Joint Head of Planning Casework

Department For Transport; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 64,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking government department as part of the Transport Infrastructure Planning Unit, where you will play a crucial role in advising on significant infrastructure projects. This exciting position involves collaborating with a dedicated team to ensure timely and legally robust decision-making for Development Consent Orders. You will leverage your analytical and communication skills to navigate complex legislation while fostering a supportive environment for your colleagues. Embrace the opportunity to contribute to national economic growth while enjoying a flexible working arrangement and a range of generous benefits.

Benefits

Generous Annual Leave

Attractive Pension Options

Flexible Working

Inclusive Environment

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for complex information.
• Experience in planning, transport, and environmental legislation.

Responsibilities

• Process Development Consent Orders promptly and impartially.
• Provide guidance to ensure robust, evidence-based decisions.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Written Communication

Verbal Communication

Leadership

Planning Legislation Knowledge

Environmental Legislation Knowledge

Job description

Location:

Birmingham, Leeds, London (Hybrid)

Salary:

£54,857 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Contract Type:

Permanent – Part-time. The successful applicant will work a total of 22.2 hours per week, across Monday to Wednesday.

About the Role

The Transport Infrastructure Planning Unit provides advice to Ministers on applications for Development Consent Orders (DCO) for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) submitted under the Planning Act 2008. These applications grant powers critical to the delivery of airport, railway, strategic road, and major harbour projects that are central to the Government's policies for economic growth.

The post holder will work collaboratively with three other Grade 7s, jointly responsible for ensuring the team provides robust and timely advice to Ministers. This involves assessing project merits against planning, transport, and environmental policies and legislation, preparing formal, legally robust decision letters, making recommendations to Ministers, and maintaining the integrity of the decision-making process.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure all applications for Development Consent Orders are processed promptly, impartially, and in accordance with relevant legislation and guidance, delivering high-quality service.
• Provide guidance on each case to ensure decisions are robust, evidence-based, and compliant with legislation. This includes coaching and developing team members' specialist skills and knowledge, working closely with detailed legislation, planning policy statements, and large volumes of case papers.
• Foster a coherent approach to common issues and develop solutions by engaging with lawyers, policy teams across DfT, and other Departments.

Benefits

Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means access to a wide range of benefits, including generous annual leave, attractive pension options, flexible working, inclusive environments, and more to support a healthy work/life balance. Find out more about working at the Department for Transport.

About You

To succeed in this role, you will:

• Have excellent written, communication, and analytical skills, with the ability to work in environments where information can be complex and unclear.
• Possess experience of planning, transport, and environmental legislation and policy.
• Understand planning and environmental matters, proactively update your knowledge and skills, and be comfortable working closely with lawyers.
• Be able to present persuasively both in writing and verbally, and work effectively under tight statutory deadlines.
• Demonstrate strong leadership and management skills, supporting a geographically dispersed team to develop and excel in their roles.
• Be confident and professional when engaging with senior stakeholders.