Foreword from Chief Executive Officer

About the Planning Inspectorate

Working as a Planning Inspector

Training and Career Development

Making Your Application Planning Inspector Band 1 Terms and Conditions

Application Guidance List of Relevant Professional Bodies Page: 2 Foreword from Sarah Richards Foreword from Chief Executive Officer, The Planning Inspectorate Chief Executive Officer

About the Planning Inspectorate

Working as a Planning Inspector Thank you for your interest in working for the Planning Inspectorate.

Now is a particularly exciting time for the Inspectorate. Recent planning reforms have extended the range and scope of the work we do to support local planning, sustainable development and major infrastructure. Training and Career Working as an Inspector for the Planning Inspectorate is to be an impartial decision maker and adviser to the Secretary of State Development on important developments. It is a fulfilling and rewarding job that has a direct impact on both local communities and national economic, environmental and social needs. You could be applying your experience and expertise, whether gained in planning or elsewhere, to help shape well-planned environments through determining planning and enforcement appeals, examining development plans or making recommendations on nationally significant infrastructure projects. You will need to always apply the Inspectorate’s core values of openness, fairness and impartiality. Making Your Application We are seeking to recruit across a wide field for Inspectors. You do not need to be a planner to be an Inspector. The background of our Inspectors is very varied and includes engineers, architects, environmentalists, lawyers, academics as well as planners. All have become successful and confident Inspectors. We provide good, ongoing training and we aim to identify quickly, and then provide opportunities for inspectors to apply their particular experience, expertise and capabilities to casework. Terms and Conditions We want accomplished professional people with energy, commitment and professional expertise, who are self- motivated, self-reliant and dependable. Some of our casework involves team working, but you also need to be able to work alone and be willing to travel. You will be working mainly in England, but could occasionally be given work in Wales. I look forward to your application to join us and I hope you become part of our successful team. List of Relevant Professional Bodies Sarah Richards Chief Executive Officer, The Planning Inspectorate Page: 3 About the Planning Inspectorate Foreword from The Planning Inspectorate is an Executive Agency in the Department We have offices in Temple Quay House, Chief Executive Officer for Communities and Local Government and the Welsh Assembly Bristol, and Cathays Park, Cardiff. The Government. majority of the administrative staff are based in Bristol, with the Cardiff office The main focus for the Inspectorate has, until recently, been on the one serving the Welsh Government. hand the processing and determination of planning and enforcement About the Planning appeals and, on the other, the holding of examinations into Local Our staff include professionally Plans (LP). Since April 2012 we have also become responsible for the qualified salaried Inspectors who Inspectorate examination of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP), with work from home throughout

