Strategic Planning Policy Officer

£34,834 - £41,418 (plus market supplement) per annum (pro rata for part time)

Full time, part time and job share opportunities will be considered.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a Strategic Planning Policy Officer to join our Strategic Planning Team. The successful person will share our values, commitment, and motivation to make a difference for our residents, clients, and communities.

About the role

The Councils have recently adopted the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan Part 1 Development Plan Document in November 2023.

We are looking for an individual who is interested in developing and progressing the Joint Local Plan Part 2 through from the initial issues and options stage to adoption.

The strategic planning policy officer (Grade 5) will:

• provide planning policy advice to interested parties
• lead in the monitoring and analysis of data to inform the annual monitoring report
• support senior officers in the progress of the Joint Local Plan to adoption.

You will work collaboratively across the two Councils in supporting the development of strategies including infrastructure, as well as working closely with councillors, neighbouring local authorities, Suffolk County Council, and other infrastructure providers.

Engagement with the community and supporting the preparation of neighbourhood plans are key aspects of the role.

The post will also support delivery of the Councils' corporate objectives. 

About you

You will be educated to degree level in a relevant discipline and membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute is desirable. Knowledge of Local Government practice and procedures will also be required.

You will need to demonstrate an appropriate knowledge and experience of the spatial planning policy system with the ability to be able to analyse, interpret and present evidence and information.

Good IT skills are a prerequisite and preferably GIS experience, especially as we continue to develop digital solutions for information and data.

The ability to communicate effectively and develop strong working relationships is essential together with project management and organisational skills.

About us

Working together across our Councils and with our partners in the public, private and voluntary sectors, we provide excellent services to our 190,000 residents across Babergh and Mid Suffolk.

We are proud of the role we play in creating the environment, economy, and communities for our districts. We believe that the heart of Suffolk is an incredibly special place to live and work. With picturesque market towns, 60 conservation areas and with two National Landscapes (previously known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)) within our districts, it is little wonder that we are consistently within the top 50 places to live in the UK.

Benefits of working for us

• Great opportunities for learning and development
• Generous leave entitlement (equivalent to 26 days a year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays).
• Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Wellbeing Support Program
• Employee Assist Program
• Health Care Options.

For more information, visit our Employee Benefits page (suffolkjobsdirect.org) and view 'The best things about working for Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils (youtube.com)' to find out what our employees say about working for us.

Our ways of working

Work is what we do, not where we go! We are committed to working in a more Hybrid way, with a mix of office, home, and remote based working (Business needs permitting). This has worked well for us and is something we will be continuing with.

We are committed to supporting equality and diversity, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils provide opportunity and ambition for all, supporting and enabling our people to deliver the best possible service for our residents.

For more information

If you wish to discuss the hybrid working approach for this role, or for an informal discussion, please contact either Matt Deakin by emailing matt.deakin@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk or by calling 01473 296354, or alternatively contacting Robert Hobbs by either emailing robert.hobbs@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk or calling 01449 724812.

How to apply

To apply and for further details please click on the 'Apply Button'

Closing date: 1pm, 5 February 2024.

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies.