Career Grade Planning Policy Officer (Planning Officer, Senior or Principal)

Career Grade Planning Policy Officer (Planning Officer, Senior or Principal)

• Career Grade Planning Policy Officer (Planning Officer, Senior or Principal)

About The Role

If you are looking to commence or move forward and continue building your career in theplanning profession, this is an exciting time to join Runnymede Borough Council.The Council has recently commenced the preparation of a new local plan for theborough and is looking for a new team member to join our small, friendly teamto assist with this process.

Whowe are

ThePlanning Policy team is located within the Planning, Economy and BuiltEnvironment department, and is committed to planning positively to meet the growthneeds of this special Borough.Runnymede'slocation at the edge of London, close to Heathrow Airport, makes it aninteresting place to pursue the challenges of plan making and delivery.

From March 2027,Runnymede Borough Council will become part of the new West Surrey UnitaryCouncil as part of the Local Government Reorganisation across Surrey. WestSurrey will bring together the full range of local government services underone organisation, creating simpler, more efficient and more responsive servicesfor our communities.

As one of thelargest unitary authorities in the country, West Surrey will serve a diversepopulation across a region with a strong economy, vibrant communities, andsignificant opportunities for growth and innovation. The scale and variety ofour work will provide a wide range of career pathways, professional developmentopportunities, and the chance to contribute to shaping an ambitious, modern,resident-focused council. It is an exciting time to join us as we build WestSurrey together.

What can we offer you

Ourteam provides a supportive and positive environment in which to work anddevelop with a proven track record of mentoring planners to full RTPImembership and senior positions.

Inaddition to a competitive salary, Runnymede Borough Council also offers:

• Flexible working and Flexi leave
• 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 after 3 years' service
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

About You

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a confident, self-motivated and diplomatic person with a positive work ethic who is looking for a new challenge. Applicants will be expected to either be chartered members of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or be eligible for chartered membership.

You will need to be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of the planning system including the recent changes that the government has made to the plan making system and the expected future policy direction in the National Planning Policy Framework. You will also need to be highly organised and able to work independently as well as in a team. You should be able to work positively with a range of partners; giving clear accurate advice and have good verbal, numerical, problem-solving, IT and written skills. Being able to demonstrate that you are able to consistently deliver high quality work within agreed timescales is essential. Strong data capability should be evidenced, with the ability to use local plan evidence effectively in policy and analysis. The successful candidate must have a full driving licence with access to a vehicle insured for business use.

At this early stage of plan making, we are particularly looking for someone who can either assist with or lead on the planning policy areas of design, the economy and flooding (depending on level of experience). This would include continuing to develop a robust evidence base to underpin the local plan in these areas, drafting relevant locally specific policies, developing appropriate design tools for the Borough such as design codes and/or masterplans for specific allocations, and assisting with/taking a lead role in answering questions on these matters from a range of stakeholders (including at the Council's Examination in Public). Experience in one or more of these areas would therefore be beneficial (although not essential).

About Runnymede

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 continually strive to improve our services and welcome innovative and proactive individuals who are open minded and have a positive approach in supporting our vision.

From March 2027, Runnymede Borough Council will become part of the new West Surrey Unitary Council as part of the Local Government Reorganisation across Surrey. West Surrey will bring together the full range of local government services under one organisation, creating simpler, more efficient and more responsive services for our communities.

As one of the largest unitary authorities in the country, West Surrey will serve a diverse population across a region with a strong economy, vibrant communities, and significant opportunities for growth and innovation. The scale and variety of our work will provide a wide range of career pathways, professional development opportunities, and the chance to contribute to shaping an ambitious, modern, resident-focused council. It is an exciting time to join us as we build West Surrey together.

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.

We understand that some applicants may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with preparing their applications.

All submitted information whether supported by AI or not must accurately reflect the applicant's own skills, experience, and qualifications. Recruitment decisions will be based on how well applicants demonstrate these attributes during the interview and selection process.