Career Grade Enforcement Officer

Appointment ranges:

Interviews: Week commencing 19th January 2026

Are you considering a new role for the new year? Runnymede is an exciting Authority to join with an up to date local plan and a wide range of casework to offer opportunities to increase your experience.

Joining us now you will be part of our team as we transition in to West Surrey Unitary Council. On formation West Surrey will be one of the largest Planning Authorities in the country handling more than 5000 planning applications a year. West Surrey has a very strong economy from a broad business base and also has significant housing needs, and as such there will be plenty of interesting work across all areas of the planning team! The size of the authority and variety of work will provide significant opportunities to gain very broad experience and for career growth and development in a large team with multiple varied career paths. It is a very exciting time to be working in West Surrey.

We are a friendly and ambitious team who have a great track record in delivering projects and are looking for a positive individual to join our team. We have an otherwise fully staffed Enforcement team, made up of permanent team members with plenty of enforcement experience

Are you looking to move forward and develop your Planning Enforcement career? Or perhaps you are looking for your first opportunity to start your career in Planning Enforcement?

If you have some relevant transferable experience or suitable qualifications, then an opportunity as a Planning Enforcement Officer is a fantastic opportunity to build a strong career in Planning.

For a Senior Planning Enforcement Officer role, y ou will have most likely have at least the equivalent of 3-4 years' experience in enforcement and dealing with items of complexity, you would be expected to have strong comparable practical planning experience ideally in a Local Authority.

For the highest grades, y ou will be able to demonstrate considerable experience in dealing with complex matters. Generally, this would be expected to be at least equivalent of at least five years of experience of Planning Enforcement.

Most of all, we are seeking a confident, self-motivated and diplomatic person with a 'can-do' attitude and the ability to deliver positive outcomes for the future of the Borough. You should be able to provide clear and accurate advice to stakeholders and show excellent customer care, verbal and written skills.

In addition to a competitive salary, Runnymede Borough Council offers:

• 29 Days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Excellent Pension Scheme
• Free Parking
• Training and development opportunities
• Payment of one professional membership per annum
• Cycle to work + further related discounts
• Season ticket loan
• Health insurance plan after 1 years' service
• Dental insurance plan after 3 years' service

If you would like to find out more about the role or working with us please contact Tom Fry (Assistant Development Manager - ) or Ashley Smith (Corporate Head of Planning, Economy and Built Environment - )

If you have some relevant transferable experience or suitable qualifications, then an opportunity as a Planning Enforcement Officer is a fantastic opportunity to build a strong career in Planning.

For a Senior Planning Enforcement Officer role, y ou will have most likely have at least the equivalent of 3-4 years' experience in enforcement and dealing with items of complexity, you would be expected to have strong comparable practical planning experience ideally in a Local Authority.

For the highest grades, y ou will be able to demonstrate considerable experience in dealing with complex matters. Generally, this would be expected to be at least equivalent of at least five years of experience of Planning Enforcement.

Most of all, we are seeking a confident, self-motivated and diplomatic person with a 'can-do' attitude and the ability to deliver positive outcomes for the future of the Borough. You should be able to provide clear and accurate advice to stakeholders and show excellent customer care, verbal and written skills.

Runnymede is an ambitious, passionate, and progressive council with a forward- thinking attitude and award-winning departments. As a Borough Council, we are committed to our core values which we demonstrate through our ongoing policies and projects. We are always keen to improve our services and welcome innovative and proactive individuals who are open minded and have a positive approach in supporting our vision.

Runnymede Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults with care support needs and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. You may be requested to present your identification at the interview stage and there will be several checks conducted during the onboarding process inclusive of an enhanced DBS check for specified roles.