Inspectors making recommendations to the Secretary of State. England and Wales, with a smaller Planning Inspectorate number who carry out work on a Wales (Cardiff) The Inspectorate also handles a wide variety of other planning-related contract basis. casework. This includes listed building consent appeals, advertisement Working as a Planning appeals, and reporting on planning applications called-in for decision by Planning Inspectorate Inspector the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (or, in Wales, Head Quarters (Bristol) the Welsh Ministers), various compulsory purchase orders, rights of way cases and cases arising from the Environmental Protection and Water Acts, as well as the Transport and Works Act and Highways legislation. Training and Career Development Our Vision is: Our Purpose is: To hold the absolute confidence of Ministers and our customers as a key To work together to deliver decisions, recommendations and advice in an open, organisation for land use planning. We will have a reputation for excellent fair, impartial and timely manner. customer service and provide timely and high quality impartial decisions in all our work. We will have a sustainable budget position with established Making Your sources of income and an embedded focus on continuous improvement and Application productivity. We will be a fully integrated organisation across all our casework Our Behaviours and Values with common systems and effective leadership enabling more flexible working. We are highly regarded for the work we do, and our staff are respected and We will make the most of our knowledge and experience on the ground, appreciated for their professionalism and skill. Our reputation for impartial building the capability of our staff and informing policy decision-making has held firm throughout our history and underpins our credibility. Our decisions are made in an open, fair, and impartial manner in accordance with the Franks Principles, as follows: Terms and Conditions Our Working Practices: • Open: we are transparent in how we work, publishing information to assist We believe in our ‘One PINS’ approach, breaking down internal barriers and those who use our services and listening to all points of view; joining-up different teams wherever we can, ensuring that all staff remain • Fair: we always act to ensure fair treatment of customers, staff and focussed on our purpose at all times. Our behaviours and values underpin everyone we work with; and everything we do and, not in any particular order of priority, are: • Impartial: we show no favour to any person or organisation. • customer focus; • personal responsibility; List of Relevant • professional expertise; • humanity and compassion, and Professional Bodies • adaptability and agility; • high performance. For more details about our work and the Inspectorate’s 2016/17 Annual Report • respect for others; and Accounts, visit our ‘about’ page on GOV.uk Page: 4 Working as a Planning Inspector Foreword from Planning Inspectors conduct a wide range of casework, including appeals An Inspector’s work brings high rewards in Chief Executive Officer under the Planning Acts and other environmental legislation, examinations terms of job satisfaction and professional into Local Plans and National Infrastructure applications. standing. Inspectors come from a wide range of professions and backgrounds. It requires professional commitment, high They include, for example: intellectual capability and integrity. Whilst a relevant About the Planning professional background and/or qualification are „„ planners essential, these do not have to be specifically in Inspectorate „„ engineers the field of planning. Indeed, the Inspectorate also „„ environmentalists looks for non-planners with appropriate specialisms „„ lawyers to provide us with a breadth of expertise. From such areas as: We require a flexible workforce and all recruits will Working as a Planning „„ local and central government need to be capable of conducting appeals casework (and past experience Inspector „„ private consultancy shows that many non-planners can conduct appeals casework highly „„ education successfully). Subject to business need, training will be provided for all „„ industry casework types. However, candidates should be realistic in their own assessment of their past experience and potential capability in this regard. Each Inspector brings their own professional experience, expertise and Training and Career skills to the role of an impartial decision maker. The list of relevant Inspectors require a high level of self-reliance, motivation, stamina and Development professional bodies will give you an idea of the professions we welcome. confidence. They are expected to produce consistently high quality decisions and recommendations on their own account, and be able to Appeals are currently conducted by one of three methods: public inquiry, manage their work and time very effectively to meet specific time targets. hearing or written representations. There will also be circumstances in which Inspectors will be required to The Inspector is solely responsible for the conduct of the event and will Making Your work effectively as part of a team (e.g. on National Infrastructure cases), Application assess written and oral evidence to reach soundly reasoned decisions. but they will spend considerable periods of time working alone. Whilst very When assessing the soundness of development plans and examining rewarding, the work can be demanding, so you must have the ability to National Infrastructure Projects, the Inspector’s role is to carry out an work under pressure at times. inquisitorial examination, identifying the issues to be discussed and considering the evidence submitted in writing and heard orally before NB: Please consider this before you apply: Terms and Conditions making recommendations. As Inspectors are home-based, there is a very little opportunity to physically meet at frequent intervals. Although we encourage that Appeal Procedure Types Inspectors meet socially and make full use of our internal messaging, email and phone facilities, isolation can be challenging for some Public Inquiry Hearing Written Representations individuals. List of Relevant See the homeworker self assessment questionnaire Professional Bodies Page: 5 Working as a Planning Inspector IT Skills Foreword from Chief Executive Officer The Inspectorate operates in an online environment for case handling The Inspectorate will also require you to undertake a number of and document management, as well as decision and report drafting and compulsory Civil Service Learning modules on Data Protection and quality assurance. IT Security, amongst others, if you are appointed. Our training and progression processes are based on you being at these indicative levels We also have extensive online internal information resources and a About the Planning at the outset, so you may find it helpful to explore the self-assessment number of forums to support learning and professional development. To Inspectorate sections of the ECDL link. work as an Inspector we therefore expect a good level of computer skills and IT literacy. You will be home-based and it is therefore necessary to have an appropriate office/work space from which to work. You will need to As a helpful checklist the ‘European Computer Driving Licence’ (ECLD) accommodate a workstation with docking station and multi-screens, or International Version (ICDL) sets out skill sets and levels. multifunction printer/scanner device, reference material, and to provide Working as a Planning Our expectation is that you should be competent in all the Base Modules yourself with an appropriate work-space. Inspector and be capable of operating the Presentation, Online Collaboration, and You will be required to provide a broadband line with a minimum speed of Information Literacy modules of the Intermediate level, together with 5MB so that your Planning Inspectorate-issued computer can access our awareness of the IT Security module. IT systems to work electronically at sufficient speed. Training and Career Development

