A career that offers flexibility, challenge, independence, professionalism and great variety
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We’re recruiting planning inspectors to carry out specialist casework and national infrastructure, and want to hear from passionate planning professionals like you.
Who are we looking for?
We are recruiting for two different areas: specialist casework (3 roles available) and national infrastructure (9 roles available). There are opportunities at different levels from Band 1 through to Band 3 (most experienced).
Specialist casework inspectors (Rights of Way & Common Land)
As an inspector for specialist casework you will be making decisions for important areas of the planning system, such as rights of way, common land and coastal access proposals.
We’re looking for professionals with experience in any of the following areas:
- Rights of way experience (whether in public path orders or dealing with claims)
- Common land or village green registration matters or related areas
- Coastal access work
Register for our webinar on the 18 May at 1pm and find out more about this opportunity.
National infrastructure inspectors
As a Band 2 inspector you are likely to be working within a panel of inspectors examining applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) such as energy, transport and water proposals. For a Band 3 inspector you could be a panel lead or work as a sole examiner for such projects. These are schemes that are critical to the UK’s economy, environment and society and central to the government’s ‘Plan for Change’.
We’re recruiting inspectors for Bands 2 and 3 in this area. Experience we’re looking for:
- Working knowledge of planning policy and legislation
- Knowledge of legislation across other land-use professions
- Analysing large amounts of material
- Knowledge of the role of planning inspectors and the Planning Inspectorate
By registering, we will alert you when applications open for these roles and when you can register for our forthcoming webinars.
Video transcript unavailable
What is it like to be a planning inspector?
The role of inspectors
Inspectors are examiners and decision makers of a large variety of planning and environmental matters. They act on behalf of the Secretary of State in decisions and recommendations on planning appeals and many other types of casework. Inspectors work across 3 broad areas based on their experience and skillset:
Areas of work
Appeals
Inspectors ensure a fair planning system by deciding around 20,000 appeals a year ranging from household extensions, tree preservation orders, enforcement notices, up to large housing or commercial developments.
Examinations
Supporting communities to shape where they live, inspectors examine local plans prepared by local planning authorities. These provide the framework for addressing social, economic and environmental priorities.
Applications
Inspectors examine applications for significant infrastructure and environment projects. They include schemes such as offshore wind farms, new transport provision, water and waste water treatment, upgrading ports, and reviewing access to land, water resources management and power network plans.
A journey of a thousand miles – reflecting on nine years at the Planning Inspectorate
One of our senior female planning inspectors reflects on nearly nine years at the Planning Inspectorate. From trainee to Band 3, juggling family life, navigating imposter syndrome, and finding support from colleagues along the way.
What does a career as a planning inspector really look like?
Did you know…?
Not all inspectors are town planners. We recruit from engineering, architecture, built heritage, environmental sciences, landscape architecture and law
Day in the life of an inspector
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be an infrastructure inspector at the Planning Inspectorate?
Two of our inspectors, Menaka and Jason, shed light on the exciting challenges and responsibilities that come with this role.
What does it take to be an inspector?
You need to have a full or chartered membership of a relevant professional body (such as RTPI, IEMA or RICS – see our candidate packs for the full list).
Inspectors can work independently and as part of a team. You need to be self-confident and self-reliant, with the ability to make independent decisions, to work alone and to travel widely across England and sometimes Wales.
You will also interact regularly with the public, planning professionals and your colleagues.
John’s story
Video transcript unavailable
What is it like to be an inspector?
You will need the ability to:
- Analyse and recall large amounts of information, evidence and argument
- Write clearly, accurately and concisely in order to reach logical, convincing, well-reasoned and evidence-based conclusions
- Conduct fair and inclusive public events, with authority, involving those holding conflicting views about development proposals
- Interact sensitively and empathetically with a diverse range of people
- Manage time effectively to ensure decisions are issued within expected timescales
- Use digital tools to support your work
Career Progression
Whether you are a graduate planner starting out in your career or an experienced professional seeking the next challenge, we may have a position to suit you! Our people receive regular training that unlocks a fulfilling professional career.
Inspector Bands
Inspectors are categorised into different bands based on their experience, skills, and the complexity of the tasks they handle. Here’s a brief overview of our inspector bands and what each one entails:
Band 1
Band 1 inspectors start with us handling a wide-range of written representation casework. Through a programme of training, they learn the skills to conduct hearings and gradually transition to more complex cases. They may assist on higher level projects.
Band 2
Band 2 inspectors have gained significant experience either at band 1 level or in a role outside the Inspectorate. At this level, inspectors will undertake a wide range of casework with more complex issues and will conduct public inquiries. As a band 2 inspector, you may be assigned to undertake examinations for local plans or significant infrastructure and environmental projects.
Band 3
Band 3 inspectors undertake the most complex casework across appeals, local plan examinations, specialist casework, and nationally significant infrastructure projects. Significant experience of analysing large amounts of a wide range of technical evidence is required as well as experience of project leadership.
We also employ inspectors for important leadership roles such as inspector managers, inspector trainers, appeal planning officer managers, operation leads and professional leads. There are also secondment opportunities within government to assist on special projects.
Find out more about what it’s like to work for the Planning Inspectorate
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