Executive planner

Candidate Information BookletEXECUTIVE PLANNER(Permanent & Fixed Term Contracts)This is a rolling competition, there will be no closing date forreceipt of completed application forms.Applications will be processed in order of receipt ofcompleted applications.Human Resources DepartmentWestmeath County CouncilPhone No Westmeath County Council is committed to a policy of equal opportunity1EXECUTIVE PLANNERTable of ContentsThe Position 3Qualifications for the post 5Particulars of the Post (including recruitment) 7Competencies for the post 142EXECUTIVE PLANNERThe Position:Westmeath County Council employs over 590 staff across eight service divisions. Housing &Building; Road, Transport & Safety; Rural Water; Development Management; EnvironmentalProtection; Recreation & Amenity; Climate Action, Agriculture & Education and MiscellaneousServices. It consists of 20 democratically elected members. The Council is mandated to deliver adiverse range of functions and services which can be broadly described under the headings ofeconomic development, community development, provision of physical and social infrastructure,recreation and amenity services, and the enforcement of the planning and environmentalregulatory framework. The Council now invites applications from suitably qualified persons whowish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which permanent and fixed term contract postsfor the position of Executive Planner will be drawn.Executive Planners are responsible for implementing programmes of work in the PlanningDepartment and for providing a multiplicity of planning services and related services. ExecutivePlanner positions are multi-faceted and may include some or all of the following key service areas:➢ Development Management➢ Planning Enforcement➢ Forward Planning and Sustainable Development➢ Community Planning➢ Biodiversity➢ Transport Planning➢ Conservation/Heritage PlanningExecutive Planners will be required to input into multi-disciplinary project teams on occasions,under the direction and supervision of the Senior Planner or other appropriate officer.The Executive Planner will from time to time be required to deputise for Senior Executive Planneror more senior personnel and must be willing to take on this challenge. The ideal candidate will bea highly motivated person, with a strong sense of commitment to delivering quality public servicesand shall demonstrate a clear knowledge and understanding of:Local Authority services, its key stakeholders and relationshipsLocal Government Structures and its democratic role and mandateCurrent Local Government issues, future trends and strategic direction of the sector,particularly in relation to planning policy and practice.Key policies guiding the local government sectorNational, Regional and Local planning issuesFostering and maintaining wide ranging productive working relationship both internallyand externally to the organisationImplementing changeIntegrity and public service values3Duties and Responsibilities:The Executive Planner duties include but are not limited to the following;Assessment and making of recommendations on planning applications in line with allrelevant national, regional and local planning plans/policies, and in accordance withthe appropriate legislation and guidelines as required.Conducting pre-application consultations and provision of planning advice tomembers of the public, internal departments and to the Elected Members.Advising on and preparation of recommendations on 'Section 5' exempteddevelopment declaration applications and other declarations as directed.Giving planning advice on the preparation and processing of "Part 8" Local Authoritydevelopment applications.Assist in the preparation and implementation of the County Development Plan, LocalArea Plans and other planning reports as required.Preparation of policy and reports as required on a wide variety of planning matters.Planning Enforcement duties including drafting reports, conducting site visits andappearing in Court.Assist in public consultation and engagement exercises related to Planning.Monitoring and reporting on implementation progress, including gathering/analysisof development.Building and maintaining co-operative working relationships including thesupervision of staff as required.Represent the Council at meetings with staff, elected members, community/generalinterest groups, businesses and residents.The post holder may be required to perform duties appropriate to the post, other thanthose detailed above, and to take instructions from and report to, an appropriate Officeror such designated Officer as may be assigned from time to time by Westmeath CountyCouncil.4EXECUTIVE PLANNERQUALIFICATIONS 1. CHARACTERCandidates shall be of good character. 2. HEALTHCandidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect ofability to render regular and efficient service3. