrete examples at hand.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities under pressure. Think about how you would handle tight deadlines or conflicting priorities, and be prepared to articulate your thought process clearly.
