Open Call

The programme

Local authorities are under increasing pressure to recruit planners and strengthen planning capacity to manage development management backlogs, update local plans and prepare new Spatial Development Strategies.

This programme is a direct capacity-boosting intervention designed in collaboration with, and funded by, MHCLG to meet the imbalance between this growing demand on local authority planning teams and the low supply of public sector planners.

With £1.6 million in grant funding available this financial year, the programme will expand capacity by recruiting experienced and motivated built environment professionals from across a range of disciplines, including architecture, urban design and regeneration, while providing local authorities with a salary bursary to cover the annual gross salary of the role (capped at £40,000).

Here’s how it works:

• You work with us to bring forward mid-career and senior role(s) for your planning team (with a salary of up to £55,000)
• We match the role(s) to candidates from our pool of experienced built environment professionals who are motivated to make a career switch into public sector planning
• You receive a grant award from Public Practice to cover the annual gross salary of the role (capped at £40,000)
• While in role, candidates join our flagship Associate Programme to support their transition into public sector planning
• Unlike our standard Associate Programme model, we charge no recruitment fee through this funded route

In return, we ask that:

• Each role is a minimum 12-month contract
• The local authority contributes any remaining gross salary costs over £40,000 and on-costs
• You are ready to mobilise recruitment quickly (next steps and deadlines below)

Please note, this programme is distinct from the Pathways to Planning graduate scheme, although funding will be administered in a similar way, in partnership with the LGA.

Submit an Expression of Interest

If you have a role in mind, you are welcome to submit an EOI directly using the link below. The form will share particular eligibility criteria to ensure this is the right opportunity for your team.

Attend the Information Session

If you would like to learn more before submitting, join our online information session on Tuesday, 9 June at 13:00

The session will cover:

• Why the funded opportunity exists
• What skill-led recruitment means in practice
• Eligibility criteria
• How the Associate Programme supports transition into planning roles
• Examples of successful placements
• Live Q&A with the Public Practice team