The role

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Planning Lawyer to join our well respected in house Legal Team to lead on all aspects of planning law in connection with the Council’s functions. As the successful candidate you will be an expert in your field with the ability to handle complex planning work. As well as having the technical ability you will need to show yourself to be confident, professional, enthusiastic, a creative thinker that can influence and drive progress and able to give clear and credible advice to senior officers and elected members. You should also be a proactive team player, be flexible in approach and be willing to get involved in all areas of the Service’s work and want to play a prominent role in helping the Service to develop and improve. If you are a highly organised, enthusiastic and proactive individual, with a commitment to excellent customer service we would like to hear from you.

Oxford is a vibrant and dynamic city with a global reputation and the City Council sits at the centre of it all. We are an evolving organisation that plays an influential role in the success of the City. Working closely with our partners, we are driving a progressive agenda that is building stronger communities, tackling climate change and helping the economy to thrive. It is a brilliant time to join Oxford City Council and this role will sit at the centre of all that we are trying to achieve in the Law & Governance Service. The Service, which operates at the heart of the Council, is responsible for the democratic and political management arrangements of the Authority, electoral registration and the conduct of elections, information governance across the Authority, corporate and Ombudsmen complaints, emergency planning and the provision of the full range of legal services to one of the most efficient, effective and ambitious councils in the country with high aspirations for the city.

We are seeking a passionate individual who is motivated by working for an inclusive and diverse organisation that is determined in its ambition to build ‘a world class city for everyone’, ensuring ‘excellent public services are at the heart of everything’.

About us

Our ambitious leadership team and dedicated staff are working hard building a world class city for everyone. Oxford City Council has accelerated plans to build more affordable and council housing in the city. We provide services to help reduce inequality and improve the health and wellbeing of Oxford’s residents and are taking a lead on reducing emissions and increasing biodiversity to become a net carbon neutral city of the future. We are a supportive and collaborative bunch of people working towards shared goals, where new ideas and initiatives are valued. We strive to deliver service excellence, take accountability for our actions and communicate with honestly and respect. There has never been a more exciting time to join us! Help us to build successful places in which to live and work and build a fairer, greener city in which everyone can thrive.

Many of our roles offer flexible or hybrid working. We offer generous holiday 28 days a year with an additional 4 days after 5 years’ service, an above average pension offering, plus other great benefits. We are committed to supporting career development opportunities and learning and development. 

How to apply

More information is available on the role profile document. Please read this document to ensure that you meet our requirements. More information about working for the Council, our values and vision, is available on our web site. Applications should be made via our online application system with your CV For further information and how to apply online, please visit www.oxford.gov.uk If you are unable to access our website please call 01865 252848.

Note: For roles that require a DBS Certificate (Enhanced and or Barred List check), candidates are required to supply their complete work history. If you are making an application using a CV please ensure you explain any gaps in your work history. We usually do 1st interviews online but please let us know if this is not an option for you. For hybrid roles the successful applicant will be expected to work from home. You should ensure that you have reliable and secure wifi access; a suitable workspace and are prepared to undertake distance learning and training.

Closing Date: 01 April 2024

Late applications will not be processed.

Interview Date(s): From 8th April 2024

For an informal discussion about the post please contact on Alison Daly 01865 252832 or email adaly@oxford.gov.uk

We are an equal opportunity employer: We are striving to become a more inclusive employer and to represent the communities that we support. We have policies in place to ensure that every applicant and employee can flourish and succeed. Currently we are underrepresented in some areas, and would particularly welcome applicants from ethnic and minority communities. All applicants will be given fair consideration for work and will not receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of any protected characteristic.

Link to apply: Oxford City Council - Lawyer (Planning)