IT Kit Provided for Home Working The Planning Inspectorate provides: Making Your Application „„Laptop and docking station with multi-screens „„Internet-enabled phone „„Multifunction device (printer/scanner) Terms and Conditions „„Smartphone Inspectors are responsible for providing their own internet connection. List of Relevant Professional Bodies Page: 6 Working as a Planning Inspector Events Foreword from Chief Executive Officer Success in the role of an Inspector will also depend on your Travel and Mobility ability to command the confidence of a wide range of people Although we encourage travel for business purposes by public through written and oral communication, including proactively transport, many sites are impractical to access by that means so managing and leading parties who participate in examinations most Inspectors hold a driving licence. Hire cars can be used, though and appeals, notably at hearings and inquiries. About the Planning you may use your own vehicle if it is more cost-effective. A mileage Inspectorate Inquiries, hearings, site visits and examinations are held in the allowance is paid. locality within which the appeal site or examination area is located. Inspectors have to carry out site inspections, some of which will be Therefore, whilst we aim to minimise travel, working away from home in remote locations, possibly including difficult terrain, in a range of is common and, when your casework requires it, you will stay away weather conditions. overnight or for longer periods. Working as a Planning The Inspectorate will endeavour to adapt work programmes to After an inquiry, hearing, site visit programme has been completed Inspector accommodate individual circumstances. If you have a concern about you will spend time at home writing your reports and decisions. The your ability to access sites with difficult terrain in remote locations Inspector’s role requires the ability to read and digest large amounts you may wish to discuss your circumstances with us before you of information. It is essential that you are able to cut through detail decide whether to apply. and get to the heart of an issue. All written work must be clear and Training and Career concise, whilst thoroughly and persuasively reasoned. Our advice line is 0303 444 5825. Development A very substantial part of our casework is, and traditionally has been, in London and the South East. We would therefore particularly welcome applications from candidates living in London and the South East and those living in locations with good transport links to these Making Your areas. However, applications from any suitable candidates are equally welcome and no preference will be given to any candidate from Application any particular location. Please note that we will only pay travel and subsistence for travel within England and Wales. Overall, most Inspectors find they spend more time working at home than they do away. Your work schedule will normally be set up well Terms and Conditions in advance to permit you to make domestic arrangements when overnight stays are necessary. If you think you may have any restrictions in that regard, which you believe may give rise to difficulties in fulfilling the requirements of the post, you are advised to discuss your position with us before you List of Relevant apply. Professional Bodies Page: 7 Training and Career Development Foreword from We encourage continuous professional development and The Inspectorate is committed to the continuing professional development of Chief Executive Officer recognise talent amongst our workforce. its staff so further and extensive learning and development opportunities will be available throughout your career as an Inspector. All Inspectors receive comprehensive training, which covers the planning system, decision and report writing. Immediately on We are committed to the support and development of our staff as appointment you will be required to attend a residential induction professionals and are proud of our recognition in that regard by the Royal Town About the Planning course in Bristol for two weeks with a third week based at home. Planning Institute. Moreover, we encourage Inspectors to explore and reach This is normally supplemented by a further round of training some their potential by pursuing opportunities to carry out more complex casework. Inspectorate months after first joining. New Inspectors ordinarily determine appeals via the written representation Newly trained Inspectors will receive support from their trainers, method. Whilst you will be appointed to Band 1, depending, amongst other who are experienced Inspectors, through reading and assessing all things, on business need and affordability there are likely to be opportunities of the initial casework. Your trainer will be there for advice, and will for promotion in the future (and you may, as a Band 1 Inspector, be given the Working as a Planning provide you with constructive feedback on your work, to assist your opportunity to conduct higher level Band 2 or 3 casework with a temporary Inspector progress. additional allowance payment).

