Job Description

Make a real impact where it matters most

Are you a qualified planning lawyer with experience in the public or private sector? Do you want to use your legal skills to support high-profile local government projects that make a real difference to communities?



At the Royal Borough of Greenwich, we're proud of our heritage, our diversity, and our ambition. Home to a World Heritage Site and one of the fastest-growing populations in London, we are investing in the future through major infrastructure, housing and service improvement programmes. Legal Services is at the heart of this transformation - and we are now seeking a

Planning Lawyer

to join our in-house legal team at this exciting time.

About the Role

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a small but highly regarded team of in-house lawyers delivering expert, solution-focused legal advice across the Council.



As a Planning Lawyer, you will:


Manage your own caseload of planning matters Advise on all stages of the planning lifecycle Draft, review and negotiate a range of legal agreements relating to planning Advise on governance and decision-making, including Cabinet and Committee reports Ensure compliance with planning legislation and advise on evolving public law requirements Contribute to the development of internal policies, template documents and training Work with officers, managers, senior leaders, and elected Members across the organisation

You will be supported by a knowledgeable and collaborative team and have the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects that affect local services, infrastructure and community investment.

About You

We're looking for a confident, motivated lawyer who is comfortable working independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.



You will need to be:


A qualified solicitor, barrister or chartered legal executive (CILEx), with a current practising certificate Experienced in advising on planning matters Familiar with relevant legal frameworks, Planning Regulations and principles of public law A clear and effective communicator with excellent drafting skills Skilled in managing competing priorities and providing timely, practical advice to a wide range of stakeholders

We welcome applications from newly qualified lawyers with relevant training experience and a strong interest in public sector planning law.

Why join Royal Greenwich?

Working with us means being part of a forward-thinking borough that values its staff and invests in their development. In return for your expertise, we offer:

Generous annual leave

: 29 days, rising to 32 after 5 years' service, plus public holidays

Excellent pension

: Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working

: Hybrid model with opportunities to work from home and across council offices

Professional development

: Support for CPD and career progression within a knowledgeable and experienced legal team

Staff benefits

: Season ticket loan, Cycle to Work scheme, childcare support, and more

Inclusive culture

: We value diversity and are committed to creating a working environment where everyone can thrive

How to Apply

Please complete your application by addressing the

Person Specification

in your supporting statement. Shortlisting will be based on how well your experience aligns with the essential criteria.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Eleanor Penn; eleanor.penn@royalgreenwich.gov.uk 020 8921 5139

If you require any assistance in viewing or accessing this opportunity, please contact

recruitment@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

or call 020-8921-8977

Diversity Statement:

Royal Borough of Greenwich values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this. We therefore encourage applications from all sections of the community.

High Volume Applications:

Royal Borough of Greenwich reserves the right to close any vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date should there be a high volume of applications received.

Advert Close:

All vacancies close at midnight unless otherwise stated.

How Applications are Scored:

Each application is scored according to how well the supporting statement addresses each point on the Person Specification for the role. Candidates will be short-listed for interview on the extent to which they meet the specific points within the Person Specification. The Person Specification is supplied with the job advert. When completing your application, please use the supporting statement section to tell us how you meet each of the points on the Person Specification. We need to have this information in order to consider your application.

Salary:

Salaries advertised are for a standard working week of 35 hours unless otherwise stated. Please use this 'Salary Calculator to help you calculate a pro rata salary.

Our Staff Values:

Our Staff Values are important to us. Candidates will be continuously assessed against our staff values throughout the recruitment process. Where candidates demonstrate views and behaviours that do not meet the standards of our staff values, we reserve the right to reject their application/ registration.



Organisation
Royal Borough of Greenwich
Reference
REC/25/00392
Salary Details
47532 - 50574
Additional Allowances
n/a
Location Postcode
SE18 6HQ
Job Term and Hours per Week
Permanent; 35
Closing Date
29 June 2025