JOB SUMMARY

The Executive Officer (EO) in the Local Plans Team provides essential administrative and operational support to Planning Inspectors during the examination of Local Plans. These plans guide future development in local areas, including housing, infrastructure, and environmental policies. The EO role requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, policy-driven environment. We are a small but growing team, and it will be essential that you are able to support your fellow team members at all grades.

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are looking for a proactive and motivated individual who thrives in a structured yet dynamic environment. The ideal candidate would be organised and detail-oriented, someone who takes pride in accuracy and can manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively. A strong team worker who is collaborative, supportive, and able to contribute positively to a team-focused culture. Adaptable and resilient and comfortable with change, able to stay calm under pressure, and willing to learn and grow. You will have excellent problem solving skills, someone who can think critically, identify issues early, and contribute to practical solutions. An interest in planning, public policy, or local government is a bonus, but not essential.
As an EO in the Local Plans Team, your day is varied and dynamic, balancing administrative responsibilities with stakeholder engagement and data management. You’ll typically review emails and updates from Local Planning Authorities (LPAs), checking for any new Local Plan submissions or changes to examination timetables. You may attend team meetings or a virtual call with an LPA to discuss their plan progress and gather information to support forecasting. These conversations help ensure the right Inspectors are available at the right time. You could be drafting or updating Local Plan briefings, analysing trends in plan-making activity, or preparing reports for internal use. You may also review and process customer survey responses. You will also look at improving internal processes such as refining data management systems or contributing to the development of digital tools that support plan examinations.
Throughout the day, you’ll liaise with colleagues across the organisation, respond to queries, and ensure that statistical records are accurate and up to date. Flexibility, attention to detail, and a proactive approach are key to managing the diverse tasks that come your way.

APPLICATION

Complete the online application form on Civil Service Jobs which requires the following information:

• A CV: The CV section lets you share your job history. List your jobs, how long you worked at each, and briefly describe your roles and duties. Make sure to show how your experience matches the essential criteria of the job you’re applying for. Type or paste this information into the ‘Employment History’ box in the online application. You can’t attach your CV.
• A Personal Statement (750 words max): The personal statement lets you explain why you’re a good fit for the job in more detail. Use it to show how you meet the essential criteria listed in our advert and connect your answers to the essential criteria and experience elements we’re looking for.

All shortlisted candidates will be advised of the outcome shortly afterwards.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

Operational Delivery
Planning