People are being encouraged to work in council planning as part of a new recruitment drive.
The Local Government Association (LGA) has launched the Return to Work – Planning campaign, providing those with experience in planning with free training and support to return to work after a career break.
Training will be delivered by the Planning Advisory Service, who specialise in providing government officers and councillors with high-quality advice and training on planning and service delivery.
The training will help participants to update their knowledge and skills so they can play a part in shaping developments in their local areas.
With funding provided by the Government Equalities Office, the campaign aims to support those who have taken extended career breaks to care for someone.
The programme will also consider applications from planning professionals who have caring responsibilities and have become unemployed due to COVID-19, or who have been in long-term unemployment.
Amanda, a senior planner who took a break to care for her family, encourages people to return to work:
“Returning to a local authority provided me with a supportive environment, allowing me to take time off around my childcare commitments.
You will find that as soon as you step back into this world there are great people, interesting projects to work on and a genuine enthusiasm to support you on brushing up your knowledge and skill set.
Just give it a go and before you know it, you will feel like you have never been away!”
Local government planning is a diverse profession, allowing individuals to specialise in different areas including land use, design, economic development and climate change.
In whatever role they enter, returning professionals will be at the forefront of shaping the places where they live and supporting the COVID-19 recovery.
Anne-Marie, a planning consultant working in Havering Council, notes:
“The interesting thing about working for local government is that you don’t get closer to the rockface than this!
You work directly with those making plans and delivering work, and with the people who benefit from the delivery of the projects (ultimately the community).”
Returning to work after a period away can be daunting, but the support offered by the Return to Work – Planning programme will help returning professionals regain their confidence and skills.
If you know anyone who has experience in planning and who would like to return to work, encourage them to consider this programme.
Visit the LGA’s Return to Work – Planning website for more information.