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, ETC.Candidates shall:(a) Hold an honours degree in Planning (at least level 8 on the NationalFramework of Qualifications)(b) Have at least five years' satisfactory relevant experience of planningwork;(c) Possess a high standard of technical training and experience;and(d) Possess a high degree of administrative experience.4. CITIZENSHIPCandidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member Statesof the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; orb) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); orc) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland onthe free movement of persons; ord) A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has astamp 4 visa; ore) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunificationand has a stamp 4 visa orf) A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and residentin, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.5The ideal candidate: The ideal candidate should also be able to demonstrate the following: -Good knowledge of local government functions, services and activities particularly inrelation to planning and development legislation and procedures across the areas offorward planning, development management and enforcement in particularGood understanding of the current and future planning issues facing County Westmeathand its wider regionAwareness of and management of Health, Safety and Welfare in the workplaceStrong I.T. skills, in particular word processing, presentation and GIS systemsPrioritising of work in an efficient and effective mannerAbility and experience of working in a dynamic and multi-disciplinary teamGood planning ability and project management skillsAbility to act on own initiativePossess an ability to think laterally and maintain a solution orientated mind-set in dealingwith a wide range of issues.Dealing effectively with conflicting demandsAn ability to achieve delivery of competing demands within prescribed timelines anddeadlinesGood communication/presentation and interpersonal skills.6EXECUTIVE PLANNERParticulars of Office1. The postA panel will be formed for an initial period of one year and this may be extended for a furtheryear at the discretion of the Chief Executive. The panel may be used to fill permanent & fixedterm positions that may arise for its duration. Vacancies will be offered in order of merit asper the panel.Vacancies may arise on a county-wide basis. Westmeath County Council reserves the rightto assign employees to any work location having regard to funding and/or operationalcircumstances.2. SalaryThe current salary scale for the post of Executive Planner is €59,658 – €82,929 (includingLong Service Increments) gross per annum as per Circular EL 07/2025. Payment ofincrements is dependent on satisfactory performance.Entry point of this scale will be determined in accordance with the Circulars issued by theDepartment of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.New Entrants to the Local Authority Service commence on the 1st point of the scale inaccordance with current Government Policy as set out in Department of the EnvironmentCircular Letter EL 02/2011 of 28th January 2011 and Circular EL 05/2016 dated 5th February2016.Remuneration is paid fortnightly by PayPath directly to the employee's nominated bankaccount. The current pay cycle may be revised during the period of employment.Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions e.g. PAYE and PRSI. Increments are paidannually subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance and nationalagreements. Increments may be withheld if performance, attendance and/or conduct arenot satisfactory.You agree that in the event of an overpayment of salary or other monies to you, theCouncil reserves the right to deduct monies from your "wages" (for the purposes of thePayment of Wages Act, 1991) for the purpose of reimbursement of the Council of theamount of the overpayment(s), in keeping with the Payment of Wages Act 1991, Section5(5).73. Superannuation and RetirementMembership of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme or the Single Public ServicePension Scheme is compulsory for all employees. Details of the relevant scheme will beprovided to the appointee prior to appointment.A person who becomes a pensionable employee of a local authority who is liable to pay theClass A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of superannuation to contributeto the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of netpensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate ofsocial insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person withno adult dependant or qualified children). A person paying Class A rate of PRSI whobecomes a pensionable employee of a local authority will be required in respect of the LocalGovernment (Spouses and Children's Contributory Pension) Scheme to contribute to thelocal authority at the rate of 1.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionableremuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pensionpayable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children).A person who becomes a pensionable officer of a local authority who is liable to pay theClass D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of his/her superannuation tocontribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of pensionable remuneration. A personpaying Class D rate ofPRSI who becomes a pensionable Officer of a local authority depending on their existingscheme, may be a member of a dependent scheme i.e. either the Local Government(Widows & Orphans Contributory Pension) Scheme or Local Government (Spouses andChildren's Contributory Pension) Scheme and if a member of either scheme will be requiredin respect of this to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionableremuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme.Employees are admitted to the Superannuation Scheme in accordance with the terms of