Job summary
The Planning Inspectorate is at the centre of the governments mission to "get Britain building again". To achieve this we are recruiting for four Senior Developers and a Senior Content Management Systems (CMS) Developer to join our growing Digital Services team as we expand to meet growing demands from our colleagues, government, and our customers.
You will be a member of a multidisciplinary team, writing code and providing technical expertise as part of our digital service teams. This will involve potentially working across multiple products including our casework management system, public facing websites and internal tools, as well as supporting our ongoing digital transformation work to create a more modern Inspectorate.
You will work with a smart and talented group of user researchers, product managers, DevOps engineers, testers, business analysts and delivery managers to deliver better public services for communities.
You will be joining a team of around 30 highly skilled software engineers, testers, and DevOps engineers, providing mentoring and guidance as well as setting the standard for technical excellence.
Job description
You will be responsible for working collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team, focussed on delivering high quality code in line with project goals and delivery cycles. As well as this you will be setting the standards for technical excellence within a team of Developers and fostering an environment where team members are supported and can come to you for guidance and feedback.
As a senior member of the team, you will provide technical direction within the team to identify the best technology, solutions and industry standard Agile methodologies and embed and enhance practices such as Test- Driven Development (TDD), continuous integration, continuous delivery, and DevOps.
You will also keep up to date with the latest technologies and trends, whilst delivering working software early and often, learning new languages and frameworks and picking the right solutions.
Our Tools
We use high-performance developer machines, AI coding assistance, and JetBrains WebStorm IDE. This combination, alongside a collaborative working culture, allows us to be very effective and deliver excellent results for the business.
Our Tech Stack
We rely on:
- NodeJS for our digital transformation work.
- HTML/CSS/JavaScript for both digital transformation and other services.
- Azure for our infrastructure and deployment.
- Azure SQL for data storage.
- Docker and Azure App Services to host our digital transformation services.
- GOV.UK Design System for our web interfaces.
- Drupal for CMS capabilities
We’re happy to help you learn the specifics of our tech stack once you are part of our team.
Check out GitHub (Planning-Inspectorate) for a closer look at the technology we use.
A typical week in this role will consist of a blend of responsibilities, including:
- Performing code review.
- Providing mentoring and coaching to other team members.
- Prioritising work in line with deliverables and project goals.
- Writing code.
- Writing unit tests.
- Offering technical advice on software architecture and technology choices.
- Providing guidance to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Identifying and fixing faults.
- Providing technical assurance.
Role types and Salary details
There are a number of roles available:
3 x Senior Executive Officer – Permanent
2 x Senior Executive Officer –1x Fixed Term Contract 2 years, 1x Fixed Term Contract 1 year
Salary
New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. Internal rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
Salary range for the Grade role is £45,219 - £49,462 (pay review pending) plus a DDAT allowance of up to £12,181 based on capability and base salary
Working hours:
Standard working week is 37 hours, flexible working hours policy available
The Planning Inspectorate has a long and proud history in ensuring a fair planning system for England. The work we do has a significant impact on people’s lives, the communities where they live and the economy.
We want our colleagues to be able to work more flexibly and more collaboratively, exploring new and innovative ways to improve the way we provide services.
For further information on the Planning Inspectorate, please visit our careers page at Civil Service Careers
Office Attendance
This role is contractually based at Temple Quay House, Bristol which is currently out of use due to undergoing refurbishment work. In the interim, we have the use of alternative office space in very close proximity to Bristol Temple Meads railway station. We recognise and value the mutual benefits of hybrid working and have a flexible approach to in person attendance, which can vary dependent on the requirements of individual business units - the details of which can be discussed with candidates if invited to attend an interview.
Person specification
We will assess your application against the Essential Criteria and Success Profile elements listed:
Essential Criteria
- A comprehensive understanding of front-end web development (HTML, CSS and JavaScript).
- Experience of agile development, software design patterns, continuous integration, test driven development and version control (preferably GitHub).
- Experience of developing and working with APIs.
- Demonstrable experience of delivering user focused products with a thorough understanding of software design principles, standards and practices.
- Ability to quickly research and learn new programming tools and techniques.
- Proven experience balancing multiple priorities and dealing with ambiguity.
- Experience of identifying, locating and competently fixing faults.
- Understanding cyber security, developing solutions and services with security controls embedded, specifically engineered as mitigation against security threats as core part of the solutions and services.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience of using cloud platforms such as Azure
- Experience of Azure AI & Machine learning services.
