At a Glance
- Tasks: Support planning applications and provide excellent customer service in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, a forward-thinking local authority.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working and a supportive team culture in a vibrant location.
- Why this job: Kickstart your planning career while making a real difference in the community.
- Qualifications: Organised, motivated, with great communication skills; planning experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 28426 - 30324 £ per year.
Starting salary £28,426pa with progression to £30,324pa through annual increments subject to satisfactory service (inclusive of outer fringe allowance).
37 hours per week (hybrid working). Permanent contract.
Are you looking to take the first steps in your planning career as part of an ambitious service? Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council are looking to appoint a Planning Support Officer to work as part of the Development Management service. The successful candidate will provide technical, administrative, and procedural customer support, including all applications and appeals that come through the service.
The Development Management service takes pride in the standard of customer care they provide, and it will be up to you to maintain this. As well as providing skilled and knowledgeable support, you’ll also take responsibility for developing the electronic and manual record systems ensuring they are completely up to date and as efficient as possible.
Working with keen attention to detail, the council will look to you to assess the validity of planning and other applications as you determine the requirements for planning permission and the associated fees. Whilst previous planning experience is by no means essential, it would undoubtedly be a benefit. Otherwise, the council are looking for an organised and motivated individual with outstanding communication skills. You’ll need the ability to analyse and interpret data, as well as researching and presenting this data effectively.
What we are really looking for is someone with a true customer focus, an understanding of what great customer service involves and a commitment to delivering outstanding results. The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential in this post.
This post is hybrid working with the expectation of attending the office at least two days a week, dependent on service requirements. Along with a supportive working environment, those joining Welwyn Hatfield will discover a place in which their careers can truly thrive.
We offer the Local Government Pension Scheme, which is a defined benefits scheme. You will work in an attractive working environment in the heart of Welwyn Garden City. We offer flexible working, free parking, access to electric pool cars, and a minimum of 25 days annual leave each year.
Our CORE values — Collaborative, Open, Responsible, Excellent — guide everything we do.
Please note we do not provide sponsorship for employment in the UK. We recommend downloading the role profile as this will not be available online once the vacancy closes. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Early application is therefore encouraged.
Closing date for applications is 21 June 2026. Remote assessments will be held on 29 June 2026. Interviews will be held on 6/7 July 2026.
Planning Support Officer (P01527) employer: Welwyn Hatfield
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where your planning career can flourish. With a commitment to outstanding customer service, flexible working arrangements, and generous benefits including a defined benefits pension scheme and a minimum of 25 days annual leave, you will find ample opportunities for personal and professional growth in the heart of Welwyn Garden City.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Support Officer (P01527)
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Welwyn Hatfield, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Welwyn Hatfield and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Support Officer (P01527)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Welwyn Hatfield and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Welwyn Hatfield
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Welwyn Hatfield, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Welwyn Hatfield.