theLocal Government Superannuation (Consolidation) Act, 1998 and the Superannuation(Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, with effect from date of appointment. This scheme iscontributory and provides pension, retirement and death gratuities.In order for a new entrant to the scheme to qualify for a pension, he/she must have serveda minimum of two years employment in a local authority.For new entrants under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, effective from 1st January2013, superannuation contributions are as follows: 3.5% of net pensionable remunerationand 3% of pensionable remuneration. Pension and retirement lump sum will be based oncareer-average pay; pensions will be co-ordinated with the State Pension ContributoryPublic Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012: The compulsoryretirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public Service Pensions (Single Schemeand Other Provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years. Minimum pension age of 66 years, rising to 67years and 68 years in line with State Pension age changes, is applicable. Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004:There is no mandatory retirement age for 'New Entrants' from 1st April, 2004 to the publicservice as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act65 years is the minimum age at which a person may be paid. As a new entrant tothe public service, under the terms of this legislation, new entrants will not be required toretire on grounds of age.8Anyone who is not a 'New Entrant' to the public service, defined in the Public ServiceSuperannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 is subject to compulsory retirementage of 70 years.4. Probation(a) There shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which suchpersons shall hold the position on probation;(b) such period shall be one year, but the Chief Executive may at his/her discretionextend such period;(c) the person appointed shall cease to hold office at the end of the period of probationunless during such period the chief executive has certified that the service of theperson in such office is satisfactory.The Local Authority shall require persons to whom appointments are offered to take up suchappointments within a period of not more than one month and if they fail to take up theappointments within such period or such longer period as the local authority in its absolutediscretion may determine, the local authority shall not appoint them.5. Annual LeaveThe annual leaveentitlement shall be 30 days per annum. Granting of annual leave,payment for annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by theprovisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and local agreements which mayapply from time to time.6. Working HoursNormal working hours are 35 hours per week. Duties may require the successful applicantto work outside of normal hours i.e. attendance at evening/weekend, training. All hoursworked will be subject to the provision of Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 asamended.You may be required to complete a time sheet in accordance with the Organisation ofWorking Time Regulations, 2001.7. Sick LeaveThe terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will prevail.8. LocationWestmeath County Council reserves the right to assign the successful candidate to anypremises in use by the Council, now or in the future.The person appointed will be required to report to their place of work by their own meansof transport and at their own expense.99. Code of Conduct/Organisation PoliciesEmployees are required to adhere to all current and future Westmeath County Council codesof practice including Code of Conduct of Employees and all current and future organisationalpolicies.10. TrainingIt is a condition of employment that successful candidates will be required to participate inTraining programmes relevant to the skills for the performance of the duties attached to thepost.11. Safety and WelfareWestmeath County Council as an Employer is obliged to ensure, so far as it is reasonablypracticable the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work of all its employees. Under the Safety,Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the County Council has a legal duty to exercise all duecare and take all protective and preventative measure to protect the Safety, Health andWelfare of its employees. The holder of the post shall co-operate with the terms ofWestmeath County Council Safety Statement and Major Emergency Plan. He/she shallfamiliarise him/herself with the safety rules and procedures and make proper use of allsafety clothing and equipment.All employees also have a legal obligation under Safety and Health legislation to co-operatewith management and not engage in any improper conduct or behaviour or do anythingwhich would place themselves or others at risk. Employees must not be under the influenceof an intoxicant at the place of work.Employees must comply with all Safety and Health rules and regulations and attend allrequired Safety and Health Training.12. Driver's Licence & InsuranceIt is a necessary requirement that the post holder shall hold a full driving licence for Class Bvehicles, as he/she will be required to use your motor car in the course of their duties andfor this purpose provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the Council. It is theresponsibility of the post holder to