About the role…

Publica is a unique place to work – we’re a local government organisation with a twist! Publica wants to transform the way local services are delivered. To help do this we have started to fundamentally rethink the way we design our services in the digital era so that Publica is a customer focused organisation driven by real user needs.

Four partner Councils (Cheltenham Borough Council, Forest of Dean, Cotswold and West Oxfordshire District Councils) have created Publica Group Ltd to deliver more efficient and improved services. The Councils will continue to be responsible for the standard of services that are provided as well as setting strategy, policy and making decisions. This role is covering the Forest of Dean District, overall the Forest of Dean is the safest place to live in Gloucestershire, with the lowest levels of crime in the county.

The Forest of Dean is a unique area on the border of England and Wales incorporating a National Forest Park and a location with easy access to the Midlands, Wales and the South West With its picturesque woodlands, outdoor activities with landscapes to explore, you will have this right on your doorstep – especially with our agile working ethos; you will be spoilt for choice.

Publica is seeking to recruit a part time Planning Officer to play a key role in delivering the Development Management functions of the Planning section. The post holder will handle a varied case load of planning applications and pre-application enquiries.

You will need…

• GCSEs (5 A-Cs or equivalent, including Maths and English)
• Proven experience in local government development control
• Good level of IT skills - MS Office
• Communicates effectively at all levels (excellent verbal and written skills)
• Town and Country Planning qualification is desirable
• A working knowledge of Town and Country Planning Legislation is desirable

For more information about this role please see the Job Description/Person Specification.

Special Conditions…

• Use of a car for work purposes

If you wish to have an informal discussion about this role, please contact Clive Reynolds on Clive.reynolds@publicagroup.uk

Closing date: Sunday 8^th November 2020@ midnight

Interview date: Friday 20^th November 2020

Please note that we are receiving high levels of applications and we may close this advert before the advertised closing date.

If you feel this is the role for you please email your CV and supporting statement detailing how you meet the criteria above to join-us@publicagroup.uk or click on the ‘Apply Button'.

Your application will not be considered if you have not provided a supporting statement, in addition to your CV.

Please note that if you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date shown on the advert, unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email.

Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references;  proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years’ employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.