At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in preparing a new Local Plan and support planning policy tasks.
- Company: Join Surrey Heath Borough Council, dedicated to community engagement and excellent service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, pension scheme, and discounts on gym memberships and shopping.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; laptop provided for remote work.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in Planning with hands-on experience in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Recent graduates with a degree and strong IT and communication skills are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 24500 - 29000 £ per year.
Employer: Surrey Heath Borough Council Salary: £28,530 - £33,416 per annum Location: Surrey Heath House, Camberley, Hybrid Working Contract: Permanent Working Pattern: Flexible Hours/Full Time Hours: 37 hours per week. DBS Check: No Closing Date: 08/09/2025 at 23:59 Reference: BER/25/320044
Grade SH4 (with potential career grade progression)
Join Surrey Heath Borough Council and be part of an organisation which is 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.
The Role
We are looking to recruit a graduate into an interesting Assistant Planning Policy Officer post within the Planning Policy and Conservation Team. You will be joining a small but busy team supporting the preparation of a new Local Plan and associated planning policy tasks. Now is a good time to join the authority with the Local Plan at Examination and plans progressing for further regeneration of Camberley town centre. The role provides the opportunity to gain 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 enthusiastic to learn, with excellent IT skills and effective written and verbal communication skills. You will have a Degree and are likely to be a recent graduate and will be keen to kick start a career in Planning. The role will involve assisting with research and monitoring of planning policy matters, preparing evidence base documents and supporting the development and delivery of the new Local Plan.
Additional Information
Benefits
We offer 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 via the My Staff Shop scheme. A laptop will be provided to enable hybrid working. Our Benefits package is currently under review.
Closing date: 8 th September 2025
Provisional Interview date: 30th September 2025
Contact details
For an informal discussion, please contact Jane Reeves, Planning Policy and Conservation Manager, on 01276 707213, or email:
Or Kate Galloway, Planning Policy and Conservation Team Leader, on 01276 707429, or email:
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.
NO AGENCY CALLS PLEASE
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 or telephone 01276 707126.
For technical issues, please contact Jobsgopublic directly.
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Graduate Assistant Planning Policy Officer in Camberley employer: Surrey Heath Borough Council
Surrey Heath Borough Council is an excellent employer that prioritises community engagement and employee well-being. With a supportive work culture, flexible working options, and a comprehensive benefits package including generous leave and professional development opportunities, this role offers a meaningful start to your career in planning within a vibrant borough. Join us in making a real difference in the lives of those who live and work in our community.
Contact Details:
Surrey Heath Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Assistant Planning Policy Officer in Camberley
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current Local Plan and any recent planning policy changes in Surrey Heath. This knowledge will not only help you understand the role better but also demonstrate your genuine interest during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to current or former employees of Surrey Heath Borough Council, especially those in the Planning Policy and Conservation Team. They can provide valuable insights into the team culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your application and interview preparation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your IT skills and how they relate to planning policy tasks. Be ready to give examples of software or tools you've used in your studies or previous roles that could be relevant to this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider attending local council meetings or community engagement events related to planning. This will not only enhance your understanding of the community's needs but also show your commitment to making a difference in the area, which aligns with the council's values.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Assistant Planning Policy Officer in Camberley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Graduate Assistant Planning Policy Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement:Write a compelling personal statement that showcases your enthusiasm for planning policy, your relevant academic background, and any practical experience you may have. Make sure to express your eagerness to contribute to the Local Plan and community engagement.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Emphasise your IT skills and effective communication abilities in your application. Provide specific examples of how you've used these skills in your studies or previous roles to demonstrate your capability for the position.
Follow Application Instructions:Ensure you complete the application form as instructed, avoiding the submission of CVs without the form. Pay attention to the closing date and submit your application well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey Heath Borough Council
✨Research the Council and Local Plan
Before your interview, take some time to research Surrey Heath Borough Council and their current Local Plan. Understanding their goals and challenges will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to the community.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As the role requires effective written and verbal communication skills, prepare to discuss examples of how you've successfully communicated complex ideas in the past. This could be through presentations, reports, or group projects during your studies.
✨Demonstrate Your IT Proficiency
Since excellent IT skills are essential for this position, be ready to talk about your experience with relevant software and tools. If you've used any planning or data analysis software during your studies or internships, make sure to highlight that.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Having thoughtful questions prepared shows your interest in the role and the organisation. Consider asking about the team dynamics, upcoming projects, or how they support professional development for new graduates.
