About Barnet Council

Barnet is a borough with much to be proud of. Our excellent schools, vibrant town centers, vast green spaces and diverse communities all help make it a great place to live and work. As a council we want to build on these strengths as we move into the future. We are growing and developing as an organisation to meet the challenges facing our borough and we are committed to working with partner organisations and residents to make Barnet even better. As an organisation, our staff are committed to Our Values: Learning to Improve, Caring, Inclusive, Collaborative – which drive everything we do.

About the role

Planning Officer Enforcement Level 1
An opportunity has arisen in our Planning Enforcement Team for a motivated and community focused individual who is keen to support the protection and improvement of the local environment. This entry-level role is ideal for someone with strong investigative instincts, clear communication skills and a desire to make a positive impact on how places develop. You will work alongside experienced officers to assess complaints, undertake site visits, gather evidence and help resolve potential breaches of planning control. If you are organised, curious, enjoy problem solving, and ready to build a career in planning or regulatory services, we would welcome your application.

Please click here to download the Job description for this role. (Right-click and select “Open in new tab” so you can keep the job description open while completing your application)

About you

To provide technical and administrative support to senior staff.
To assist in and/or prepare technical reports, graphical data presentation or mapping for various internal and external stakeholders.
To deal effectively with enquiries and communications from customers and other stakeholders.
Undertake site visits.
Any other tasks commensurate to the role.
To investigate alleged breaches of planning control of all types and to report direct to the (Deputy) Principal Planning Officer (Enforcement) on any action (if any) to be taken.
To be responsible for the management of an assigned caseload and for the investigation and assessment of alleged breaches of planning control appropriate to grade and experience. At this grade the case load will likely consist mainly of householder developments, minor residential conversions, breaches of planning conditions, minor commercial developments and changes of use. Higher or lower complexity work may, however, be assigned for personal development.
To initiate action to resolve identified breaches of planning control and prepare associated delegated reports.
To draft simple written representation appeal statements and to prepare witness statements as directed Working with more senior colleagues, to assist in more complex appeals and prosecutions concerning own casework

What we offer

31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays
Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, which provides a valuable guaranteed income in your retirement together with security for your dependents
Work-life balance options may include hybrid working, flexitime, job share, home working, part-time
A vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers and more
Broad range of payroll benefits including cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership
Excellent training and development opportunities
Employee well- being training programs including confidential employee assistance

How to apply

Read the job description and person specification before clicking ‘Apply’ to commence the online application form. If you would like any further information about the role before applying, please contact Robert.Favell@Barnet.gov.uk

Barnet Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Barnet operates stringent safer recruitment procedures, this may include AI Detection Screening, Biometric ID/Right to Work Checks, Qualification and Registration Checks, Up to 6 years of Employment Data and Insights to Accelerate Screening (Konfir), Up to 5 years of Employment History References, DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) Checks, Credit Checks and Social Media, Sanctions and Occupational Health Screening.

To deliver Barnet Council’s commitment to equality of opportunity in the provision of services, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. As such we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Barnet Council embraces all forms of flexible working (including part-time, compressed hours, and hybrid working) and is committed to offering employees a healthy work-life balance. Candidates are encouraged to talk about relevant requirements and preferences at interview. We can’t promise to give you exactly what you want, but we do promise not to judge you for asking.

Barnet Council is a Disability Confident Committed Employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

All posts with the council are subject to a probationary period of six months, during which time you will be required to demonstrate to the council satisfaction your suitability for the position in which you will be employed.

Due to the high number of applications that are received for some posts we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient number of applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.

Please ensure you regularly check the email account (including JUNK MAIL folders) that you use to submit your application, as any further communication regarding your application will be sent electronically. Should you not hear from us within four working weeks of the closing date for this post, then regretfully in this instance, you have not been shortlisted.