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: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Hybrid working with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your planning career while making a real difference in the community.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for customer service are essential.
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) in Welwyn Garden City employer: Welwyn Hatfield
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is an excellent employer for those looking to kickstart their planning career in a supportive and ambitious environment. With a commitment to outstanding customer service, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, a minimum of 25 days annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, all while working in the attractive setting of Welwyn Garden City. The council's CORE values foster a collaborative and responsible work culture, ensuring that your career can truly thrive here.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Support Officer (P01527) in Welwyn Garden City
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and their Development Management service. Understanding their values and what they pride themselves on will help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since this role requires outstanding customer service, make sure you can articulate your thoughts clearly. Consider mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills! Be ready to discuss how you manage tasks and keep records up to date. Use examples from past experiences to demonstrate your ability to handle multiple responsibilities effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our platform. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Support Officer (P01527) in Welwyn Garden City
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Planning Support Officer role. We want to see how you can contribute to our ambitious service!
Show Off Your Customer Focus:Since customer care is a big deal for us, share examples of how you've provided excellent service in the past. This will show us that you understand what great customer service involves.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Welwyn Hatfield
✨Know Your Planning Basics
Even if you don't have previous planning experience, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the basics of planning and development management. Brush up on key terms and processes related to planning applications and appeals, as this will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since the council prides itself on customer care, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've delivered outstanding service. Think about how you handled difficult situations or provided clear advice, as these stories will highlight your commitment to excellent customer support.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
As a Planning Support Officer, you'll need to assess applications accurately. During the interview, mention specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference in your work. This could be anything from data analysis to ensuring records were meticulously maintained.
✨Prepare for Data Interpretation Questions
Expect questions that test your ability to analyse and interpret data. Brush up on any relevant skills you have in this area, and be ready to discuss how you would approach data research and presentation. Practising with sample data sets can help you feel more confident.
