Senior Policy Officer

Job Introduction

We are excited to be recruiting for a Senior Policy Officer in Lincolnshire! This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in shaping and influencing policies that make a real difference to our communities. If you have a passion for policy development, strong analytical skills, and a desire to drive positive change, we’d love to hear from you!

As a member of our newly established policy team, your role will be crucial in shaping the future planning and development of Lincolnshire.

What you will do

Strategic visionary: Develop long-term visions, objectives and policies to guide the provision of infrastructure and raw materials in consultation with a range of stakeholders

Direct the way: Supervise and mentor staff and manage complex high-profile projects, including programming, procurement and team management 

Policy expert: Oversee our policy consultations, providing expert feedback and advice to officers, council leaders and members on a range of planning applications, such as waste management facilities, mineral extraction schemes and other major developments 

Collaborative leader: Act as the focal point of managing correspondence and dialogue between public bodies and other stakeholders, such as mineral industry experts and local community groups

Evidence-led decision maker: Manage the process of site identification and evaluation to guide the development of minerals and waste projects, energy infrastructure, highways, educational institutions and other community facilities in suitable locations, collaborating with a diverse group of specialists

Monitoring and data expert:  Collect and evaluate data like population trends and growth projections (e.g. waste arisings) and prepare annual reports to measure the effectiveness of policies and programmes. This includes the timing of site delivery and the extent of community benefits.

You will play a crucial role in the development of the new Minerals and Waste Local Plan. You will work with developers, landowners and other stakeholders to ensure that local communities receive benefits from infrastructure projects valued at hundreds of millions of pounds.

About us

We are the second largest local authority in England, encompassing a diverse range of environments. This includes rural, urban and coastal areas as well as some of the most fertile and productive farmland. 

Lincolnshire is set to become a leading energy hub, boasting the largest pipeline of nationally significant infrastructure projects.

Lincolnshire boasts an abundance of mineral resources and leads the region in the production of sand and gravel. Locally sourced building stone is used to repair and restore some of England’s finest historic buildings (e.g. Lincoln Cathedral) and conservation towns, like Boston and Stamford. 

We produce enough energy from waste management facilities to supply power to most homes and businesses in Lincolnshire, and nearly all of the leftover waste is redirected away from landfills.

With excellent access to ports and supply chains, Lincolnshire serves as a key gateway into Europe. Lincolnshire's burgeoning agricultural sector produces over 10% of the UK's food.

Lincolnshire is set to be a leading proponent of environmental enhancement with large areas of protected landscapes and biodiversity/geodiversity value (e.g. Lincolnshire Wolds). Over two fifths of the county is open countryside, making us one of the greenest counties in England. 

About you

The ideal candidate will have:

• a relevant degree or post-graduate qualification (ideally RTPI accredited)
• at least 3 years of experience in and knowledge of planning policy and relevant legislation.
• you will need a valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for this role.

The role has flexible working patterns split between home, site and office.  Tuesdays are office days when the Place Team are all required to be in the Lincoln office.  On occasion additional days may be required. 

About Our Offer

Discover a career that comes with incredible benefits:

• Competitive Salary that matches your skills and expertise 
• Green Book Local Government Terms
• Top-Tier Pension Scheme with up to 24% employer contributions
• Generous benefits like salary sacrifice for cars via Tusker — Drive a better car through Salary Sacrifice, plus discounts on amazing products and services across top brands with our partner Pluxee: Employee Benefit, Reward, Recognition & Incentives
• Work-Life Balance with a Full -Time 37-hour work week, flexible hours, and hybrid options
• Generous leave allowance — minimum 25 days leave to start, plus bank holidays, with the chance to buy more
• Free Financial Wellbeing Advice to support your future.

Join us for a fulfilling career that offers so much more than just a job! Learn more here:  

Further details can be found here: Rewards and benefits – Lincolnshire County Council 

If your application is successful, you may be offered a relocation package. More detail regarding our relocation policy can be found here: Relocation policy – Policy overview - Lincolnshire County Council

Please read the attached job information before making an application and confirm why you have applied and how you fulfil the criteria specified in the job description.  In addition, please explain what you can contribute to this role and the wider service. 

Applications will close on 22 April 2025 and interviews will take place WC 5th May 2025

For a private and informal discussion about the role please contact: Philip Wadsworth at philip.wadsworth@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

Best of luck with your application! 

A Smarter Working Employer

We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary.  Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process.

Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.

Fluency Duty

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

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Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.

All candidates are advised to read the attached job information pack prior to making an application.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward.

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.