Role Purpose:
- To take a role in the Southwark Planning Department Development Programme to take part in and support staff in a learning environment where you will have the opportunity to develop professional skills, knowledge, behaviours and work experience in Planning.
- You will develop effective working relationships with colleagues internally and with planners throughout London to ensure that you understand their aims and priorities. You will work in partnership with transport, environment and planning colleagues and professional associations to drive forward their improvement agenda through their staff. You will also have the opportunity to actively lead your own projects with the support of your manager. You will ensure that the work you deliver is of highly, relevant and is delivered on time. You will be expected to actively seek out learning opportunities to maintain and develop your planning expertise as part of an organised programmme.
- You will be responsible for working with local partners/stakeholders and other units/departments within the Council to identify and manage project opportunities that support the Council's key objectives within defined areas and linking this to the determination of planning applications, preparation and implementation of planning policy and guidance, projects or other activities related to the town planning service.
- You will work with teams of professional officers in the delivery of projects to support the functions of the planning service and be responsible for the provision of highest quality, outcomes focused on the needs of clients including the Cabinet, committees, steering groups, other council teams and elected members.
Knowledge and Qualifications:
- A degree in a relevant subject or a relevant professional qualification and evidence of continuing professional development with an understanding of management concepts, practices and principles gained through experience
- A in depth understanding of urban planning and regeneration issues in a major city context and how town and planning can contribute to this
- An understanding of the equalities issues in Southwark and equalities issues for the Council. This should include a practical understanding of the problems of social exclusion within an inner London borough.
- Experience in a busy planning service, developing staff and responsibility for applications or projects.
- Experience of strategic planning and decision making at a local and regional level, working with a diverse local community, analysing their views and needs to achieve a positive outcome.
- Ability to write and present information clearly and concisely which is appropriate to the context and audience. This should include qualitative and quantitative techniques and evaluation and justification of evidence and consultation responses.
- Effective written, numeracy, verbal communication including clear briefs for action.
- Ability to follow instruction, learn new tasks and take responsibility to own development
- Looks for continuous improvement to meet ongoing requirements. Understands, prioritises and constantly strives to achieve customer satisfaction being sensitive to internal and external stakeholders.
- Looks for continuous improvements and challenges accepted practices. Responds positively to and learns from change. Is receptive to new ideas and is willing to lead change.