At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of public services by developing a new Local Plan and planning policies.
- Company: Join Surrey Heath Borough Council, a supportive organisation focused on community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, pension scheme, and discounts on gym memberships and shopping.
- Other info: Be part of a significant local government transformation and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience in planning policy.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent, with local plan-making experience.
The predicted salary is between 41306 - 46378 € per year.
Salary range: £41,306 - £46,378 / £48,383 - £54,010 per annum
Grade: SH6/SH7
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37 per week
Location: Flexible hybrid working from home and at Surrey Heath House, Knoll Road, Camberley
Join Surrey Heath Borough Council and be part of an organisation committed to delivery through meaningful community engagement and excellent customer service. We have a friendly and supportive staff culture with people who want to help make a real difference in our community for everyone that lives and works here. We support a culture of innovation and creativity by welcoming new ideas from everyone. We support a work-life balance with options for flexible and hybrid working.
Local Government Reorganisation: From April 2027, Surrey Heath Borough Council will become part of the new West Surrey unitary council, as part of a major local government reorganisation across Surrey. This change will see the current twelve councils replaced by two new authorities: East Surrey and West Surrey. West Surrey will cover the areas currently served by Guildford, Waverley, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath and Woking. Joining us now means becoming part of an organisation where collaboration thrives and where your contribution will directly influence one of the most significant local government transformations in decades. You’ll gain valuable experience, play an active role in shaping the future of public services across West Surrey, and work within a team committed to professionalism and delivering outstanding outcomes for our communities. Together, we will ensure a smooth transition and continue to deliver exceptional services for residents both now and into the future. When the new councils are created in April 2027, most staff will transfer to the new council on their current terms and conditions. Being part of a larger organisation may offer additional opportunities for career development and variety.
The Role: We are looking to recruit to a Senior / Principal Planning Policy Officer post, potentially as a career graded role, within the Planning Policy and Conservation Team. You will be joining a small, busy and friendly team responsible for the preparation of a new Local Plan and associated planning policy tasks. Now is a good time to join the authority as we embark on the production of a new local plan under the new plan-making system. The role provides the opportunity to develop experience across all aspects of Planning Policy in a Borough that contains both urban and rural areas, including areas of Metropolitan Green Belt.
You must be an enthusiastic and proactive town planner with experience in local plan-making and Planning Policy. You will have excellent and effective written and verbal communication skills and will be happy to take the initiative in managing and driving forward projects. You will be prepared to take responsibility for leading on key topics and will play a key role in the development and delivery of the Local Plan Review 2044. For this role, a degree or MSc in Town and Country Planning/Urban Planning, or equivalent is essential.
Additional Information: Benefits include a generous benefits package including a minimum of 23 days’ annual leave rising to 28 days after 5 years’ service, plus Bank Holidays, a generous local government pension scheme, free parking for all employees and payment of a professional membership fee. As well as subsidised gym membership at our local Places Leisure Centre and great savings from supermarkets, shopping, cycle to work schemes and holidays. A laptop will be provided to enable hybrid working.
Closing date: 22nd June 2026
Provisional Interview date: 1st July 2026
Contact details: For an informal discussion, please contact Jane Reeves, Head of Planning Policy and Sustainability on 01276 707213, or email: jane.reeves@surreyheath.gov.uk
Our Commitment: Surrey Heath Borough Council is committed to equality of opportunity in employment and service delivery and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. To fulfil this commitment, we have robust systems in place for the safe recruitment of staff.
Equal Opportunities: Surrey Heath Borough Council – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
How to apply: Please apply online via the link provided. Surrey Heath Borough Council is committed to safer recruitment and equality of opportunity in employment and service delivery and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. If you are unable to apply online for reasons of disability, please call 01276 707126 to discuss any reasonable adjustments that may be made to accommodate your individual requirements. Please note: All successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment checks in line with BPSS guidelines, which includes standard identification, referencing and unspent conviction checks. Surrey Heath Borough Council undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a disclosure on the basis of conviction or other information revealed. For the best chance of successful application, please read the Job Description and Personal Specification fully before applying for this vacancy as it contains information you will need to refer to when applying. We do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed application form. To reduce the risk of bias in its recruitment activities, the council is operating an anonymous shortlisting process, which hides personal information that can identify individuals until their application has been considered for shortlisting. If you choose to submit your CV with your application form we request that you remove all your personal details before uploading your CV. This will ensure that Managers cannot see your personal details when completing their shortlist. If you have not heard from the council within 4 weeks of the closing date you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful. All unsuccessful applications will be removed and confidentially disposed of 6 months after the closing date. If you have any further enquiries please email recruitment@surreyheath.gov.uk or telephone 01276 707126.
Senior / Principal Planning Policy Officer in Surrey employer: Surrey Heath BC- Internal
Surrey Heath Borough Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises meaningful community engagement and excellent customer service, fostering a friendly and supportive work culture. With flexible hybrid working options, generous benefits including a local government pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth amidst significant local government transformation, employees can truly make a difference in the community while enjoying a balanced work-life environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior / Principal Planning Policy Officer in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Surrey Heath Borough Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the council's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you're genuinely interested in making a difference in the community!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Senior/Principal Planning Policy Officer, you'll need to articulate your ideas clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior / Principal Planning Policy Officer in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description and personal specification. This will help you tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experience match what we're looking for.
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since effective written communication is key for this role, make sure your application is clear and concise. Use proper grammar and structure your thoughts well – we want to see your best writing!
Be Yourself:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for enthusiastic and proactive individuals, so don’t be afraid to show us what makes you unique and why you’re passionate about planning policy.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply online via our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re following the correct process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey Heath BC- Internal
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on the latest planning policies and local plans relevant to Surrey Heath. Being able to discuss these intelligently will show your expertise and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Senior/Principal Planning Policy Officer, effective communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex planning concepts to different stakeholders in the past.
✨Demonstrate Initiative
Be ready to share instances where you've taken the lead on projects or driven initiatives forward. This role requires someone proactive, so highlight your ability to manage and deliver on key topics.
✨Engage with the Community
Since community engagement is a big part of the role, think about how you've previously involved communities in planning processes. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach this in your new position.
