At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a new Local Plan and shape planning policy in Surrey.
- Company: Join Surrey Heath Borough Council, committed to community engagement and excellent service.
- Benefits: Enjoy 23-28 days annual leave, pension scheme, free parking, and gym discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive team culture await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local governance and public services during a major transformation.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 41306 - 46378 £ per year.
Location: Surrey Heath Borough Council
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time (37 hours per week)
Salary range: £41,306 - £46,378 / £48,383 - £54,010 per annum
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
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. A laptop will be provided to enable hybrid working.
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.
How to apply
Please apply online via the link provided. If you are unable to apply online for reasons of disability, please call 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.
Senior / Principal Planning Policy Officer employer: Surreyheath
Surrey Heath Borough Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises community engagement and excellent customer service, fostering a friendly and supportive work culture. With a commitment to innovation and flexibility, employees enjoy a generous benefits package, including ample annual leave, a local government pension scheme, and opportunities for career development as the council transitions into a larger authority in 2027. Joining our team means making a meaningful impact on public services while enjoying a balanced work-life environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior / Principal Planning Policy Officer
✨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 you’re serious about joining our team at Surrey Heath Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior / Principal Planning Policy Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start your application, make sure to read the job description and personal specification carefully. This will help you understand what we're looking for and tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience.
Showcase Your Skills:When filling out the application form, be sure to showcase your excellent written and verbal communication skills. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you've successfully managed projects or contributed to planning policy.
Be Yourself:We want to get to know the real you! Don’t hesitate to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your enthusiasm for town planning and how you can contribute to our friendly and supportive team culture.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply online via our website. Remember, we don’t accept CVs without a completed application form, so follow the instructions carefully to ensure your application is considered.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surreyheath
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on the latest planning policies and local plans relevant to Surrey Heath. Understanding the nuances of local governance and how they impact community engagement will show your commitment and expertise.
✨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 various stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to engage with the community and drive projects forward.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Innovation
Surrey Heath Borough Council values creativity and new ideas. Think about how you can contribute to innovative planning solutions. Be prepared to discuss any past experiences where you've implemented creative strategies in planning policy.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world planning situations. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making steps clearly, as this will highlight your proactive approach to managing projects.
