Planning Student / Graduate Placement

Main Purpose of the Scheme

To support the wider work of the Planning team with a focus on supporting the delivery of the Council’s responsibilities and statutory functions in respect of Planning.

• Assist in the preparation of development plans, proposals for Conservation Areas, town centre and other studies, supplementary planning guidance and carry out research and survey work, analysis and report writing in relation to the Local Development Plan.

• The processing of planning applications, Certificates of Lawful Development and other statutory consents in accordance with the Council’s policies and procedures.

• The scheme will offer participants the opportunity to gain experience and training within the Planning function of the Council. Participants should view this as a stepping stone in their career. Participants will benefit from being delegated responsibility from the outset, in addition to being offered an opportunity to gain real hands-on experience and develop a broad understanding of the work of the Council, as well as support in building key employment skills.

Application forms must be returned not later than 12.00 noon on Friday 1 August 2025.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of development plans, proposals for Conservation Areas, town centre and other studies, supplementary planning guidance and carry out research and survey work, analysis and report writing in relation to the Local Development Plan.

• The processing of, and recommendation on, planning applications, Certificates of Lawful Development and other statutory consents in accordance with the Council’s policies and procedures.

• Organising and undertaking site visits and site meetings; writing up associated reports, giving professional advice at development management group meetings and at other meetings, as required.

• The preparation of material for, and attendance at, planning appeals, inquiries and independent examinations.

• Monitoring planning decisions and investigating suspected cases of unauthorised development and representing the Council in the service of enforcement notices and acting as a witness at court and enforcement appeals.

• Communication and liaising with the public, elected representatives and other internal/external stakeholders - face to face, by correspondence, telephone and electronic communication.

• Using the Council’s IT systems and software, including Geographical Information System (GIS) to seek, organise, evaluate and communicate information effectively.

• Supervising support staff (if appropriate).

• Ensuring that all information pertaining to planning applications and documentation is kept in a safe and confidential manner.

• Keep up to date with current professional and technical practices and respond to changing team responsibilities arising from changes in legislation, good practice and other service pressures.

• Contribute and help deliver Service Plans, Corporate Plans/Risk Registers and any Improvement Projects and Initiatives ongoing or required by the Council.

• Other duties as directed by the Senior Planning Officer or other Senior Officer.

General

• Comply fully with all Health and Safety at Work legislation in accordance with the Council’s Health and Safety at Work policy and all associated procedures and guidance.

• Comply with all the Council’s Policies and Procedures including the Employee Code of Conduct and the Employee and Councillor Working Relationship Protocol.

• Comply with employee responsibility in relation to all records held, created, or used as part of the Council’s business. All records, paper or electronic, are public records and accessible by the public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, and the Data Protection Act 2018.

• Work on own initiative, deal with and resolve issues using personal and professional judgement and imagination, and judge when to seek guidance.

• Undertake the duties of the post at all times in a manner that enhances and promotes the positive image of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

• To promote the Council’s equal opportunities policies and avoid all forms of discrimination as an employer and a service provider.

• To implement all Financial and Procurement policies and procedures.

• Keep up to date with learning and development opportunities to ensure adequately equipped with the necessary skills and abilities to effectively undertake their roles within the Council.

The postholder should be aware that the responsibilities of the post may be subject to change to meet the needs of the Council. The Council, therefore, reserves the right to change the duties of the post by adding to or amending the range of responsibilities. The postholder will be required to be flexible and adaptable to meet the changing needs and requirements of the organisation.

Hours of Work

• The normal working week will be 30 hours per week (Monday – Thursday).

Salary

• SCP 3; £24,027 per annum (pro rata); £12.45 per hour

• The postholder will be paid monthly into their bank/building society account.

Employment of People with Convictions

• The Council's policy on Employment of People with Convictions and a Code of Practice is available to all applicants to download under “related documents.”

• A criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position.

• Fermanagh and Omagh District Council complies fully with Access NI’s Code of Practice regarding the correct handling, use, storage, retention and disposal of Disclosure Applications and Disclosure information.

• We also comply fully with our obligations under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant legislation pertaining to the safe handling, storage, retention and disposal of Disclosure information.

• Access NI Code of Practice can be obtained from www.accessni.gov.uk.

• Once the retention period has elapsed, the HR service will ensure that any disclosure information is immediately destroyed by secure means.

• Access NI have published a Privacy Notice on the Department of Justice website which can be found at: https://www.justice-ni.gov.uk/publications/aniprivacy

General Conditions

The appointment will be subject to:

a) Satisfactory references from two referees (one of which should be from the present or previous employer). b) The terms and conditions of employment of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. c) A satisfactory standard of attendance, conduct and performance in carrying out the duties of the post. d) The satisfactory completion of a probationary period of six months with an interim period of three months. e) The terms of the Northern Ireland Local Government Pension Scheme. f) The production of evidence of educational and/or professional qualifications as listed on the Application Form. g) A medical report by the Council’s Medical Examiner which confirms fitness for employment in the position.

Essential Criteria

• Available to commence the 12 months placement from 1 September 2025 (or earlier with agreement by the Council)

• A recent graduate (within the last 24 months) having achieved a degree or equivalent level qualification in a relevant discipline e.g. Town & Country Planning or Environmental Planning OR Currently undertaking a relevant degree relating to planning where a placement year is an element of the course of study

• Competence in the use of Microsoft Office packages including Word, Excel and email

• Good oral and written communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively with members of the public

• Access to a form of transport to carry out the duties of the post