Elmbridge Borough Council
Planning Officer

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What does it take to be a planner at Elmbridge?
Commitment? Determination? Pragmatism? Solution-focussed attitude?
We would suggest that it takes all of this and one other trait; we want our planners to be passionate about design.
That’s what makes planning services at Elmbridge different; we have talented, passionate people, determined to do their best work for Elmbridge, influencing and helping to shape Elmbridge.
In response to the increase in planning application fees, Elmbridge is creating additional posts within the team. Therefore, you will be joining a growing team.
If you want to be a planner and you have the motivation to undertake professional qualifications, we will support you in a day release course at University.
You will see the other essential criteria in the person specification, but it’s your approach to work that will be your main asset.
Whether you are a planning manager, officer or trainee you will understand that you have an important role to play in helping us to shape Elmbridge. You will be supporting our customers and helping them to understand the role good planning makes in shaping an area.
Elmbridge is one of the busiest local planning authorities in the country and sets very high standards for the delivery of planning decisions within Government targets. With land values that rival London and a population of 135,000, we will provide you with an interesting and challenging step in your career.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
From April 2027, Elmbridge will become part of the new East Surrey Council.
As we work towards that time, our focus remains firmly on delivering high quality services to our residents. We understand that this period of transition may bring uncertainty, particularly around future working arrangements such as office locations. Please be assured that we are committed to supporting all our employees throughout this process, prioritising wellbeing, continuous learning and professional development.
While we cannot predict exactly what lies beyond 2027, we can confidently say that your time at Elmbridge Borough Council will be both rewarding and enriching. You will gain valuable experience, benefit from extensive training opportunities and be involved in one of the most significant transformations in local government in the past 50 years.
About us
We know we ask a lot, but the good news is that we give a lot too.


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Learning and development
We will support you on that journey by creating a bespoke learning and development plan for you. You will meet people in the team who have completed Masters, been promoted within the team and have taken on other professional qualifications.
Flexibility
We know hybrid working is here to stay and we will discuss the right mix of home and office for you.
Wellbeing
When you thrive Elmbridge thrives, which is why we have developed a strong and varied wellbeing programme for our employees.
The package
Not forgetting our excellent pension and ‘Thrive’ package of employee benefits and discounts with various local businesses. There is also free employee parking.
If you would like to talk to us about the role, please give Jenny our Team Leader in Development Management a call on 01372 474796.
Equal Opportunities
Elmbridge Borough Council - Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. If you require any adjustments to be able to engage in the recruitment process for this role, please let us know by emailing humanresources@elmbridge.gov.uk.
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