Typical Induction for New Inspectors Training and Career Development Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 „„ General introduction Bespoke topic areas for s78 Home-based: „„ Role of the Inspector decision making: „ „„ Meet colleagues „ Office set up „„ Common issues „ „„ HR, IT and administration „ IT and phone systems „„ Obligations and conditions „ Making Your „„ The Inspectorate Approach „ Internal familiarisation (web- „ to Decision Making „ Human Rights based) Application „ „ „„ Appeals casework „ Costs „ Prepare for first cases „„ Heritage „„ Undertake further training

Part 1 „„ Planning policies „„ Training progression process exercises „„ Health and Safety „„ Conducting site visits Terms and Conditions

4 - 5 months later Introduction of additional casework topic areas such as: „„ HRA „„ Noise List of Relevant „„ Green Belt, et al. Professional Bodies „„ Refreshers Part 2 Page: 8 Making Your Application Foreword from For instance, when describing a complex project that you completed: Application timetable Chief Executive Officer „„ How did you manage it? • Closing date: Sunday 1 October 2017 at 23:59 „„ What were your specific role and responsibilities? • Assessment centre and interviews: weeks commencing 30 „„ How effective were you (and what were the measures by which that October, 6 and 13 November 2017, in Bristol. effectiveness was measured)? About the Planning We shall ask you to bring 2 passport sized photos of yourself, if you are „„ What issues did you face and how did you address them? Inspectorate invited to the assessment centre and interview. „„ Were your recommendations and decisions accepted and, if so, were they successful?

Make your application through Civil Service Jobs using the online CV You may describe how you gathered and analysed information, what and personal statement facility. sources helped you to do so, how you planned and organised your time Working as a Planning Your CV should include your career history and summarise your to ensure delivery, who your stakeholders were, how you communicated Inspector key achievements. with them and, finally, what the result of your input into the work was. We also require your higher level academic history and membership Completing Your Statement details of professional bodies, as requested under the Essential Criteria „„ Be precise in your examples about what you did and the part you (documentary proof of qualifications and membership will be requested at played in the activities you describe. Please explain what you did, Training and Career interview). how you did it and describe the outcome. Development You must demonstrate that you meet the Essential Criteria for your „„ Give recent examples from the work-place. However, you may give application to be considered further. examples from outside work. „„ Provide varied examples and ensure they are relevant to the Appointees to the Civil Service are expected to conduct themselves professional and behavioural competencies on page 11. according to its competency framework. We therefore conduct our Making Your selection processes, including assessment of applications and conduct of „„ Be concise. Too much information makes it difficult for the panel to Application interviews with those in mind. assess your application and may count against you. „„ Use clear language and avoid jargon. Your statement must therefore also include evidence of the competencies (page 11), when you describe how your experiences match the Essential Criteria for the role, i.e. how you dealt with the situation Your personal statement must be no longer than 1200 words. Should you are describing, what behaviours you demonstrated to achieve the it exceed this figure, the excess will not be seen by the application Terms and Conditions outcome, what the outcome was and how those behaviours achieved the assessors. outcome. Please note that your professional and behavioural competencies will Accordingly, a simple description of what you did would not meet the be assessed throughout the selection process. Failure to demonstrate requirement to explain how you deployed your skills and behaviours. these, following the above advice, is likely to result in not being called to the next stage, due to lack of evidence. List of Relevant Professional Bodies Page: 9 Making Your Application Stage 2 – Assessment Centre and Interview Successful candidates will be invited to attend an assessment Foreword from Selection Process centre followed by an interview, both of which will be held in our office in Bristol. Candidates will be able to select a time Chief Executive Officer Stage 1 – Application (CV and Personal Statement) and Initial Selection and date slot online. At this stage you are asked to demonstrate that you meet the Essential Selection The assessment centre will be a combination of competency- Criteria for the post, as follows. Firstly, we will check all applications to see that you based exercises; a hearing role play, assessment of a short are eligible to apply. To be eligible to apply you must: written mock decision (under exam conditions) and interview. About the Planning These tests are designed to assess candidates’ potential „„ meet our nationality requirements (applications are welcome from UK, British Inspectorate by demonstrating their abilities. The use of standardised Commonwealth and European Economic Area (EEA) nationals and certain non-EEA procedures and assessment techniques ensures that there is members), and maximum objectivity and fairness in the assessments made. „„ meet the requirements for essential knowledge, skills and experience (page 10) Please be advised that the written test carries more If you meet the Essential Criteria, your CV and personal statement will then be weight. Therefore candidates need to demonstrate a pass assessed against the required competencies. Working as a Planning mark on all the competencies on this test. Candidates will Inspector Candidates who are successful at this stage will be invited to an assessment centre not be successful if they are not able to demonstrate an and interview. acceptable level of ability in the written test.

