The Role

Do you want to work in one of London’s most exciting environments?

Do you have professional experience in either conservation or urban design matters?

Do you have passion and enthusiasm for the built environment and heritage?
 

If so, we’d love to hear from you!

About the role

We are looking to recruit a full-time permanent qualified Senior Conservation and Urban Design Officer, ideally with full membership of the IHBC or equivalent professional body, or otherwise workings towards full membership.

The primary focus of the role will be leading on conservation related matters, providing support, guidance and advice to colleagues within the Planning Service and external stakeholders, including members of the public.

You will independently manage an area of conservation, providing comprehensive and detailed advice on planning applications, pre-application advice requests and correspondence to agreed and identifiable timescales.

You will also independently manage key specialist projects related to primarily conservation and its broader implementation within the borough, as allocated by senior managers.

You will also have the opportunity to coach and supervise more junior officers to help them acquire the skills and knowledge so that they can become self-reliant in dealing with technical issues.

The role is based within the Richmond and Wandsworth Shared Staffing Arrangement and will involve working across both boroughs.

You will

• be responsible for delivering a high-quality conservation and urban design service in line with national and regional planning policy guidance;
• be responsible for the application of conservation and urban design expert advice on a full range of development management case work;
• work independently and take personal responsibility for a full range of conservation and urban design work;
• undertake the preparation and review of Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Strategies as required;
• assess, engage and set out clear and robust conservation and urban design guidance in accurate and well written officer reports based on an up to date and relevant evidence base;
• build positive working relationships with colleagues, team managers, councillors and representatives of community groups, such as the Wandsworth Conservation Area Advisory Committee.

Who we are

Wandsworth is a thriving Inner London Borough on the southern banks of the River Thames that is steeped in a diverse history. The borough features landmarks such as the iconic Battersea Power Station, Ram Brewery and Clapham Junction Station, and is acknowledged for its famous green spaces such as Wandsworth and Clapham Commons, Putney Heath and the Grade II* listed Battersea Park.

Richmond is arguably London’s most attractive borough with the River Thames running for over 10 miles through the borough, linking Hampton Court Palace, Richmond and Twickenham town centres and Kew Gardens with London. Richmond boasts Royal Parks and open spaces, historic houses, vibrant town centres bursting with life, as well as being the home of English rugby.

We are part of the Planning and Transport Strategy Division and the Spatial and Transport Planning Service under the wider Environment and Community Services Directorate.

We are positive and ambitious – When you join us, you’ll apply the same approach.

If you would like to discuss this opportunity in more detail, please contact Andrea Kitzberger-Smith, Spatial Planning and Design Team Manager on 020 8891 7364 or email a.kitzberger-smith@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk

What do we offer

At Richmond and Wandsworth Councils, we care more about how you work and what you achieve, rather than where you work on any given day. The difference you can make to our local communities is what really matters most to us, service delivery must always come first. We have carefully considered agile ways of working to provide the best experience for residents, stakeholders and our staff. Our agile working strategy actively supports and encourages a dynamic work environment and daily working experience. Agile working helps put the needs of our staff at the centre of everything we do, so if specific flexible working arrangements helps you with this, feel free to let us know.

Your wellbeing and the flexible way in which you can work is and will remain a key priority for Richmond and Wandsworth Councils. We want you to thrive and feel empowered in your work!

We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working including, working from home, compressed or part-time hours, term time only, job shares and other arrangements. Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore. We also offer a generous holiday allowance of 39* paid days (pro rata) including bank holidays and a wide range of learning and development opportunities. [*This will increase to 40 days from 01/04/2023.]

In addition, we offer a comprehensive range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts with many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments.

Next steps and how to apply

Please register, submit your CV and a supporting statement addressing how you meet the requirements of this role. If you are having difficulty in applying online, please contact the Recruitment Team at recruitment@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk to see if we can offer alternative arrangements for you to apply.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline

Closing Date: Friday 27 January 2023

Shortlisting Date: w/c 30 January 2023

Interview Dates: Tuesday 7 February 2023

Useful Information:

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

This particular position is not available for sponsorship.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

The application process for this campaign will be anonymised.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Important Information:

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils