Principal Planning Technician (RIPA/BoPS) - VALIDATION

Overview

If you are looking for a role with a difference, then this might be the job for you!  As an experienced validator, with strong technical and communication skills, you’ll be working alongside our Planning Validation team, but you’ll also be part of a project team working on the Open Digital Planning Project.

This position is being advertised for Buckinghamshire Council internal and agency employees only.

About us

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally. 

There are three teams within Technical, Commercial and Innovation Services providing support for all teams within the Planning and Environment Service.  As one of the largest Unitary Planning Authorities in the country the work is extremely varied and offers great opportunity for continuous learning and development. 

We strive to deliver an efficient, high quality, resilient and customer-focused service to the residents of Buckinghamshire.  We are part of the wider Planning and Environment Service and work closely with colleagues in the development management teams as well as with other stakeholders. We pride ourselves on being a close-knit and integrated team who support each other. 

About the role

This is a permanent post, and will focus on providing high level technical support, advice and information functions at a senior level and will involve validating the entire range of planning applications the Council receives, supporting colleagues who are working to shape the environment in Buckinghamshire.  This is a fast paced team who together process over 11,000 planning applications each year. 

Part of your role will be working on Open Digital Planning project.  Buckinghamshire is the Lead Partner on this national project, and as such you’ll be helping to deliver improvements to back office systems, helping to improve software and

As a Principal Planning Technician, you may be expected to deputise for your team leader during periods of leave.  You may also be responsible for workload management for identified team members. 

Our Principal Planning Technicians provide expert advice, are able to interpret legislation and use their technical expertise in taking a proactive role in the way services are provided.

Any-Desk:

As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.

About you

You should have significant, practical experience in dealing with all application types to a high standard and capable of providing advice and guidance to your colleagues.

You’ll have a great understanding of the planning system, understanding the regulations and relevant legislation, and be willing to contribute your ideas to improve our current practices.

You will be a skilled communicator, showcasing your great interpersonal skills and also demonstrating a real attention to detail. 

Planning and organisation skills are a vital part of this role, so you should be able to manage a range of competing activities, and deliver results within tight timescales.

You’ll be able to research and analyse data and be able to “problem-solve”.

Above all, you’ll be passionate about place-making and about the difference that planning makes to our community. 

 

 

Other information

Please see the attached job summary for further information on this role and person specification.

This is a full time permanent position, working a 37 hour week Monday to Friday.  The council operates a hybrid working system and so you will be expected to work from one of our office bases twice a week.

Number of positions available: 1

Interview-type/process: MS Teams

If you would like to have an informal conversation with the recruiting manager, please contact: Rachael Day: [email protected]

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions

For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Our values and culture

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

About the Business Unit

Our Planning, Growth and Sustainability directorate works with partners to help shape the future of Buckinghamshire.  We deliver services on planning, economic growth, regeneration, strategic infrastructure, transport and property.

 Our key priorities include developing the economic narrative for Bucks, creating more jobs and delivering the right infrastructure to help businesses and residents thrive. We also aim to provide a proactive planning service that is responsive, whilst making the best use of the Council’s land and property portfolio. This will in turn support community services and create housing, jobs, regeneration and income to support public services.

 It’s a great time to join one of our teams. As part of the Planning, Growth and Sustainability function you will not only get to help shape the economic future of Buckinghamshire; you’ll also be involved in delivering high-profile development projects and work on some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the UK. You will support us to deliver the results that our local residents and businesses deserve.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.

https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/