Planning Officer

The Role

This is a unique opportunity for a Planner to join the planning policy team in Southwark's Planning and Growth Division. You will write policy, research, monitor, undertake partnership working and work with consultants as well as working on the Local Plan and Supplementary Planning Documents. The role is an exciting opportunity to work on policies and guidance relating to climate change and energy, so an interest in these areas of policy would be an advantage.

Suitable candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge of planning policy considerations, particularly an understanding of strategic planning issues, how to interpret them simply, and translate complex issues into development management policies. The position requires candidates who are keen to suggest ideas for improvements and change.

About Us

We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises and we have a young, diverse, and growing population.

At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities.  Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals, and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice, and inequality) underpins all that we do.

About you

- The roles will be challenging, requiring candidates to be enthusiastic and passionate about learning and contributing to the wide variety of work undertaken by the division.

- The post offers exciting development opportunities and post holders will be supported to attain RTPI membership. You will require a degree in Planning or relevant subject.

Additional information:

- This is a 12-month fixed-term contract.

- Standard 36 hours Monday - Friday

For more information about the role, please read through the Job description attached below

Additional salary details

In your role, we want you to feel supported, challenged and rewarded. You will benefit from our family-friendly policies including flexible working, home working, and a local government pension scheme, plus many other staff benefits.

You will join a motivated, driven and supportive team that strives for excellence and values its members. You will also be part of a successful and high-achieving development team that is making a real difference to the lives of residents in the borough. For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit our Staff Benefits page.

Recruitment Timetable

Advert Closing Date: 11.59pm on 14 September 2023

Interview Date: 28 September 2023

We are an organisation that is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans

- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care

- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition