Planning Support Assistant
| Posting date: | 11 December 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £14.82 per hour |
| Additional salary information: | Pay Rates: £14.82 per hour PAYE / £19.62 per hour Umbrella |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 20 December 2025 |
| Location: | Taunton, Somerset |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | Neway International Ltd |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: | OR19138 |
Summary
Neway International are seeking a Planning Support Assistant to join our client, Somerset Council.
Location: The Crescent, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY
Hours: 37 per week
Start Date: 05 January 2026
Pay Rates: £14.82 per hour PAYE / £19.62 per hour Umbrella
About the Client
Somerset Council’s Community Place & Economy directorate is dedicated to delivering high‑quality planning services that support local communities and ensure effective management of resources.
The Role
As Planning Support Assistant, you will provide comprehensive support and daily business management services to the Head of Planning and Planning Service Managers. This is a dynamic role requiring strong organisational skills, discretion, and the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
Manage diaries, schedules, meetings, and correspondence for senior managers
Organise meetings, prepare agendas, minutes, reports, and ensure smooth coordination with stakeholders
Act as first point of contact for enquiries, complaints, and correspondence, handling sensitive information with tact and discretion
Undertake research and prepare executive summaries and presentations on national and regional policy issues
Liaise with internal and external stakeholders including elected members, government departments, and partner agencies
Maintain accurate records, manage information securely, and support project coordination
Provide administrative support including letter writing, email communication, and professional document preparation
Candidate Requirements
Minimum of 5 GCSE passes (including English and Maths) or relevant experience
Vocational Secretarial/Executive Support/Personal Assistant qualifications desirable
Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint)
Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to prioritise workload, work independently, and manage complex situations under pressure
Experience in local government or public sector environments desirable
Location: The Crescent, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY
Hours: 37 per week
Start Date: 05 January 2026
Pay Rates: £14.82 per hour PAYE / £19.62 per hour Umbrella
About the Client
Somerset Council’s Community Place & Economy directorate is dedicated to delivering high‑quality planning services that support local communities and ensure effective management of resources.
The Role
As Planning Support Assistant, you will provide comprehensive support and daily business management services to the Head of Planning and Planning Service Managers. This is a dynamic role requiring strong organisational skills, discretion, and the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
Manage diaries, schedules, meetings, and correspondence for senior managers
Organise meetings, prepare agendas, minutes, reports, and ensure smooth coordination with stakeholders
Act as first point of contact for enquiries, complaints, and correspondence, handling sensitive information with tact and discretion
Undertake research and prepare executive summaries and presentations on national and regional policy issues
Liaise with internal and external stakeholders including elected members, government departments, and partner agencies
Maintain accurate records, manage information securely, and support project coordination
Provide administrative support including letter writing, email communication, and professional document preparation
Candidate Requirements
Minimum of 5 GCSE passes (including English and Maths) or relevant experience
Vocational Secretarial/Executive Support/Personal Assistant qualifications desirable
Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint)
Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to prioritise workload, work independently, and manage complex situations under pressure
Experience in local government or public sector environments desirable