Job summary
This is an exciting time to join the Planning Inspectorate. Planning is a key concern as the government seeks to deliver the commitment to build 1.5m homes and fast-track planning decisions on at least 150 major economic infrastructures.
The role of the Inspectorate is critical to achieving these ambitions through the delivery of our five public-facing services covering planning appeals, applications, and local plan examinations, crown development, and specialist planning casework. We have ambitions to improve the timeliness and quality of our services; provide further value in developing and improving the planning sector; and being an engaging and inspiring place to work.
To keep us on the right path to reaching our ambitions we require efficient operation of our organisation\'s governance and decision-making processes, aiding the smooth running of the organisation, alongside top-notch support to our Executive Team and Board.
We also need the effective coordination of activities with key stakeholders
and coordinate activity with key stakeholders including our sponsor department, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), HM Treasury, and Government Legal Department.
Job description
We need a highly-organised and motivated leader with excellent judgement, communication, stakeholder management, and interpersonal skills to join us as our Corporate Governance Lead (G7).
We need someone who thrives on collaboration, is a natural team worker, and brings a positive, problem-solving mindset to every challenge. At the core of the role is managing and leading the organisation\'s corporate governance function taking steps to evolve and improve the function to effectively support current and future strategic goals.
Skills and Experience:
You\'ll need proven leadership experience—setting clear direction, making decisions in ambiguity, and motivating teams to deliver results. You\'ll be adept at building effective relationships across all levels, with a track record of driving service improvements and delivering high-quality outcomes. Your understanding of high-quality corporate governance in public bodies will be vital to this, and you\'ll be comfortable handling complex information, presenting it clearly, and making sound judgements on sensitive matters.
Mindset:
To be successful in this role you will be able to see the big
picture, actively seek out best practice, and are always looking for ways to improve. You\'ll be a champion for inclusivity and wellbeing, empowering your team and stakeholders to contribute fully. If you\'re a positive influencer who can communicate complex ideas simply and inspire confidence. T
his could be the job for you?
What You\'ll Do:
On a typical day, you\'ll lead the organisation\'s corporate governance function, working closely with the Executive Team. You\'ll oversee governance and decision-making processes, prepare briefings, options papers, and reports, and coordinate with government departments and external partners.
You\'ll manage and develop the Corporate Governance Team, ensuring robust secretariat services and effective conflict of interest policies. Challenges will include driving continuous improvement, responding rapidly to high-profile priorities, and ensuring our governance aligns with strategic goals.
Salary
New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. Internal rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
This role is being advertised at Grade 7 (G7)
Working hours:
Standard working week is 37 hours, flexible working hours policy available.
Part time at 32 hours or above, flexible working hours policy available.
About the Planning Inspectorate
The Planning Inspectorate has a long and proud history in ensuring a fair planning system for England. The work we do has a significant impact on people\'s lives, the communities where they live and the economy.
We want our colleagues to be able to work more flexibly and more collaboratively, exploring new and innovative ways to improve the way we provide services.
For further information on the Planning Inspectorate, please visit our careers page at Civil Service Careers
Office Attendance
This role is contractually based at Temple Quay House, Bristol which is currently out of use due to undergoing refurbishment work. In the interim, we have the use of alternative office space in very close proximity to Bristol Temple Meads railway station. We recognise and value the mutual benefits of hybrid working and have a flexible approach to in person attendance, which can vary dependent on the requirements of individual business units - the details of which can be discussed with candidates if invited to attend an interview. Due to the nature of the role the expectation is for at least once a week attendance in the office
.
Person specification
We will assess your application against the Essential Criteria and the experience listed within it:
Essential Criteria
- Setting clear direction, making decisions amidst ambiguity and motivating a team.
- Ability to align wider strategic intentions, both within and without the organisation, with effective governance practices.
- Experience of information gathering and benchmarking, with an ability to face outwards and learn from other organisations and other practices and apply that learning internally.
- Knowledge and experience of constructing options papers to support executive decision-making.
- Excellent judgement on how to prioritise and escalate decisions to an Executive, and when to resolve issues via other means.
- Delivering a quality service, meeting timescales and having attention to detail including with senior stakeholders.
- Ability to construct, agree and deliver improvement plans; experience of leading a service improvement.
- Knowledge and understanding of high-quality corporate governance and the application of good governance in public bodies.
- Ability to build effective working relationships with others. Ability to build a team and line-manage colleagues of different grades and experience.
- Ability to understand large amounts of complex information and present it clearly and concisely and be able to explain to others with varying levels of understanding/existing knowledge.
- Experience of gauging the sensitivity of information and making judgements on appropriate handling and circulation.
Desirable Criteria
- Relevant qualifications (governance, administration), such as a Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Governance or similar.
- For guidance on how to structure your application please visit: About the application process , Civil Service Careers
Behaviours
We\'ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Managing a Quality Service
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £59,644, Planning Inspectorate contributes £17,278 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- Flexible working options, including flexi-time, part-time, compressed hours and home working if suitable for the role.
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity.
- 25 days annual leave increasing by 1 day per year up to 30 days after 5 years, plus 1 privilege day to mark the King\'s birthday. In addition to the normal bank holidays.
- Generous family friendly policies.
- Fast and modern IT kit which utilises Windows 11 and Microsoft 365, enabling seamless working from home and collaboration across teams.
