Information Officer

North East Combined Authority; Gateshead; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension Scheme

Flexible Working Hours

Hybrid Work

Learning & Development

Health & Wellbeing

Cycle to Work

Annual Leave

Career Progression

Job summary

North East Combined Authority is seeking a Planning Data Analyst to support Development Management and Building Control. You’ll provide data-driven insights, manage information resources, and assist with meetings and reporting to help shape city planning and growth.

Applicants should have Power BI, SQL and Excel experience, with a focus on accuracy and customer service. The role offers hybrid working and a strong emphasis on continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Level 2 English and Maths with strong IT skills.
• Knowledge of Power BI, SQL and database systems.
• Experience in data analysis and keeping accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Be the first point of contact for enquiries via reception, phone and email.
• Maintain and update planning and building control information resources.
• Coordinate meetings, agendas and updates for Planning & Development Committee.
• Produce and maintain management information and statutory reports using Excel and Power BI.
• Use SQL to extract, transform and analyse data for reporting and FOI requests.
• Monitor quality assurance and suggest improvements using data insights.
• Maintain accurate records and support information management and reporting.
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives as required.

Skills

Power BI

SQL

Excel

Data analysis

Customer service

Education

Level 2 English

Level 2 Maths

Tools

Power Query

Power Automate

Job description

Who we are & what we stand for

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We're delighted that you're interested in working with us. You'd be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff.

Help shape the future of Gateshead by turning data into insight and providing outstanding support for Planning and Building Control services.

The Development Management and Building Control team plays a key role in shaping the city by supporting sustainable growth, development and compliance. We work closely with colleagues, customers, developers and elected members to deliver an efficient, customer-focused service. As part of the Technical Support function, the team provides the information, systems, reporting and administrative support that enable Planning and Building Control services to operate effectively and meet statutory requirements.

Use your analytical skills, customer focus and digital expertise to support vital planning and building control services that make a difference to our city. What you will get to do:

• Be the first point of contact for Development Management and Building Control enquiries, providing support through reception, telephone and email channels.
• Maintain and update planning and building control webpages and information resources.
• Coordinate speaking requests and support the administration of Planning and Development Committee meetings, including producing agendas, presentations and updates.
• Produce, publish and maintain management information and statutory reports using Excel and Power BI.
• Use SQL to extract, transform and analyse data to support performance reporting, Freedom of Information requests and service intelligence.
• Monitor and review quality assurance procedures and systems, using data and performance information to identify improvements and recommend changes.
• Maintain accurate records and support the effective management of information, data and reporting processes.
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives and undertake other duties appropriate to the grade and nature of the role

Join a collaborative team where data, customer service and continuous improvement come together to support the delivery of high-quality planning services. What you will bring:

• Educated to Level 2 standard (or equivalent) in English and Maths, with strong IT skills and experience of Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of Power BI, SQL and database systems, with the ability to organise, manage and analyse data effectively.
• Experience of working within administrative and clerical processes, maintaining accurate records and managing information.
• Experience of delivering excellent customer service and confidently dealing with enquiries from members of the public.
• Understanding of Freedom of Information (FOI), Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) and data protection requirements, including GDPR.
• Experience of using Excel for data analysis, including formulas, pivot tables and charts, and familiarity with automation tools such as Power Query or Power Automate.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to non-technical audiences and work effectively as part of a collaborative team.

What's in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary - we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions - a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services - plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you

We're an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.