Security checks and Data Protection Candidates with Disabilities Training and Career A successful candidate from outside the Civil Service will be subject to satisfactory security The Planning Inspectorate is a signatory to the Department for Work and checks to cover aspects of identity, nationality, employment history and criminal record. Pensions “Two-Tick” disability scheme. We are using the guaranteed Development These checks are routine and are now required for new entrants to the Civil Service. interview scheme to help widen employment opportunities for disabled people. Candidates who have declared themselves to be disabled If you are invited to interview you will need to provide the following: will automatically proceed to the next stage of the selection process, „„ passport, national ID card, full UK driving licence or birth certificate provided they meet the Essential Criteria detailed above. „„ proof of National Insurance number e.g. tax notification, P45or National Insurance card Making Your „„ proof of address e.g. recent utility bill, or letter from your bank Complaints Application „„ proof of eligibility to work in the UK The Planning Inspectorate’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the principle of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of fair We will also require original documents for proof of your qualifications and membership of and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission your professional body/bodies. Recruitment Principles. If you are successful, we will approach your current or last employer to verify your If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the circumstances for the past 3 years. If you were previously self-employed, we will approach Terms and Conditions Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact in the HM Revenue and Customs, and/or a professional who was connected with your business. first instance: By signing the application form, you will be giving us consent to approach the employer, HM HR Manager, Revenue and Customs, or other party to verify your previous employment for the last 3 years. Planning Inspectorate, Room 4B, Under the Data Protection Act (1998) the information you provide is defined as ‘personal Temple Quay House, data’. It will be available only to the appropriate HR officer and security authority and used 2 The Square, Temple Quay, List of Relevant only for the purpose of satisfying the requirements of the Baseline Personnel Security Bristol, BS1 6PN Professional Bodies Standard. The HR officer and security authority will protect the information you provide and If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Planning will ensure that it is not passed to anyone who is not authorised to see it. Inspectorate, you can contact the Office of the Civil Service Commission. Page: 10 Making Your Application The Role Foreword from Chief Executive Officer Essential Knowledge, Skills and Job Purpose Experience To deliver a broad range of appeal and other casework, evaluating evidence, conducting site visits, hearings and inquiries, and writing decisions within agreed formats, for an Candidates must demonstrate the following: assigned standard level of casework. About the Planning „„ Education to degree level and relevant To make decisions and recommendations to time targets and required quality standards. Inspectorate membership of a professional body (please refer to the list of relevant professional bodies). „„ A demonstrable track record of experience Job Description and responsibility providing evidence of „„ To conduct and determine standard allocations of casework at Level 1 (the least Working as a Planning an accomplished capability in Planning, complex of the three levels). This will include planning appeals and could include Inspector Architecture, Engineering, Surveying, Law or enforcement appeals and other casework. other related land use/relevant profession. „„ To identify, understand, analyse and test relevant facts and evidence in order to reach „„ Experience of writing high quality detailed well-reasoned and justified decisions and recommendations on planning appeals and other casework. decisions/reports and papers which are backed Training and Career by well-considered evidence/legislation. „„ To understand and correctly apply legislation, policy, guidance and procedures. „„ To conduct public events and site visits in an efficient, inclusive and authoritative Development „„ Knowledge and understanding of relevant manner using plain English and in accordance with procedural rules and guidance. planning law and town and country planning policy and principles, or demonstrable aptitude „„ To complete appeal decisions and any other work in line with timeliness targets and to to gain these quickly. the required quality standards. „„ To work alone as an independent decision-maker, seeking advice where necessary. Making Your „„ Ability to competently use IT to conduct Application casework, write decisions and reports and to „„ To manage casework effectively, working with professional and administrative staff and manage administrative matters. managers. „„ To demonstrate integrity, objectivity and impartiality at all times, clearly applying the principles of openness, fairness and transparency. „„ To maintain and develop professional skills, knowledge and capability by undertaking Terms and Conditions appropriate training and other development opportunities, including on own initiative. „„ To help develop the skills and capability of other Inspectors, including through the quality assurance of decisions. „„ To maintain awareness of the Planning Inspectorate’s strategic and business plans. „„ To carry out administrative functions in