Advertising & Recruitment Update

August 11, 2026

Planning Recruitment Steadies as Councils Target Key Roles for Autumn

The planning recruitment market is stabilising after a busy summer period. Councils are focusing on targeted hires — particularly senior DM officers, enforcement specialists, and policy planners with Local Plan experience. Interim demand remains strong, especially for authorities facing backlogs or preparing major applications for committee.

Consultancies continue to expand teams to meet client demand, with regeneration, strategic planning, and design‑led roles showing notable growth. Employers are emphasising hybrid working, flexible hours, and clear progression pathways to attract candidates in a competitive market.

With autumn approaching, recruitment activity is expected to rise again as authorities prepare for year‑end reporting, Local Plan milestones, and increased application volumes. Clear job adverts and sector‑specific visibility remain essential for attracting the right talent.

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