Role: Conservation Officer REF 131903 Contract Length: Until 25/12/2026 Location: Hackney IR35: Inside Pay Rate to Intermediary: £286.12 per day Spinwell is recruiting for a Conservation Officer for an excellent opportunity within the public sector. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONSERVATION OFFICER To be responsible for progressing all aspects of the team’s work programme including statutory planning casework, pre-application negotiations, urban design studies, conservation areas and historic building matters, housing regeneration, appeals and relevant policy development, taking a lead role on area of expertise, ensuring this work is carried out effectively and efficiently. To provide a consistent, timely and effective service regarding all design and conservation related matters to Development Management and ensure effective liaison with other officers on specific planning and design related projects. To contribute to the continued enhancement of the design quality and sustainability of new development in Hackney through effective negotiation and assisting in the team’s management of the Hackney Design Review Panel. To be responsible for ensuring that all tasks associated with the post are carried out in accordance with relevant legislation and adopted local, regional and national planning policy and guidance. To ensure statutory and legal obligations are delivered and communicated in a customer focused manner, optimising available resources. To represent the Council as an expert spokesperson on issues related to conservation and design. To deputise for the Team Manager as required and to contribute to the efficient and effective performance management of the team, developing, prioritising and reviewing its activities, assisting in establishing work programmes and targets and ensuring their achievement SKILLS/EXPERIENCE OF THE CONSERVATION OFFICER Degree level qualification in Architecture, Town Planning, Urban Design, Building Conservation and/or other relevant post graduate qualification. Eligibility for membership of relevant professional body (e.g. RIBA, RTPI, IHBC etc). A minimum of two years experience of working in either a Planning Service or related post in the Urban Design/Architecture/Conservation field with intrinsic correlation with Planning. Thorough understanding of current issues, policies and developments at a local, regional and national level relating to the specific responsibilities of the post. In particular working knowledge of all matters relating to urban design and building conservation and related policy, legislation and procedural frameworks applicable to the council’s statutory and non-statutory planning functions. Able to understand technical issues relevant to complex planning applications and projects. Awareness and understanding of current planning issues as they relate to inner urban areas and their implications for new design, landscape and public realm design. Thorough working knowledge of architectural history, building construction and restoration, urban design and sustainability principles. Experience of negotiating on complex planning applications to secure high quality design outcomes, in particular relating to urban design and/or building conservation. Clear understanding of appeals and prosecution processes within the planning context, with the ability to input into statements of case where they relate to urban design and building conservation matters and to represent the Council as an expert witness at informal hearings, public inquiries and court hearings in the area of expertise. Ability to lead and undertake project management with proven experience of project management techniques. Ability to read plans and drawings, to analyse and interpret technical urban design and conservation documents/statements submitted with planning applications, and to derive sound conclusions and recommendations. Excellent written skills with the ability to write clear and concise letters, reports and policy documents. Ability to deal with enquiries and give advice relating to urban design and/or building conservation to a wide range of people inside and outside the council. Excellent verbal skills with the ability to prepare and give effective presentations as well as to influence and negotiate effectively. Ability to work on projects both individually and as part of a wider team. Ability to advise and guide other members of the team and, under the guidance of the line manager, to delegate work and take responsibility for ensuring its accurate and timely completion. A working knowledge of IT systems relevant to the Service with demonstrable experience of using a range of computer based systems, spreadsheets and database software. A working knowledge of VuCity or similar is highly desirable. Ability to use new technology to assist in improving service delivery and personal performance. Understanding of the needs of the customer and the ability to ensure their real and stated needs are taken into account in the delivery of products and services. If you are a Conservation Officer, apply now or send your CV to Spinwell! We welcome all applications regardless of background, in line with our commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion. Applying to this or any other vacancy advertised by Spinwell Ltd constitutes an agreement for Spinwell Ltd to hold your details for 24 months for the purpose of assessing suitability for the advertised position and to make you aware of any other positions deemed suitable of which You will make you aware by means of either email, text or phone. In line with GDPR regulations you are able to request your details be removed from the company data at any time by emailing us About You Not Specified About Us