Senior Planning Adviser

**Senior Planning Adviser**

**Salary c. £41,000 - £45,000 per annum depending upon experience**

**NFU Headquarters, Warwickshire - Stoneleigh Park/Flexible location with hybrid working**

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The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is the biggest farming organisation in the UK. We're proud to make a difference for all our members, by shaping attitudes towards British farming and leading the charge on a range of major issues, from climate change and food standards to rural crime and broadband rollout.

Are you an experienced planning professional with ideas on how planning policy could be improved to deliver for businesses and communities? Do you enjoy working environments centred on collaboration, creativity and communicating ideas?

Purpose of the role and how you will contribute

As Senior Planning Adviser you will play a leading role in shaping and communicating the NFU’s policy on planning. This is a unique period of significant reform in national planning policy, as well as an important period of transition in the agricultural sector. As we help our members navigate the agricultural transition period following the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, you will play a key role in influencing policy design and implementation to support farmers and growers represented by the NFU.

Working with a high degree of autonomy and resourcefulness, you will be responsible for developing the NFU’s understanding on how existing and emerging planning policy may be shaped to drive a more profitable, productive and sustainable agricultural sector. From nutrient neutrality to significant development projects involving housing, commercial, industrial and

civic infrastructure., you'll work flexibly across several projects

**What you’ll bring**

You will be educated to degree level and hold either a relevant postgraduate or professional qualification in planning, rural economy or surveying. Knowledge of the Planning Acts as well as the key national, local and regional planning policy guidance will be advantageous, as will experience within an advisory role.

This role will require occasional travel to meetings in London and throughout the UK and the hybrid work location can be flexible within one of our regional offices.

Wherever you are located, you will be expected to work a minimum of two days from an NFU office and as part of this work from our Stoneleigh HQ at least once a week. The NFU is supportive of a hybrid working model that suits you and this arrangement can be explored further during the interview stage.

**Who are we?**

Every day, we're the voice of around 47,000 British farmers and growers who produce food, making sure their concerns are heard at the heart of government both online and locally. This means developing strong relationships with everyone from NFU colleagues to government ministers. So, as well as having a high profile in both the media and Westminster, we work with and support local members through a network of regional and county offices across England and Wales.

Benefits package

Join us and you’ll find an organisation that encourages and enables you to achieve your full potential. In return you will be rewarded with a full range of benefits including:

- Competitive pension scheme
- Generous holiday allowance; 25 days, rising to 28 after 3 years, 30 days after 8 years
- NFU day off in addition to the holiday allowance
- Opportunity to buy and sell holiday
- 4 x life assurance
- Company Funded Health Cashplan
- Compassionate and supportive Health and Wellbeing Programme
- Excellent learning and development
- Employee Assistance Programme to help you deal with life’s challenges
- Interest free travel loan
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
- On-site restaurant and free parking
- Vibrant and forward-thinking culture who genuinely cares for its people

**Why join us?**

We’re committed to recruiting a diverse and highly talented workforce. Join us and you’ll find an organisation that encourages and enables you to achieve your full potential. We’ll support you by providing you with extensive learning and development opportunities and build a career that balances your professional ambitions with your personal commitments including discussions around hybrid and flexible work options.

To help shape the culture of the organisation, NFU colleagues will champion these four values, known as IPRU:
**Inclusive**
- Supported: We support all colleagues to reach their full potential
- Equally valued: We value all individuals and ideas
- Championing diversity: We actively seek opportunities to foster diversity
- A sense of belonging: We create a positive environment where everyone can bring their true self to work

**Professional**
- Trustworthy and honest: We are transparent in our dealings and tell the truth
- Act with integrity: We set a good example and deliver on our promises
- Respect for others: We treat people how we expect to be treated

**Resou