Additional Essential Criteria for Senior Developer
- Experience of building scalable, secure web applications (preferably in Azure) and a detailed knowledge of server-side JavaScript programming
Additional Essential Criteria for Senior CMS Developer
- Experience of building CMS solutions using open-source technologies (preferably PHP and Drupal)
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Changing and Improving
- Delivering at Pace
- Developing Self and Others
- Working Together
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Programming in modern languages such as server-side JavaScript
- Front end web development using HTML, CSS & JavaScript
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £45,219, Planning Inspectorate contributes £13,099 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- Flexible working options, including flexi-time, part-time, compressed hours and home working if suitable for the role.
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity.
- 25 days annual leave increasing by 1 day per year up to 30 days after 5 years, plus 1 privilege day to mark the King’s birthday. In addition to the normal bank holidays.
- Generous family friendly policies.
- Fast and modern IT kit which utilises Windows 10 and Microsoft 365, enabling seamless working from home and collaboration across teams.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Application
Complete the online application form on Civil Service Jobs which requires the following information:
- A CV: The CV section lets you share your job history. List your jobs, how long you worked at each, and briefly describe your roles and duties. Make sure to show how your experience matches the essential criteria of the job you're applying for. Type or paste this information into the 'Employment History' box in the online application. You can't attach your CV.
- A Personal Statement (500 words max): The personal statement lets you explain why you're a good fit for the job in more detail. Use it to show how you meet the essential criteria listed in our advert.
If there are many applications, we might use a lead sift. This means we'll first check if you meet the key requirement listed below. If you don't, we won't review the rest of your application.
Lead Sift for Senior Developer
- Experience of building scalable, secure web applications (preferably in Azure) and a detailed knowledge of server-side JavaScript programming
Lead Sift for Senior CMS Developer
- Experience of building CMS solutions using open-source technologies (preferably PHP and Drupal)
All shortlisted candidates will be advised of the outcome shortly afterwards.
Interview
If you are shortlisted, you will:
- Be asked to attend an interview to have a more in-depth discussion about your experience and suitability for the role
- Interviews will be a blend of behaviour, experience and technical questions
Candidates who pass the shortlist stage will receive full assessment details with their interview invitations.
Other Information
Shortlist Date: w/c 04 August 2025
Interview Date: w/c 18 August 2025
Interviews will be held remotely using MS Teams. The interview will not be recorded or retained, other than usual interview protocol and in line with Civil Service Jobs privacy notice.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Recruitment
The Civil Service Careers site has published a new page for candidates, covering what they should consider before using AI in their applications or interviews. Please click on the link below:
Artificial intelligence and recruitment
Reserve list
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Future Matches
Candidates who demonstrate strong potential and future readiness but score just below the required level at interview may be considered for alternative positions. These roles may be at a lower grade but align with their skills and offer opportunities for growth.
Merit list order
We appoint in merit list order, starting with any permanent appointments followed by any fixed term appointments.
We encourage all candidates to make themselves familiar with the role and what we will be assessing you against which is detailed in the Person Specification.
ID and Documents
If the job needs specific qualifications or memberships and you get the job, you'll need to send scanned or photographed images of them before you start.
We must check that any successful candidates are allowed to work for the Civil Service before we employ them. If successful, you will be asked to do a right to work check using identity document validation technology (IDVT) through the services of an Identity Service Provider (IDSP), Civil Service Jobs. If we are unable to confirm your right to work and through the IDVT we will need to do a manual right to work check using original documents with you in person.
Visa Sponsorship
The Planning Inspectorate cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates, we do not hold a Visa sponsorship licence.
Disability Confident Interview scheme/Reasonable Adjustments
The Civil Service values diversity and offers equal opportunities. We have a Disability Confident Interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the job's minimum criteria. We will also provide reasonable adjustments to all where possible. For more information please see Reasonable Adjustments , Civil Service Careers.
Security Check
In addition to the BPSS, the level of security clearance required for this role is Security Check (SC) and the process can take a number of weeks to complete. For more details of vetting levels and requirements please refer to the Cabinet Office HMG Personnel Security Controls.
Existing Civil Servants should ensure that they have an in-principle agreement for a loan prior to applying.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).
See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name :
- Ben Jacobs
- Email :
- PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email :
- PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
Further information
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact in the first instance: The Vacancy Manager via the Recruitment Team (PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk).
If you are not satisfied with the response, you receive you should then contact, Chief People Officer, via the Recruitment Team (PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk).
If you are still not satisfied with the response you receive from the Planning Inspectorate, you can contact the Office of the Civil Service Commission. https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/recruitment-complaints/
Attachments
EVP(Great_Place_To_Work)
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(pdf, 534kB)The Planning Inspectorate Information
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(docx, 4604kB)
