About the team we are recruiting to
We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create an inclusive workplace culture, is accepting of all and is free from discrimination and bias.
The Enforcement Officer role sits within the Planning Development Management team, which supports the growth of the city and manages development from inception to delivery. We’re a friendly and forward-thinking team that helps one another. We have a can-do approach and are always striving to improve our service. We recognise the importance of developing a strong, robust and resilient team through learning and development.
Alongside Development Management is the Planning Policy and Environment team, which encompasses several individual but related specialisms all focused on delivering a city for those wishing to live and work here. Those specialisms include Strategic Planning, Ecology, Trees and Landscape, Urban Design, Conservation, Archaeology and Environmental Protection.
What is the job role?
We have a vacancy in our Planning Enforcement Team for an Enforcement Officer or a Senior Enforcement Officer where the level of appointment will depend on experience. Our Enforcement Officer role offers opportunities for progression to senior level as set out in the attached job descriptions. Appointment will be based on experience and meeting the requirements of the respective job descriptions.
As Planning Enforcement Officer or Senior Planning Enforcement Officer you will be enforcing all relevant legislation administered by the section under the general direction of the Planning Enforcement Manager.

The main duties and responsibilities of the role include (but are not limited to)

• Investigate planning enforcement complaints, identifying appropriate courses of action ensuring all relevant legislation is considered and followed.
• Interpret technical / legal information, plans and legislation and make an initial assessment to progress each enquiry based upon the information and evidence received.
• Leading or supporting (depending on experience) on the supervision of works in default, including drafting schedules of work, site supervision and monitoring of payments.
• Prepare and/or support documents required by our Legal Services to enable them to prosecute enforcement breaches.
• Senior Planning Enforcement Officers will be expected to mentor Enforcement Officers in these processes.

ALL CANDIDATES MUST HAVE THE RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK. WE ARE CURRENTLY NOT OFFERING SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE.

Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a Planning Enforcement Officer or Senior Planning Enforcement Officer to deliver a high quality proactive Planning Enforcement service in a way that contributes to the achievement of the City Council’s vision and objectives for a growing and sustainable city.
You don’t necessarily need to have a background in Planning as some of our previous enforcement officers have joined from a range of backgrounds. You will be organised, articulate and attention to detail with a natural flair of curiosity and questioning. Being able to follow policy and legislation and working proactively on your own initiative as well as part of a team is key.
If you would like to have an informal chat about this post then please contact Marcus Fothergill, Planning Enforcement Manager, on 02476 972434 or Anne Lynch, Head of Development Management, on 02476 972266 or email marcus.fothergill@coventry.gov.uk or anne.lynch@coventry.gov.uk
If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to see how we can assist you.

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

For full details on the application process please read the attached document labelled ‘Coventry City Council Application Process’. If there is any evidence of a candidate using AI to complete their application, then the application will be rejected unless the candidate can provide a justification which the Council considers to be reasonable.
Interview date: Week commencing 22nd September 2025
About Coventry

The main duties and responsibilities of the role include (but are not limited to)

• Investigate planning enforcement complaints, identifying appropriate courses of action ensuring all relevant legislation is considered and followed.
• Interpret technical / legal information, plans and legislation and make an initial assessment to progress each enquiry based upon the information and evidence received.
• Leading or supporting (depending on experience) on the supervision of works in default, including drafting schedules of work, site supervision and monitoring of payments.
• Prepare and/or support documents required by our Legal Services to enable them to prosecute enforcement breaches.
• Senior Planning Enforcement Officers will be expected to mentor Enforcement Officers in these processes