Senior Enforcement Officer    

Salary: £30,451 - £34,728

Closing Date: 07/07/2021

Milton Keynes is a rapidly expanding, vibrant and dynamic place to live, work and play. How better to contribute to that continued success than through a unique and rewarding career with Milton Keynes Council. So if you're looking for an excellent benefits package and the chance to make a difference, make a move to Milton Keynes Council. With modern working practices where flexibility is commonplace and performance is measured on outcomes and results, alongside a generous holiday entitlement, you can experience a fulfilling job and great work-life balance.

Please note that this role is only open to applicants who have the right to work in the UK

The planning enforcement service at Milton Keynes is a busy and dynamic area of Development Management. If you are interested in making a difference to the built environment and the communities within the Borough, engaging and negotiating with stakeholders, and would enjoy steering the implementation of growth in Milton Keynes; then the role of Senior Enforcement Officer is a great opportunity for you. Being an experienced, proactive, ambitious and hardworking enforcement officer, you will work with planning officers, consultees and stakeholders to confidently and efficiently resolve breaches of planning control, so to contribute to an effective Development Management service. You’ll be handling some of the more demanding and complex matters, where accurate and effective communication and record keeping will be vital. You’ll also be working closely with other departments to promote a positive image of the Council. Reporting to the Enforcement Team Leader, the role offers a fantastic opportunity for your professional development in a busy growth area. We’re also looking to embrace technology in order to respond to Planning for the Future. This is a fixed term post for a temporary period of 18 months.

Key Duties

• Support the Enforcement Team Leader and other Enforcement Officers in delivering an effective service.
• Identify breaches of planning control, keeping affected parties appraised of progress towards a resolution of the breach either verbally or in writing in a confident and professional manner.
• To regularly carry out and record evidence of site inspections, attend site meetings and other meetings held away from the normal place of work.
• Providing expert advice on planning enforcement matters to elected Members, Town and Parish Councils, the public and interested parties.
• To attend and present cases at formal Council planning meetings when required.
• Ensuring the affected parties are kept abreast of progress with a complaint, with intended actions and timescales towards an anticipated resolution.
• Ensure that the service is customer focused and responsive, delivering high levels of customer and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Keep up to date with changing technical, legislative and organisational requirements by undertaking appropriate development and training.

Experience, Qualifications and any Mandatory Requirements

• Education to Degree level or equivalent in planning or planning enforcement, or a related subject.
• Working towards or eligible for Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (preferably NAPE).
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use.
• Able to produce clear, structured and sound reports.
• Evidence of success in organising and carrying out investigations, visits and inspections in accordance with legislative frameworks and local targets.
• Outstanding customer service and communication skills.
• Considerable and direct previous experience of planning enforcement, including knowledge of rules and procedures relevant to investigations and enforcement action.
• Acting as a positive influence and informally supporting other enforcement officers.

Skills Required

• An ability to plan, adapt, manage and organise your own work, and work to deadlines.
• Excellent written and confident verbal communication skills, including handling emotive situations and the ability to diffuse contention.
• Natural ability to maintain and build effective working relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• A proactive nature and ability to work using own initiative.

Departmental Benefits of this role

• Flexible working options, including ‘Smarter Working’ to work remotely for most of the time.
• Issued with mobile, iPad and IT equipment to work effectively.