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We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

Introduction

Are you interested in developing digital skills while supporting the day-to-day work of a busy Planning Service?

What’s the role?

As a Land Charges Apprentice in the Business Improvement Team, you will help with the regular administrative, data and system tasks that keep the service running smoothly. You will support colleagues by maintaining accurate records, preparing routine reports, organising digital information and will be taught to use tools such as Excel, Power BI, GIS mapping and planning back-office systems to improve how information is managed and shared.

Your duties will include supporting routine Business as Usual activity across Planning, including updating spreadsheets and planning system records, checking and improving data quality, creating and maintaining searchable digital documents, organising digital files and online libraries, running weekly casework and performance reports, assisting with Land Charges and planning records work, responding to straightforward enquiries, setting up meetings, taught how to prepare guidance notes and presentations. You will learn to support dashboard and report maintenance in Power BI, assist with GIS mapping tasks, identify locations on maps and contribute to practical digital improvements that help the service work more efficiently.

You will work with experienced colleagues in the Business Improvement Team and wider Planning Service, learning how digital skills are applied in everyday service delivery. This is a practical apprenticeship where you will build confidence in data handling, reporting, mapping, digital records management and planning systems while supporting essential operational work. As you progress, you will have the opportunity to develop your understanding of Planning, contribute to service improvements while gaining a qualification.

What’s in it for you?

Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:

Generous holiday allowance
Local Government Pension scheme
Flexible working and family friendly policies
Season ticket and bicycle loans
A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
Supportive staff networks

What we’re looking for

We are looking for someone with good maths and communication skills, with an interest in IT, who is keen to learn how digital tools support everyday Planning work. You should be organised, accurate, curious and willing to solve practical problems. You will need to have an understanding of spreadsheets, the ability to follow instructions carefully, checking information for accuracy, managing routine tasks and adapt to changing priorities in a busy service. An interest in data, Power BI, GIS, digital records and planning systems would be helpful, but full support and training will be provided.

Location

We operate a hybrid approach whereby you will be required to work both in the office, primarily based in Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London, SE6 4RU and from home. Currently you will be required to be in the office at least 2 days a week, although this is determined by service requirements. The successful apprentice may, on occasions, work with other teams across Planning to support routine digital, GIS, reporting, records and business improvement activity. There may also be opportunities to accompany officers on site visits to understand how planning data, maps and casework are used in practice.

Special conditions

Apprenticeship Level 3 Data Technician
Must be a Lewisham borough resident, all apprenticeships are ringfenced for Lewisham Borough residents only
You must be 16 and above
You must have Maths and English grade 4 and above or grade C and above
You must answer all application questions, use the person specification section of the application form to write your answers

The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CVs.

For an informal discussion about this job, please contact Liam.Barnes@lewisham.gov.uk

Please click here to view the Job Description and Application Questions

Salary

£27,010 LLW per annum

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident 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

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

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