Assistant National Consultant - Planning & Major Infrastructure

We're looking for an Assistant National Consultant to join our national Planning & Major Infrastructure team to provide planning support and assist with training to national and regional colleagues alongside a Senior National Consultant. You'll also support our engagement with and responses to planning legislation, policy and guidance reform across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

What it's like to work here

Working as part of a small national Planning & Major Infrastructure team you'll join a tight-knit and collaborative group of planners and other professionals who work across all 3 nations and support the Trust's engagement with the various aspects of the planning system.

Your contractual location will be our head office in Swindon, however there will be an opportunity to explore and agree hybrid working arrangements which strike the right balance for you and the Trust. The role will involve travel to key office hubs and properties to meet with stakeholders and to carry out work.

What you'll be doing

Reporting to a Senior National Consultant in the Planning & Major Infrastructure team you'll support with responding to a range of planning related legislation, policy and guidance changes, building effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders and colleagues to enable the development of robust and well-reasoned responses. You'll help with identifying, devising and organising training for the Planning & Major Infrastructure team and others in the organisation. You'll contribute to ensuring internal guidance and procedures are up to date, as well as capturing case studies and good practice. You'll play a key role in supporting the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the central Planning and Major Infrastructure team through project co-ordination and support.

Who we're looking for

Applications from redeployees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below:

• A planner with an accredited RTPI degree or working towards Chartered RTPI membership with an interest in planning, landscape and heritage.
• Demonstrable experience of the planning system and how it functions at both local and national levels.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with excellent organisational skills and sound time management capability.
• Good knowledge and understanding of legislative and policy background to planning and experience of preparing positions and responses to planning issues.
• Ability to interpret and respond to internal and external research, evidence and analysis.

Additional criteria for all other applicants:

• Demonstrable knowledge of sustainable development, urban, rural and environmental issues, climate change matters and the planning system.
• Basic influencing, negotiating and communication skills, including external advocacy and networking.
• Ability to analyse, interpret and resolve spatial planning issues and to develop, report and where appropriate implement solutions.

The package

The National Trust has the motto 'For everyone, for ever' at its heart. We're working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It's important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we're for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places