accordance with current office guidelines, and List of Relevant procedures. Professional Bodies „„ To use IT effectively to conduct casework and manage administrative matters. Page: 11 Making Your Application Competencies Foreword from Knowledge & Technical Skills Professionalism & Integrity Chief Executive Officer The competencies set out the professional skills as well „„ Specialist knowledge and skills at a high „„ Demonstration of fairness and impartiality as behaviours expected of our Inspectors. Please refer to technical level. to all participants in proceedings and this information when completing your online application „„ Sound knowledge of the relevant legal appropriate response to any particular framework, jurisdiction, procedures and their needs. and personal statement. Although the competencies are About the Planning not used as a check-list when assessing the application, appropriate application. „„ Detachment and management of own „„ Professional knowledge based on a reactions and emotions. Inspectorate they provide an overall strong picture in terms of candidate foundation of academic and technical „„ Treatment of all people attending, appearing suitability. knowledge with significant practical or working during any casework delivery or We expect successful candidates to be able to demonstrate experience. wider procedural stages with respect and dignity. all of the following competencies and skills. Conduct of Cases, Efficiency and „„ Respect and compliance with the law. Delivery of Results „„ Avoidance of the use of words or conduct Working as a Planning „„ Management of schedule of casework to that might give rise to the perception of bias. Inspector deliver it within time and quality standards, „„ Impartiality between parties whether using appropriate tools and processes to individuals, professionals or public bodies. Behavioural support prioritisation and time management. „„ Understanding and application of Franks „„ Prompt identification and resolution of any Principles. Competencies barriers to effective casework handling. „„ Independence and authority of Inspectors in Training and Career „„ Management of all aspects of casework all their dealings and casework delivery. to facilitate fair, effective and timely „„ Personal independence, confidence, moral Development Setting Direction – Making Effective Decisions intervention. courage, impartiality and integrity. Effectiveness in this area is about identifying a range of relevant „„ Conduct of proceedings which establish and „„ Promotion of highest standards of information sources, and recognising the need for further research maintain the independence and authority of behaviour, fairness and impartiality in all when necessary. Working within the scope of their authority for the Inspector and the process. work matters. decision making, effective people explore different options and „„ Identification of key tasks and priorities in „„ A high level of credibility and professional Making Your potential responses to these, to ensure efficient conduct of casework. casework management. competence. Application „„ Management of events and procedures „„ Recognition and disclosure of potential Engaging People - Building Capability for All enabling proper participation by all those conflicts of interest. Effectiveness in this area is having a strong focus on continuous present. „„ Dignity and professional behaviour. learning for oneself, others and the organisation. Effective people in „„ Setting of priorities which make the most this area seek and act on feedback to evaluate and improve their own effective use of resources. performance and share their own knowledge. „„ Management of own time and resources, Terms and Conditions responsiveness and adaptability regarding Professional Delivering Results - Achieving Outcomes demands and effective prioritisation. Competencies Effectiveness in this area is about gathering necessary evidence and „„ Clarity about results required and personal using analysis, problem solving and judgement to deliver the required accountability for their achievement. outcomes in decision making. Decisions are made on complex issues „„ Behaviour which is consistently measured, in line with relevant law and policy, as well as properly weighing calm and non-confrontational. List of Relevant sufficiency and quality of evidence. Effective people make timely and „„ Prompt discharging of administrative appropriate procedural decisions. responsibilities. Professional Bodies Page: 12 Terms and Conditions Foreword from Contract and Salary Probation The starting salary point is £41,015 and payments will be made upon reaching certain Confirmation of the appointment is subject to successful completion of probation Chief Executive Officer competence thresholds in the training period. The top of the Band 1 salary scale requirements. During this period we would anticipate that your main training will have is £48,941. been completed and your work will be closely monitored and the results shared and discussed with you at all stages by your trainers. You can expect that your appointment Appointments will only be confirmed if we are satisfied that you have achieved and maintained the We hope to have the first appointees in place in early 2018. minimum competence level of the grade, and that your attendance record has been About the Planning satisfactory. Your Work Base Inspectorate Our Planning Inspectors are home-based, and you will be assigned to a team of The probation period will not apply to those candidates who are existing substantive other Inspectors for line management and professional support purposes. You will be Civil Servants. Successful Civil Service candidates who are within their