What are we looking for?  

You don't need to be a planning expert as in particular we are looking for someone who is:

     ·     Self-driven and analytically minded

·         Skilled in managing complex projects and

·         An excellent communicator with a talent for building awareness and engagement

Main purpose of the job

To lead and coordinate SALC’s support to the sector for Suffolk’s Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), ensuring that local councils and parish meetings are equipped to engage effectively at each stage of the process.  

The postholder will provide strategic guidance on preparing responses during key phases, including pre-application, pre-examination, examination and delivery stages, and will promote inclusive community engagement—encompassing residents and local businesses.

A core aspect of the role involves raising awareness of critical deadlines and facilitating representation that reflects the distinct character and needs of each locality. The postholder will also be responsible for operationalising the guidance we have co-produced with Suffolk County Council - as published on their website, developing practical tools and approaches such as delivering guidance workshops, focus groups and partnership working that enable communities to contribute meaningfully and with confidence throughout the NSIP lifecycle.

Purpose of this new role

The landscape of Suffolk is changing, marked by an influx of nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) and with many more on the horizon, stakeholders recognise and are concerned about the impact on local councils (town and parish councils) and parish meetings

As stewards of our communities, local councils and parish meetings are entrusted with the vital task of ensuring that the voices of residents and businesses are not only heard but also effectively represented. The best way to achieve this is to engage with both statutory and non-statutory stages of the NSIP process.

SALC have been a recognised partner across the public sector in Suffolk for many years and utilise opportunities that help councils perform to the best of their ability. We see this role as enhancing the current work of community teams by providing a single point of contact that we know helps coordinate and communicate relevant information in relation to specific projects.

The key contact would engage with applicants, promoting events, information, changes etc., alongside providing other stakeholders, such as local MPs, with updates on activities at the grass roots level.

The development of a project-based communication network by SALC has worked well in the past and is the mechanism we will utilise to signpost and direct support to help manage workloads, run workshops on key stages and bring in experienced speakers.  

The key contact would also engage with applicants, promoting events, information, changes etc., alongside providing other stakeholders, such as local MPs, with updates on activities at the grass roots level.

Meet the SALC team

We are a small dedicated professional team of seven working together to meet the needs of over 400 town and parish councils and parish meetings across Suffolk in line with our 3-year business plan.  Although this is a new position, you’ll be supported by SALC’s well-established operational framework and a team of experienced colleagues.

How to apply

Step 1  – Download this application pack

Sept 2  – Make sure you read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) before applying for this job opportunity.

Step 3  – Make sure you reference in your application form how you meet each of the criteria in the Person Profile section of the JPP.

Step 4  - Submit your completed application by email to operations@suffolk-alc.gov.uk b y the deadline - which is close of business on Wednesday 7th January 2026.

If you wish to speak to a member of the team before applying, please contact SALC on 01473 833713 or  operations@suffolk-alc.gov.uk