arrange insurance cover for business use and toindemnify Westmeath County Council with the indemnity specified on your insurancecertificate under the heading "Persons or classes of person who are covered". Travelling andsubsistence expenses incurred in the course of official duties will be refunded in accordancewith the relevant Department Circulars and Local Authority Travel and Subsistence Policy.If, during your employment, your licence is revoked, even temporarily, or if you receiveendorsements on your licence which may affect your duties you are obliged to notify theCouncil immediately.12. Garda VettingSuccessful candidates may be subject to Garda Vetting in advance of appointment to theposition.1013. Employee Benefits• Examples of some of the current Employee Benefits include:Allocation of 30 Days Annual Leave per annum (pro-rata)Access to Flexi Time SchemeA range of Family Friendly PoliciesAvailability of an Optical Benefit SchemeAvailability of a Cycle to Work SchemeA range of Learning and Developmental OpportunitiesPaid Maternity and Paternity LeaveOption to become a member of Westmeath County Council's Social ClubState of the art office accommodation in our Civic HeadquartersAutomatically entered into a pension schemeAccess to the services provided under Westmeath County Council's Employee AssistanceProgramme14. Recruitment:Shortlisting:Normally the number of applications received for a position exceeds that required to fillexisting and future vacancies to the position. While a candidate may meet the eligibilityrequirements of the competition, if the numbers applying for the position are such that itwould not be practical to interview everyone, Westmeath County Council may decide thata number only will be invited to same. In this respect, Westmeath County Council providefor the employment of a short-listing process to select a group for interview who, based onan examination of the application forms, appear to be the most suitable for the positionbased on the specific requirements identified in the job description. An expert board willexamine the application forms against a pre-determined criterion based on therequirements of the position. This is not to suggest that other candidates are necessarilyunsuitable or incapable of undertaking the job, rather that there are some candidates, whobased on their application, appear to be better qualified and/or have more relevantexperience. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate accountof your relevant qualifications/ experience on the application form. On occasion ashortlisting interview may take place. Competitive Interview:Selection will be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by or on behalfof the local authority. The number of persons to be invited shall be determined by the LocalAuthority having regard to the likely number of vacancies to be filled.Candidates will be required to pay any expenses incurred by them in attending theinterview.A panel may be formed on the basis of interviews. Candidates whose names are on apanel and who satisfy the local authority that they possess the qualifications declared forthe post and that they are otherwise suitable for appointment may within the life of thepanel be appointed as appropriate vacancies arise.15. Reference/Documentary EvidenceCandidates may be required to submit documentary evidence to the local authority insupport of their application.The admission of a person to a competition, or invitation to attend an interview, is not tobe taken as implying that Westmeath County Council is satisfied that such person fulfils the11requirements of the competition or is not disqualified by law from holding the position anddoes not carry a guarantee that your application will receive further consideration. It isimportant, therefore, for you to note that the onus is on you to ensure that you meet theeligibility requirements for the competition before attending for interview. If you do notmeet the essential entry requirement but nevertheless attend for interview you will beputting yourself to unnecessary expense. Prior to recommending any candidate forappointment to this position Westmeath County Council will make all such enquiries thatare deemed necessary to determine the suitability of the candidate.16. Taking Up AppointmentWestmeath County Council shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered totake up such appointment within a period of four weeks (maximum) and if he/she fails totake up the appointment within such period or such longer period as the local authority inits absolute discretion may determine, the local authority shall not appoint him/her.17. CanvassingAny attempt by a candidate, or by any person(s) acting at the candidate's instigation, directlyor indirectly, by means of written communication or otherwise influence in the candidate'sfavour, any member or employee of the Council or person nominated by the County Councilto interview or examine applicants, will automatically disqualify the candidate for theposition being sought.18. Deeming of candidature to be withdrawnCandidates who do not attend for interview or other test when and where required byWestmeath County Council, or who do not, when requested, give such evidence as WestmeathCounty Council require regarding any matter relevant to their candidature, will have no furtherclaim to consideration.19. Pre-employmentBefore contracts of employment are entered into various pre-employment