Planning Policy Technician

Waverley Borough Council; Godalming; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policies

Training and development opportunities

Generous annual leave and flexi time

Employee assistance programme

Local Government Pension Scheme

Job summary

Waverley Borough Council is seeking a proactive planning policy assistant to support the team drafting a new local plan and to help communities with neighbourhood plans. The role offers agile working, with home-working after an induction period at the line manager's discretion, plus training and development opportunities.

The closing date is 5 October 2026 with interviews in Godalming on 20 October 2026. This is a full-time post that welcomes applications from a range of backgrounds, with focus

Qualifications

• Need for methodical, organised approach and IT competence.
• Interest in planning with GIS experience useful.
• Customer care and stakeholder liaison skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical/administrative support to the planning policy team.
• Assist communities with neighbourhood plans and local plan work.

Skills

Methodical

Organised

IT literacy

GIS awareness

Customer care

Tools

GIS software

Job description

Use your expertise to make a lasting impact

We are an ambitious Council, always trying to improve the many public services that we provide to our residents. Even more importantly, we aim to help preserve and enhance Waverley's beautiful and precious environment and make a positive impact on the lives of everybody who lives or works here in Waverley.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join a friendly, high performing planning policy team. The post holder will provide technical and administrative support to the team preparing a new local plan for the Borough and assisting communities with their neighbourhood plans.

On the job training will be given and the role could be a step on to a planning career

This is an agile post which allows the holder to work from home after an initial period of induction at the discretion of their line manager depending on the business needs of the service.

This post is advertised as a full-time role. However, all applications will be considered.

About You

To be successful in this interesting and varied role, you will need to be methodical and organised, be competent in the use of IT and committed to customer care. An interest in planning and experience in using GIS will also be useful.

What We Offer

• Hybrid and agile working policies
• Training and development opportunities including apprenticeships
• Generous annual leave and flexi time
• An employee assistance programme
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme

The closing date for application is 9am on the 5th October 2026 and we anticipate interviews being held in person in Godalming on 20th October 2026.

Equality and Inclusion Statement

The district is home to many different people, and we want our workforce to reflect our diverse local communities. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences - we are a Disability Confident employer and appoint on merit. You can find out more about this scheme and check your eligibility here -Working at Waverley Borough Council | Waverley Borough Council

We are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from serving or ex-members of the armed forces and their partners. We offer an interview scheme for serving and ex-military forces members when they meet the essential criteria for the role. You can find out more about this scheme and check your eligibility here -Working at Waverley Borough Council | Waverley Borough Council

Please note we do not accept applications after the stated closing time.

Right to work in the UK will be checked as part of the interview process.

Information

We understand that some applicants may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with preparing their applications.

All submitted information, whether supported by AI or not, must accurately reflect the applicant's own skills, experience, and qualifications.

Recruitment decisions will be based on how well applicants demonstrate these attributes during the interview and selection process.

From April 2027, Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council will become part of the new West Surrey unitary council, following the government's confirmed plans for local government reorganisation across Surrey. This change will see the current twelve councils replaced by two new authorities, East Surrey and West Surrey, with West Surrey taking responsibility for the areas currently served by Guildford, Waverley, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath and Woking.

As we move towards this transition, our focus remains firmly on delivering high-quality, value-for-moneyservices and staying true to our shared organisational values of Collaboration, Wellbeing, Trusted, Value for Money and Professionalism.

We recognise that any period of organisational change can bring questions, particularly regarding future structures and working arrangements. Throughout this process, we are committed to supporting our colleagues with transparency and care prioritising wellbeing, maintaining a trustedand open dialogue, and ensuring continued access to learning and professional development opportunities.

While the exact shape of the new West Surrey Council beyond 2027 is still being developed, joining us now means becoming part of an organisation where collaborationthrives and where your contribution will directly influence one of the most significant local government transformations in decades. You'll gain valuable experience, play an active role in shaping the future of public services across West Surrey, and work within a team committed to professionalismand delivering outstanding outcomes for our communities.

Together, we will ensure a smooth transition and continue to deliver exceptional services for residents both now and into the future.