We’re thrilled to share that we've been shortlisted as one of six finalists in the Workforce Transformation category at this year’s MJ awards. The awards are a celebration of success stories for people working in local government.
The Planning Academy created in 2018, is now well embedded into the service and the proactive ‘grow our own’ approach provides in-house training for trainees and existing staff, allowing for quicker progression and a significant decrease in recruitment costs by only employing permanent staff.
We are now working hard to present to the judging panel on Friday 21 April 2023.
Andrew Davie, Assistant Director - Development Infrastructure
I am responsible for a number of services that play a vital role in shaping the communities and places within our area.
Central Bedfordshire Council is a forward thinking and innovative Council. It is an exciting place to work and offers great opportunities for those looking to start their career. We are within the top 30 largest planning authorities in the country and are ranked 5th for delivery of new homes. We are located in the corridor between Oxford and Cambridge, and home to Center Parcs and other major national companies who are attracted to our excellent transport links.
Potential projects such as an East West rail link will elevate even further the attractiveness of the area and make the importance of protecting the environment while accommodating new sustainable growth even more important. Hopefully this provides some context to the scale of the growth challenges we face and that you would be exposed to early in your professional career, if you were to join us.
The current review of our Local Plan, and our prime location at the heart of the Oxford Cambridge Corridor, means there will be significant further growth in the years ahead.
But we need to ensure that we are planning for more than just homes and jobs.
At Central Bedfordshire Council, Planners and Technical Officers are recognised as being fundamental to good place making. That’s why we are investing in staff, creating opportunities for learning and development through our Planning Academy. We need people who are trained with the right skills to help us create new communities which are highly sustainable and ensure that growth respects and maintains our attractive market towns and beautiful villages which are surrounded by stunning countryside.
We are looking for enthusiastic and highly motivated candidates who are interested in shaping the places and communities of the future. If that’s you, then we would love to have a conversation so please take a look at our current opportunities and get in touch with our Planning Academy Manager for an informal discussion.
Find out more about planning at Central Bedfordshire Council.
About Central Bedfordshire
Central Bedfordshire Council has an ambitious agenda with significant growth planned over the next 20 years delivering 24,000 jobs and up to 20,000 homes.
We have excellent infrastructure links and our aim is to make Central Bedfordshire ‘a great place to live and work’ which is why we believe this is a great place to start your career.
Our Planning Academy
To help deliver our growth agenda we have an established Planning Academy which is a fantastic place to develop and gain experience as a planning officer or in one of the many supporting technical fields.
You will have the opportunity to work in your chosen field and gain experience while learning the skills required to do the job.
You will also have the chance to work in different areas of the council to gain wider understanding of the work involved. A bespoke training programme with mentoring will support you and help you progress.
What is the Planning Academy?
Our award winning Planning Academy was established in 2018 and has grown from strength to strength. The Academy is now multi-disciplinary and covers not only planning but also supporting technical areas such as Highways, Conservation and Natural Environment,.
The trainee programme has been designed to give you a structured, supported approach to developing your skills, knowledge, and experience within your chosen specialism.
You don’t need to have any work experience or a formal specialist qualification as we will fully support you to achieve this.
You will be supported by a mentor and provided with training to help you develop your skills.
The roles are all permanent positions and will provide you with the skills to reach the next level with opportunities for progression.
Programmes offered within the Academy:
- Planning
- Highways Development Management
- Historic Environment (Conservation) Trainee
- Natural Environment Trainee
- Building Control Trainee
- Flood Risk Trainee
There are currently vacancies available within the Planning programme. For more information about the roles available or for an informal chat please contact Lisa Newlands, Academy and Enabling Team Planning Manager email planningacademy@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
A warm welcome to the Planning Academy, from Lisa Newlands, Academy Manager
Hi, I am Lisa Newlands, the Academy and Enabling Team Planning Manager. I am responsible for the Planning Academy.
I have worked in Local Authority Planning for nearly 20 years and enjoy both the opportunities and challenges it brings on a day-to-day basis.
I love working with the team and providing training and support to all officers. No two days are the same.
I am passionate about planning and the role it has to play in everyday lives, from simple householder extensions to more strategic projects. They all have an impact and can benefit both individual families and wider communities.
About my role
My role is to help junior members of the team grow and develop into skilled professionals. I enjoy seeing individuals flourish and progress in their careers whether at Central Bedfordshire Council or elsewhere.
I am supported by two Principal Planning Offers within the team and a number of mentors who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge. As a team we have created a nurturing environment in which to learn and develop the skills needed. We have links with a number of universities, with trainees attending courses at London Southbank University, University College London and University of Wolverhampton.
Our Academy has been established since 2018 and has a proven track record of success. We have recruited over 29 trainees within the Academy, and it has proved to be an excellent springboard for starting your career. Take a look at some of our case studies to find out more.
You can also find out more about:
- working in planning
- applications
- qualifications
- hybrid working
- recruitment process
More about working in planning
Meet the team
