At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate planning control breaches and support the community with clear advice.
- Company: Join East Suffolk Council, making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Generous leave, training opportunities, local government pension, and discounts on various products.
- Why this job: Combine administrative duties with growth potential in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline required.
- Other info: Agile working environment with a mix of home and office work.
The predicted salary is between 31537 - 38220 £ per year.
East Suffolk Council is an exciting place to work and a great place to make a real difference to people’s lives, delivering vital services to a quarter of a million people across East Suffolk. We currently have exciting new opportunities to join the East Suffolk Council's Planning Development Team as an Assistant Enforcement Officer.
In this varied and rewarding role, you will play a key part in protecting the quality of East Suffolk’s built and natural environment by investigating potential breaches of planning control. You will handle a wide range of enforcement duties, from responding to complaints and carrying out site inspections to gathering evidence, preparing witness statements and, where necessary, participating in court proceedings.
Your work will include monitoring planning conditions, assessing unauthorised advertisements and street scene issues, and supporting the Building Control team on inspections relating to potential unauthorised development. You will act as a key point of contact for residents, businesses and partner teams, providing clear advice, undertaking consultations and contributing proactively to the resolution of planning enforcement matters.
Alongside your enforcement responsibilities, you will also assess planning applications, often those arising from enforcement investigations, providing informed, well-evidenced recommendations based on site histories, current policy and thorough site assessment. You will offer pre-application advice, negotiate with applicants and interested parties, and prepare high-quality reports for senior officers and the Planning Committee, including occasionally attending evening meetings to present cases.
You will maintain accurate up-to-date records, prepare evidence for appeals, attend inquiries when required, and consistently uphold the Council’s workplace values. To succeed in this role, you will also need a recognised qualification to degree level or equivalent in a related or relevant discipline, or an appropriate professional qualification recognised by the RTPI (or equivalent).
If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don’t meet all of the essential requirements, please apply. If you are looking for a role that combines administrative duties with the potential for growth and increased responsibility, we would love to hear from you.
Why work for us?
East Suffolk Council is a great place to work and there are lots of benefits our employees can access. Here are some of the main benefits:
- Great opportunities for training and development
- Generous leave entitlement (equivalent to 24 days a year, increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays)
- Local government pension scheme
- Free car parking (for when you are working in the office)
- Discounts on mobile phones, computers, holiday and travel, fashion and clothing, health and beauty and many other products and services.
The majority of our teams are working in an agile way, with a mixture of home and office working, depending on individual preferences and service requirements. If you wish to discuss how that might impact your working arrangements if you were the successful candidate, please contact the recruiting manager listed at the bottom of this advert.
For more information
For an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact Joe Blackmore by emailing joe.blackmore@eastsuffolk.gov.uk.
Closing date: 11.55pm, 30 January 2026
Interview date: 11, 12 and 13 February 2026
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the advert and the Job Description and Person Specification (Word). Step 2 - Complete the Supporting Statement template (Word). Your statement needs to indicate how you meet each of the criteria contained within the Person Specification. Please use the template provided (other formats will not be accepted). Step 3 - Complete the online application and upload your statement. Please note, CVs are not accepted.
For more information, check out the How to Apply section of our Career Site.
Assistant Enforcement Officer in Woodbridge employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
Contact Detail:
Suffolk Jobs Direct Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Enforcement Officer in Woodbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Council's values and mission. When you’re at the interview, show us how your personal values align with what we stand for. It’s all about making a difference in our community!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some questions to ask during your interview. This shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the team. Plus, it gives you a chance to find out if East Suffolk Council is the right fit for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to planning enforcement. We want to hear about your experiences and how you’ve tackled challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need to ace your application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Enforcement Officer in Woodbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and requirements so you can tailor your application to show how you fit the bill.
Use the Supporting Statement Template: Don’t skip this step! Fill out the Supporting Statement template provided in the application process. It’s your chance to directly address how you meet each criterion in the Person Specification, so make it count!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to see your skills and experiences shine through without any fluff getting in the way.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application via our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re following the correct process. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of an Assistant Enforcement Officer. Familiarise yourself with planning laws, enforcement procedures, and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific situations from your past experiences that showcase your skills relevant to the role. Whether it’s handling complaints, conducting inspections, or preparing reports, having concrete examples ready will help you illustrate your capabilities effectively during the interview.
✨Show Your Communication Skills
As a key point of contact for residents and businesses, strong communication is essential. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach consultations and negotiations. Practising clear and concise responses will show that you can convey information effectively, which is crucial for this role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team, the council's future projects, or the challenges they face. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals. It’s a great way to leave a lasting impression!