Student Planner

This advert is for year-long planning university student placements, to commence in summer 2027. There are multiple posts available. Applicants must be in enrolled on an RTPI accredited course.

 Please note that this scheme is only open to undergraduate students currently in their second year of study, looking to undertake a year-long placement commencing Summer 2027 before returning to complete their degree OR to postgraduate students who have a year-long placement built into their postgraduate degree scheme which they are looking to undertake Summer 2027-Summer 2028. Graduates should not apply.

 The Welsh Government is responsible for the development, oversight and implementation of the planning system in Wales, with different functions and responsibilities falling to the Planning Directorate and Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW).

This role is an opportunity to learn and support the work of:

• the Planning Directorate in creating the legal and policy framework underpinning the land use planning system in Wales,
• PEDW in their independent role in implementing planning policy through their management of planning and related casework.

 Opportunities for the planning student placement will be varied working on a 6-month rotation basis between the Planning Directorate and PEDW. When working in the Planning Directorate opportunities will be provided to work across the Directorate contributing to planning legislation, policy and procedural advice for the development plan and development management systems or the development of national planning policy. The time spent in PEDW will provide opportunities to learn the vast range of land-use casework undertaken on behalf of the Welsh Ministers including planning appeals, Local Development Plan Examinations, Significant Infrastructure Projects and a range of other specialist casework. In PEDW you will work with, and provide assistance to, Planning Inspectors, the Planning and Environment Team and the rest of the casework and business support teams to gain valuable experience in the implementation of the Planning System in Wales.

• Support the work on the Consolidation of Planning Law.
• Assist senior officers with the development of policy and legislation for future changes and improvements to the development management system.
• Assist with scrutinising local development plans, including compliance with national planning policy, and attend meetings with local planning authorities regarding their progress on plan preparation.
• Input to professional advice on statutory planning casework for consideration by senior officers.
• Undertake research and other tasks to support the development of national planning policy including the ongoing review of the National Development Framework.
• Assist with monitoring the performance and improvement of local authority planning services.
• Engage with Applicants, Appellants, Agents and other stakeholders to provide information and advice on the planning and environmental casework processed by PEDW.
• Attend on-line and in-person events, providing administrative support to Inspectors and other colleagues as required, assisting with logistics and responding to customer queries.
• Undertake research, prepare summary reports and other tasks to support PEDW’s casework and knowledge function
• Work with the Planning and Environment Team to assist with projects at different stages of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) looking at the environmental effects of developments including ecology and nature, marine ecology, soils, air quality, noise and vibration, water quality and resources, climate change, cultural heritage and archaeology, traffic and transport, landscape and visual and flood risk.
• Answering correspondence and providing draft advice on a wider range of land use planning issues, interpreting and applying current policy and relevant legislation as appropriate.
• To ensure that workload is undertaken in an efficient and effective manner maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction whilst carrying out the above duties.

To assist in other tasks in supporting the work of both the Planning Directorate and PEDW. 

This is a great opportunity to work in government to help shape the planning system and improve planning outcomes in Wales. The post holder will have a varied and interesting role working across the Planning Directorate and PEDW providing the opportunity to learn and gain a strategic perspective of land use planning issues and develop your communication and work prioritisation skills.

In the event of a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted against the lead assessment criterion: Behaviour: Making Effective Decisions. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for this opportunity. Any candidate who is successful in being offered a reserve status, will remain on the reserve list for 12 months. 

Location
The role is based in Cathays Park in Cardiff. The expectation is that the role is office based although there is some opportunity for hybrid working from home to be discussed and agreed with the relevant line manager. 

Current Course of Study
Applicants must be enrolled on a course of study towards an RTPI accredited degree that has a placement year as part of the course. 
Note: Successful Candidates must supply evidence of their enrolment status at the time of onboarding. Candidates who are unsure whether their degree is RTPI accredited must check with their University before applying.