https://planninginspectorate.blog.gov.uk/2025/06/05/last-call-join-the-planning-inspectorate-as-a-band-2-or-3-inspector/

Last Call: Join the Planning Inspectorate as a Band 2 or 3 Inspector

Offshore Wind turbines

Be an independent decision maker. Planning Inspectors needed to lead on local plans examinations or national infrastructure cases. Apply by 8 June.

Updated 6 June 2025: This blog post has been updated to include responses to questions from our careers Q&A session.

Embark on a role that makes a difference to the economy, environment and society

Are you a chartered professional looking for a role where you can directly influence sustainable development across England and Wales? The Planning Inspectorate is recruiting for 14 Band 2 and 20 Band 3 Planning Inspectors to help deliver the Government's economic, social, and environmental objectives.

What makes this role special?

As current Band 3 Inspector Yvonne Wright shares: "I came into the organisation ten and a half years ago directly into Band 2 to deal with local plans. I could bring all of my skills from the local plan policy world in local government."

This is an opportunity to:

  • Work on some of the biggest and most interesting plans and projects across England and Wales
  • Lead on major infrastructure decisions that shape our communities
  • Enjoy a genuinely home-based role with flexible working options
  • Benefit from excellent civil service terms (including a pension with 28.97% employer contribution)

You don't need to be a planner!

While many inspectors have planning backgrounds, we welcome professionals from diverse disciplines including:

  • Engineering
  • Law
  • Architecture
  • Built heritage
  • Environmental sciences

The essential requirement is chartered membership of a relevant professional body, alongside skills in analysis, decision-making, and communication.

What will you do?

You'll examine and make recommendations on:

  • Local Plans that determine where new homes and facilities are built
  • Infrastructure projects crucial to national energy, transport, and environmental needs
  • Government priorities including housing delivery and energy security

Band 3 Inspectors additionally lead panels of fellow inspectors and provide mentoring support.

Support and development

You won't be thrown in at the deep end. The Inspectorate offers:

  • Comprehensive induction and ongoing training
  • Mentoring from experienced inspectors
  • Support groups of around 10 inspectors with an experienced Inspector Manager
  • Regular learning and development opportunities
  • Annual in-person events for all inspectors

Flexible, rewarding work

  • Full home-based working with travel expenses covered
  • Full-time or part-time options available
  • Band 2 salary: £63,859
  • Band 3 salary: £77,741
  • Civil Service benefits including generous pension and maternity cover
  • Recognition scheme and employee assistance programmes

Application timeline

  • Applications close: 8th June 2025
  • Shortlisting: w/c 9th June 2025
  • Interviews: w/c 30th June & w/c 7th July 2025
  • Job offers: w/c 25th July 2025
  • Start date: November 2025

Ready for a new challenge?

If you're motivated, inquisitive and can confidently manage challenging public events while producing clear, well-reasoned reports to tight deadlines, we want to hear from you.

Applications close in just 3 days – don't miss this opportunity to shape England and Wales' sustainable future.

Apply now through Civil Service Jobs before 11:55pm on Sunday 8th June 2025.

See our recording of a recent Q&A session where you can find out more about the roles.

View the responses to the questions raised from this session

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