probation required, occasionally, to attend training or meetings in our offices in Bristol or Cardiff periods will still be expected to complete their probation under that contract. and, more frequently, team meetings elsewhere. Full details of the probation arrangements will be set out in the contract of employment. Annual Leave – New Entrants Working as a Planning Freemasonry Inspector The annual leave allowance will be cumulative, based on service, starting with 25 days You are required to tell us if you are a Freemason and must also tell us if the per year (pro-rata for part time staff) rising by 1 day per year to a maximum of 30 days situation changes. after 5 years’ service. You will also be entitled to 1 days’ privilege leave for the Queen’s Birthday. Conflicts of Interest Hours of Work It will be a condition of your appointment that you do not engage in private practice related to land use planning matters. Training and Career Full time Inspectors work a 5-day week of 37 hours (excluding lunch breaks). On occasions you may need to travel outside normal working hours. Flexibility is required to As a Planning Inspector, you may not take part in any activity or engage in any Development meet the demands of the post. occupation which might conflict with the interests of the Planning Inspectorate. These include standing for local or parliamentary elections or being an active member/official Part-Time Working of particular groups or societies. If you wish to work part-time, the Inspectorate operates a Flexible Working Policy. Successful candidates will be required to complete an entry in the Inspectorate’s Please note that during the initial training and probation period, in order that the Register of Interests and to comply with the Inspector Code of Conduct. Making Your appointee can build a “critical mass” of casework and familiarity with processes, we consider that full-time (or close to full-time) is highly desirable. Childcare Vouchers Application It is important that our Inspectors are available when required throughout the year. In conjunction with Computershare Voucher Services, we offer a childcare voucher scheme. Childcare vouchers can be used to pay for all types of registered childcare If you wish to work part-time please state the work pattern you would prefer in the including nurseries, child minders, nannies, after-school and holiday schemes. They are “Optional” box at the bottom of the Additional Requirements section of the online non-taxable and exempt from National Insurance contributions. More information can be application form, together with the approximate percentage of full-time equivalent that found on the Computershare website. you wish to work. This information is not used to decide your suitability for the post, but Terms and Conditions to help ensure we make enough appointments to meet our staffing requirements. Equal Opportunities Pension The Planning Inspectorate is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity and that all our systems are fair, open and objective. We endeavour to promote this approach The Civil Service pension arrangements form an important part of the pay and reward to those with whom we come into contact. Also we believe that we are responsible for package we offer our employees. ensuring that the highest principles of equal opportunities policy are put into effect. List of Relevant Details of Civil Service Pensions can be found on the website. As an equal opportunities organisation we make no distinction between people on grounds of their age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and Professional Bodies maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or part time status. Page: 13 List of Relevant Professional Bodies Foreword from Your membership must be at a sufficient level to demonstrate that you are an experienced professional, that you are Chief Executive Officer maintaining your skills, knowledge and competence, and that you are regulated by that organisation’s code of conduct. Your CV must therefore include the current level and/or status of your membership, and the date it was achieved. The following list is not exhaustive: About the Planning „„ Architects Registration Board „„ Institute of Highways Engineers Inspectorate „„ Association of Building Engineers „„ Institute of Highways and Transportation „„ Bar Council „„ Institute of Historic Building Conservation „„ Chartered Institute of Arbitrators „„ Institute of Civil Engineers „„ Chartered Institute for Archaeologists „„ Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology „„ Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists „„ Institute of Public Rights of Way Officers Working as a Planning „„ Chartered Institute of Environmental Health „„ Institute of Quarrying Inspector „„ Chartered Institute of Legal Executives „„ Institution of Structural Engineers „„ Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport „„ Landscape Institute „„ Chartered Institute of Waste Management „„ Law Society (including Solicitors’ Roll) „„ Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental „„ Planning Executives Association Training and Career Management „„ Royal Institute of British Architects Development „„ Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management „„ Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors „„ Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment „„ Royal Town Planning Institute „„ Institute of Environmental Sciences

Making Your If you are a member of a different professional Application body which you consider to be relevant to our work and land use planning, please call the recruitment advice line on 0303 444 5825.

Terms and Conditions

List of Relevant Professional Bodies