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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