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- Tasks: Support planning authorities with skills development and project management.
- Company: Join a public sector organisation dedicated to improving planning practices in West Lothian.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the planning sector while collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Degree in town planning or relevant experience; strong communication and organisational skills required.
- Other info: Potential for contract extension beyond March 2026.
The predicted salary is between 24800 - 26400 £ per year.
Venesky-Brown’s client, a public sector organisation in West Lothian, is currently looking to recruit a Planning Improvement Officer until the 31st of March 2026 with potential to extend on a salary of £29,823 - £31,815/annum. This role will be a hybrid of working at home and in the office.
Responsibilities:
- Support in implementing a learning programme and associated resources and events to support planning authorities to develop their skills, build their capacity and improve their understanding of identified planning issues such as energy (hydrogen, onshore wind and battery energy storage) and housing.
- Support the organisation’s work to support planning authorities and organisations they work with, to share and learn from good practice, knowledge and experiences.
- Provide administrative support to contribute to the effective maintenance of programme and project management.
- Support the Practice and Capacity Lead to develop and implement continuous improvement, delivery and updating of the website, platforms used to support networking and knowledge exchange and social media.
- Support the Practice and Capacity lead to implement ways of identifying and disseminating good practice and learning emanating from the Planning Improvement Framework to support organisations to apply it to achieve transformational change.
- Devise and support the implementation of change management initiatives to maximise efficiencies in the delivery of authorities’ functions.
- Support communications relating to the Planning Hub to ensure that its ambitions and work are understood across the planning sector through a range of channels including the website, Knowledge Hub, social media and newsletters.
- Support engagement with key stakeholders to ensure that they are informed on the Planning Hub and the learning programme and contribute to its delivery and development.
- Support reporting to share the work and impact of the learning workstream with the wider team.
- Deliver the key tasks and accountabilities in a way that reflects Improvement Service values, aims and objectives.
- Actively participate in the Planning and Place Based Approaches Cluster meetings and support with any communications or tasks stemming from this group.
- Undertake other specified duties and responsibilities from time to time as required.
Essential Skills:
- Educated to degree level in town planning/relevant subject, studying for a post graduate qualification in town planning/ relevant subject or equivalent relevant experience.
- Ability to quickly develop strong working relationships with key stakeholders.
- Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communications skills.
- Good collaborative working skills.
- Good organisational skills and experience of project support, with the ability to multi-task and work to deadlines.
- Ability to gather and analyse data.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Knowledge of how the public sector operates and how different departments and external organisations work together.
- Supporting projects.
Desirable Skills:
- Membership of Royal Town Planning Institute or other built environment accreditation.
- The ability to communicate complex ideas clearly in order to influence change and support improvements.
- Knowledge and understanding of project management skills.
- Knowledge and understanding of place-based approaches.
- Knowledge of the statutory planning system in Scotland.
- Experience of building networks and working with stakeholders across a range of organisations to influence delivery.
- Experience of undertaking analysis and use of evidence to help develop policy.
- Managing and organising events and meetings.
- Developing effective ways of analysing and communicating evidence.
- Website maintenance.
- Full driving licence.
If you would like to hear more about this opportunity please get in touch.
Planning Officer employer: Venesky Brown
Contact Detail:
Venesky Brown Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key planning issues mentioned in the job description, such as energy and housing. This will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your understanding of the sector.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the public sector and town planning fields. Attend relevant events or webinars to build connections and gain insights into best practices that you can discuss during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills by preparing a portfolio of past projects or initiatives you've supported. This can serve as a great talking point in interviews, highlighting your ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the organisation's current projects and initiatives related to the Planning Hub. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to tailor your discussions and show genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the responsibilities of a Planning Improvement Officer. Emphasise your educational background in town planning or related fields, as well as any project support experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses how your skills and experiences meet the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the job description. Use examples to demonstrate your ability to build relationships with stakeholders and manage projects effectively.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to convey complex ideas clearly. Consider including examples of past experiences where you successfully communicated with diverse audiences.
Highlight Relevant Projects: If you have experience in project management or supporting planning initiatives, be sure to detail these in your application. Discuss specific projects you've worked on, your role, and the outcomes achieved to illustrate your capability in this area.
How to prepare for a job interview at Venesky Brown
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of town planning and the specific issues mentioned in the job description, like energy and housing. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this position, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex ideas in the past. Think about times when you've influenced change or supported improvements through your communication.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement
Be ready to talk about your experience in building relationships with stakeholders. Highlight any successful collaborations you've had and how they contributed to project outcomes. This will show that you can work well with others in a public sector environment.
✨Prepare for Project Management Questions
Expect questions about your organisational skills and experience with project support. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and contribute to effective programme management.
