Planning inspectors work independently, but they are far from alone. 

“When I joined, I felt like I was joining a very select band of people,” says Paul Griffiths, who has been an inspector for 26 years. “There is a real esprit de corps about it. We all look after each other, and we all help each other along—because we all want effectively the same thing. We all want to see correct decisions being made. We all want to see good plans being adopted.” 

That mutual support matters. The role carries significant responsibility: inspectors make decisions that shape how communities grow for decades. But the culture is one of collaboration rather than competition. 

“We’re always very welcoming to new people,” Paul adds. “People are always welcomed in. We take it very seriously—looking after new recruits.” 

Why people stay 

Staff turnover among planning inspectors runs below 4%—remarkably low for any profession. When asked why, inspectors consistently point to three things: the quality of the work, the independence, and the flexibility. 

Katie Child, a Band 3 inspector who joined through an earlier external recruitment round, describes the attraction: “It’s quite a unique role—probably what I would say a more creative role, because you effectively get to work with councils on their local plans and create a better product and see them through the examination process.” 

The intellectual challenge is genuine. Inspectors assess complex evidence, balance competing interests, and reach conclusions that must withstand scrutiny. But unlike many senior roles, the work comes without constant oversight. 

“The thing I enjoyed most is the independence,” says Paul Griffiths. “Being left alone to make your own decisions. There’s no one breathing down your neck suggesting you might want to do it this way or that way. You do it your own way within certain parameters.” 

A different kind of flexibility 

The practical arrangements surprise many candidates. Inspectors work primarily from home, travelling for hearing sessions that are scheduled well in advance—typically 20-30 days per year, not the constant travel many assume. 

“You don’t live a sort of Alan Partridge existence in local plans!” notes Darren McCreery, an inspector manager. “It’s not a constant volley of travelling and overnight stays at Premier Inn every week.” 

Part-time contracts are genuinely available and genuinely used. Paul Griffiths works at around 72% of full-time equivalent: “I have two young twin boys, they’re nine years old. I can do my role around their school day. When they’re on holiday, I work part-time. I feel very fortunate to be able to do that.” 

The wider team 

Planning inspectors are supported by casework officers, programme officers, and administrative staff who keep examinations running smoothly. The sense of shared purpose extends across the whole service. 

One team member describes the current moment: “We’re preparing for record years of local plan examinations in 2026 and 2027. Everyone understands how important this work is—and how much it matters to get it right.” 

Another adds: “What strikes me most is how collaborative the team is. There’s a genuine sense that we’re all working towards the same goal.” 

Room to grow 

For those interested in developing specialist expertise, the opportunities are real. Darren McCreery highlights the scope within local plans work: “There is the opportunity to develop some really specialist skills and build your own ‘little niche’. I have people who have undertaken specialist training in heritage, in minerals and waste, in solar and energy developments. The Inspectorate is really good at providing pathways to develop your own specialism.” 

Career progression is also possible. Katie Child notes: “Joining at Band 2 or 3 is really good in terms of promotion opportunities. My intake—we were all recruited at Band 2. We all got to Band 3 within sort of four or five years.” 

A moment worth considering 

The Planning Inspectorate is doubling its local plans inspection capacity. Twenty-four new positions are available—one of the largest single recruitment drives in the organisation’s history. 

For experienced professionals wondering whether this could be the right move, the message from the team is clear: the work is meaningful, the support is genuine, and the community is welcoming. 

“The training is excellent,” says Paul Griffiths. “If you do join PINS, best of luck—and we might meet each other at some point!” 

Applications close 22 February 2026. 

Find out more: MISSING LINK