checks areundertaken. These include medicals, references and may include Garda Vetting. WestmeathCounty Council will invite successful candidates to under a medical assessment. A MedicalExaminer will be nominated by Westmeath County Council. Westmeath County Council willpay the fee for any general medical examination.20. Data ProtectionThe General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force on the 25th May, 2018Replacing the existing data protection framework under the EU data Protection Directive.The personal information (data) collected on the application form, including anyattachments, (which may include the collection of sensitive personal data) is collected for thepurpose of processing this application, and any data collected is subject to WestmeathCounty Council's privacy statement which can be found at1221. Closing DateThe completed application form, along with any certificates, must be EMAILED as one PDFdocument to Please send using the subject line "Your LastName, First Name – Executive Planner e.g. Bloggs, Joe – Executive Planner " This is a rolling competition, there will be no closing date for receipt of completedapplication forms.NOTE: Please send your completed application from an email address that you willreview regularly as communication during the assessment/selection period will only bethrough your nominated e-mail address. The onus is on the applicant to ensure that s/he is in receipt of all communications fromthe Council. Westmeath County Council accepts no responsibility for communication notaccessed or received by the applicant.13Key Competencies - Executive PlannerKey Competencies for the post include the following and candidates will be expected to demonstratesufficient evidence within their application form of competence under each of the following specific areas:Management & Change Delivering ResultsStrategic Ability Problem Solving and DecisionDisplays the ability to think and act strategically Can pinpoint critical information and address issuesCan translate strategy into operational plans and logically.outputs. Understands the context and impact of decisions made.Evaluates capacity and performance against Acts decisively and makes timely, informed and effectiveobjectives. decisions.Demonstrates innovation and creativity to secure Operational Planningsuccessful strategic outcomes Contributes to operational plans and develops team plansPolitical Awareness in line with priorities and actions for their area ofHas a clear understanding of the political reality and operations.context of the organisation. Delegates, tracks and monitors activity.Networking and Representing Develops and Establishes high quality service and customer caremaintains positive and beneficial relationships with a standards.range of stakeholders. Managing ResourcesBuilds networks of technical and professional Manages the allocation, use and evaluation of resources tocontacts. Promotes and sustains an appropriate, ensure they are used effectively to deliver on operationalpositive, and cohesive image for the organisation it plans.represents. Drives and promotes reduction in cost and minimisation ofBringing about Change waste.Demonstrates flexibility and an openness to change. Delivering Quality OutcomesDevelops and initiates change management Promotes the achievement of quality outcomes inprogrammes to meet end objectives. Influences delivering services.others and fosters commitment to change Organises the delivery of services to meet or exceed therequired standard.Evaluates the outcomes achieved, identifies learning andimplements improvements required.Performance through People Personal EffectivenessLeading and Motivating Relevant KnowledgeMotivates others individually and in teams to deliver Keeps up to date with current developments, trends andhigh quality work and customer focused outcomes. best practice in their area of responsibility.Develops the competence of team members and Demonstrates the required specialist knowledge,helps them meet their full potential. understanding and training for the role.Leads by example in terms of commitment, flexibility Has strong knowledge and understanding in relation toand a strong customer service ethos. statutory obligations of Health and Safety legislation andManaging Performance Effectively manages its application in the workplace.performance including underperformance or Resilience and Personal Well Beingconflict. Demonstrates appropriate and positive self- confidence.Empowers and encourages people to deliver their Remains calm under pressure and operates effectively inpart of the operational plan. an environment with significant complexity and pace.Communicating Effectively Integrity; behaves in an honest, trustworthy and respectfulRecognises the value of communicating effectively manner and is transparent, fair and consistent in dealingwith all employees. with others.Actively listens to others. Personal Motivation, Initiative and AchievementHas highly effective verbal and written Is enthusiastic about the role and sets challenging goals tocommunication skills. achieve high quality outcomes.Presents ideas clearly and effectively to individuals Is self- motivated and persistent when faced withand groups. difficulties. Engages in regular critical reflection to identifyhow own performance can be improved.At interview, candidates will be assessed under the following competencies using some or of all the indicatorslisted.14