About us

We support professional planners and planning inspectors, most of whom work in the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Planning Inspectorate.


Who we are

The Government Planning profession is one of the Civil Service Professions. Work in the planning profession is challenging, varied, and plays a vital part in shaping and implementing policies for managing development and supporting growth.

Professional planners within government provide expert advice on the operation and reform of the system of town and country planning.

Planning inspectors have a variety of professional backgrounds and form a separate planning inspectors professional group.

Career opportunities and professional development

Vacancies for professional planners arise from time to time and are advertised on the Civil Service jobs website and in the specialist press. Applicants should be eligible for, or working towards, chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute

On the Planning Profession website on Civil Service Learning, you can engage with your professional community and find out about the learning, qualifications and opportunities available to help you develop your skills.

Corporate information

Jobs and contracts