Case Officer

Do you enjoy working collaboratively, identifying new ideas and solutions while embracing change? If so this is the position for you.

The Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) plays an important role in the planning appeals system in Scotland. The Division, based in Falkirk, determines appeals against decisions made by planning authorities and other bodies in Scotland. Other key areas of our work include the examination of Development Plans; public local inquiries held in connection with applications for consent under the Electricity Act 1989; compulsory purchase and other orders.

DPEA is headed by the Chief Reporter, along with 3 Assistant Chief Reporters and the Head of Performance and Administration. They are responsible for the day to day running of the Division. To aid them there are 23 administrative staff (including this post) based in our office in Falkirk. The Division is currently operating a flexible, hybrid working model, with Case Officers working a minimum of 1 day a week in the office. There are 22 reporters who are permanently based at home.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a fast paced environment. The main purpose of the administration team is to support reporters in their role of determining appeals; ensuring that all the statutory parts of appeals procedures are carried out efficiently and on time and acting as the public face of DPEA through corresponding, liaising and dealing with queries from all parties involved in the appeal process. You should enjoy working collaboratively to identify opportunities for improvements; exploring new ideas and solutions and embracing change.

As a Case Officer you will have an opportunity to manage and organise diverse and varied cases, whilst being mindful of all statutory deadlines. You will ensure all cases are kept up to date, process all documentation from evidence collated, allowing the reporters to determine the cases for you to issue the decisions made.

• As a Case Officer you will be managing a busy and varied caseload.
• You will work closely with professional reporters to administer all aspects of complex appeal work which will include high profile planning appeals; environmental appeals; core path plans; wind farm cases; called in applications and development plan examinations.
• You will prepare letters and accept telephone calls, throughout the various appeal stages to ensure we obtain all the relevant information to enable a decision to be made within targets set by Scottish Ministers.
• You will check and acknowledge new appeals and applications, managing the exchange of information between all parties involved within the timescales laid down in the legislation.
• You will collate and publish all information relating to cases on the our IT systems.
• You will provide support and guidance to reporters in respect of the administration aspects of cases.
• You will prepare first drafts for ministerial correspondence and official replies, freedom of information and environmental information requests.
• Work collaboratively with fellow colleagues, sharing knowledge, skills and ideas. Provide training, support and guidance and acting in mentoring role when required.

Self-Awareness

Teamwork

Information Management

Communication and Engagement

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven planning and organisational skills, showing the ability to prioritise and manage workloads against competing deadlines.
• Experience of working as part of a team in delivering effective customer focused front line services with evidence of a can-do attitude to helping others and embracing change.
• Proven ability to work on your own initiative showing confident use of IT systems with a flexible and positive attitude to change.