We’re looking for an Assistant Planning Adviser in the Midlands and East Region. You’d be working on diverse projects in some of the UK’s best-loved places, increasing your knowledge and experience in managing policy and development. With a strategy of ‘People and Nature Thriving’ launched in 2025 you will be starting at a time of implementation.
What it's like to work here
You’ll be part of the Trust’s Specialist Delivery Team: a flexible resource of specialist skills and expertise. As one of a multidisciplinary team of experts, including curators, fundraisers, building surveyors and project managers, you’ll be working with others to help make things happen.
As this role covers the Midlands region, your contractual place of work will be the nearest National Trust consultancy office to your home. Some travel will be required for site visits and meetings within the region, often to remote rural places, varying from large mansion properties and parklands to the countryside within the Peak District.
Our hybrid working policy means you can balance office and home working with site visits and meetings at other National Trust places. We can discuss this at interview, but you should expect to be at a National Trust site for 40–60% of your working week. This is a 4 days per week role, with either Monday or Friday as non working day.
What you'll be doing
You’ll provide professional planning advice and support, working with colleagues in the Specialist Delivery Team and at National Trust places throughout the region.
You’ll also work with planners across the Trust, with opportunities for training, professional development and sharing knowledge. You’ll be working on all kinds of challenges from Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects that impact our land to the sensitive development of the Trust’s historic buildings to help sustain their future, tackle climate change and make them more accessible for everyone.
You’ll have the chance to get involved with a wide range of planning issues, with a particular focus on conservation. Mentored by a Planning Adviser, you’ll be helping many different Trust places with their planning matters. You’ll be responsible for preparing supporting documents, submitting and monitoring applications (usually via Planning Portal). You’ll also monitor and respond to external planning applications and consultations on local and neighbourhood plans. You’ll engage with officers at local planning authorities and with statutory consultees including Historic England and Natural England.
Who we're looking for
We’d love to hear from you if you’re:
* knowledgeable about the legislative background to planning and local government
* experienced in analysing, resolving and preparing positions and advice on planning issues
* a qualified planner with a Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)-accredited degree, or working towards chartered RTPI membership through another recognised route
* an effective communicator, able to build good working relationships
* good at listening, building trust and giving a high-quality service to colleagues
* someone with an eye for detail, good organisational skills and able to work at pace and keep to time
* a champion of inclusion, who helps support everyone to feel welcome.
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