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- Tasks: Assist in planning projects across the Midlands and East of England, focusing on conservation and development.
- Company: Join the National Trust, dedicated to preserving the UK's natural and historic treasures.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a substantial pension scheme, and discounts on gym memberships and cinema tickets.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on conservation while working with a diverse team in beautiful locations.
- Qualifications: Must have an RTPI-accredited degree or be working towards chartered RTPI membership.
- Other info: Expect 40-60% of your week at National Trust sites, balancing office and home work.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Job Description
We're looking for an Assistant Planning Adviser in the North region. You'd be working on diverse projects in some of the UK's best-loved places, increasing your knowledge and experience in managing policy and development.
What it's like to work here
You'll be part of the Trust's internal consultancy: a flexible resource of specialist skills and expertise. As one of a multidisciplinary team of experts, including curators, fundraisers, building surveyors and project managers, you'll be working with others to help make things happen.
Your contractual place of work will be the National Trust office at York. Our hybrid working policy means you can balance office and home working with site visits and meetings at other National Trust places. We'll talk about this in more detail at interview, but you should expect to be at a National Trust site for 40-60% of your working week.
What you'll be doing
You'll provide professional planning advice and support, working with colleagues in the consultancy and at National Trust places throughout the region/country. You'll also work with planners across the Trust, with opportunities for training, professional development and sharing knowledge. You'll be working on all kinds of challenges from major infrastructure projects to the sensitive development of the Trust's historic buildings to help sustain their future, tackle climate change and make them more accessible for everyone. You'll have the chance to get involved with a wide range of planning issues, with a particular focus on conservation. Mentored by a senior planning adviser, you'll be helping many different Trust places with their planning matters and advising on development proposals. You'll also monitor and respond to external planning applications, and consultations on local and neighbourhood plans. You'll engage with officers at local planning authorities and with statutory consultees including Historic England and Natural England.
Who we're looking for
- knowledgeable about the legislative background to planning and local government
- experienced in analysing, resolving and preparing positions and advice on planning issues
- a qualified planner with a Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)-accredited degree, or working towards chartered RTPI membership through another recognised route
- an effective communicator, able to build good working relationships good at listening, building trust and giving a high-quality service to colleagues
- someone with an eye for detail, good organisational skills and able to work at pace and keep to time
- a champion of inclusion, who helps support everyone to feel welcome.
The package
The National Trust has the motto 'For everyone, for ever' at its heart. We're working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It's important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we're for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places
Click here to find out moreabout the benefits we offer to support you.
Closing Date: 02 February 2025
To apply for this vacancy simply click the 'apply' button in the top right hand side of the page.
If you need any help with your application, i.e. due to technical difficulties, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at
If you require an adjustment to the application process, for example due to disability or medical condition, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at and we'll support you as best as we can. For examples of how, please see our supporting you page.
EqualOpportunities Statement
The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here .
Safeguarding Statement
The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.
Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early and therefore we encourage you to apply for this position early.
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Assistant Planning Adviser employer: The National Trust
Contact Detail:
The National Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Planning Adviser
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the National Trust's mission and values. Understanding our commitment to conservation and community engagement will help you align your responses during the interview, showcasing how your personal values resonate with ours.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the planning field, especially those who have experience with the National Trust or similar organizations. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to valuable referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific planning challenges you've faced in previous roles. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you’ve successfully navigated complex planning issues, as this will demonstrate your readiness for the diverse projects at the National Trust.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by practicing how you would explain complex planning concepts to non-experts. This is crucial for building relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, which is a key aspect of the Assistant Planning Adviser role.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Planning Adviser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Assistant Planning Adviser position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your experience in planning and local government. Provide specific examples of projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to analyze and resolve planning issues.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since effective communication is crucial for this role, include examples in your application that illustrate your ability to build relationships and provide high-quality service to colleagues and stakeholders.
Express Your Commitment to Inclusion: The National Trust values diversity and inclusion. Make sure to mention any relevant experiences or initiatives where you have championed inclusion and supported a welcoming environment for all.
How to prepare for a job interview at The National Trust
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Assistant Planning Adviser role. Familiarize yourself with the specific projects and challenges mentioned in the job description, especially those related to conservation and local planning issues.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an effective communicator, be prepared to discuss how you've built relationships in previous roles. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with colleagues or stakeholders to achieve common goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Planning Legislation
Brush up on your knowledge of the legislative background to planning and local government. Be ready to discuss relevant laws and policies, and how they impact the work of the National Trust.
✨Emphasize Your Commitment to Inclusion
The National Trust values diversity and inclusion. Be prepared to share your experiences in promoting an inclusive environment and how you can contribute to making everyone feel welcome in the team.
