Working in local government is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling; it can be a career for life and is not limited geographically. As local authority town planners, we perform a statutory function, tangibly shaping the place in which we work, for the benefit of our residents now and for future generations.
Career journey and role:
After graduating with a Masters in Planning from the University of Manchester, I joined the Environment Agency as a Planning Liaison Officer. It was a really rewarding entry into the planning profession and enabled me to gain experience in areas such as flood risk and contamination.
Following RTPI chartership, I moved into the private sector and subsequently moved into local government and progressed my career in planning policy.
Joining local government as a Planning Officer, I have progressed to Chief Planning Officer.
I am currently Assistant Director of Planning at Rushcliffe Borough Council, leading development management, planning policy and building control services.
What I find most rewarding is the variety of work: I enjoy working with my team of planners, as well as stakeholders and developers to find solutions to problems impacting the delivery of key strategic development sites, from mixed-use sites of thousands of houses; to the redevelopment of a decommissioned power station. As part of the Council’s leadership team, I also shape and influence the workplace, working on important initiatives such as equality, diversity and inclusivity; and Local Government Reorganisation.
What I found most challenging when i first started my career in planning was getting to grips with the wide ranging and ever changing planning regulations, policies and guidance at every tier. When I entered the profession, there were limited online courses and certainly no planning podcasts! There are now loads of free courses run by organisations such as Planning Advisory Service and planning legal firms, take advantage of them. I would also recommend that you join LinkedIn and follow leaders in the industry.
Value of working in local government
I have stayed in the public sector due to the wide variety of work and the opportunity to work with and influence a range of stakeholders, both internal and external. I enjoy the challenge of working with democratically elected members to deliver the best outcomes for the community.
A big misconception about working in planning within local government is that it is all about determining householder extensions – it is so much more than that! Local planning authorities deliver a wide range of planning services including enforcement, development management, planning policy, design, GIS and conservation.
Chartership
I am a big advocate for gaining RTPI chartership. Benefits include: being part of a recognised profession; belonging to an institute which advocates for and promotes the planning profession, in the best interests of its members; and professional status and credibility.
I would advise graduates to keep a log of their achievements, what they have learnt, and challenges they have overcome. It will make it a lot easier when you come to write your APC submission.
Mentors are invaluable when navigating chartership, the RTPI may be able to assist in finding you a mentor. I selected a mentor outside of my organisation which gave me valuable insight from an alternative sector.
Advice
Gain a wide range of experience across all sectors of planning available to you early on in your career. Having a solid foundation of planning policy and development management as well as other areas, will hold you in good stead. Enforcement is often an overlooked area but will give you valuable experience in planning legislation and regulation, as well as dealing with conflict resolution.
Gain exposure to the political sphere – attend meetings with your portfolio holder, planning committee, and council meetings, if only to observe. Attend in person, online isn’t the same experience.
Town Planners have an important role in shaping communities. It is important to always keep in mind that it is our duty to serve all parts of our community.
We often only hear from a narrow demographic; the industry needs to do more to broaden engagement and reach underserved communities.
I would advise my younger self to take the time to understand how local authorities function, the different service areas and the interrelation between them. We do not plan in isolation, we work with other Council services from communications to democratic services. This also goes for external stakeholders – build your network! There are also fantastic national and regional networks including Planning Out – a network for LGBTQ+ planning professionals; the Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Planners’ Network; and Women in Planning.