Knowledge and Information Management Lead

Information is the fuel that powers our organisation. This is a unique opportunity to take the lead as the Head of Profession for Knowledge and Information Management (KIM) at the Planning Inspectorate. You will be a talented professional, able lead the KIM function and provide the Inspectorate with Government KIM (GKIM) profession leadership. You’ll improve how the Inspectorate manages its knowledge and information as an asset by applying your relevant experience and skills; using your professional knowledge and expertise; and collaboration with a range of colleagues across the Inspectorate. 

The Planning Inspectorate has a long and proud history in ensuring a fair planning system for England. The work we do has a significant impact on people’s lives, the communities where they live and the economy.

We want our colleagues to be able to work more flexibly and more collaboratively, exploring new and innovative ways to improve the way we provide services.

For further information on the Planning Inspectorate, please see the information pack attached. You can also view our careers page at Civil Service Careers

With the relentless pace of change in technology, including the rise of AI, the ability to demonstrate knowledge of the importance of IT applications in relation to the KIM Profession is critical and the post holder will need to recognise how new technologies used in the organisation can help or hinder KIM good practice.

 The post holder will

• Lead the KIM profession within the Inspectorate demonstrating awareness of the relevant Government KIM (GKIM) skills for the role and how they apply to own role and those of others in KIM roles across the Inspectorate.
• Provide leadership and expertise on matters relating to knowledge and information management, to a mix of direct reports and professionals spread across the organisation.
• Ensure that professional knowledge is continuously collected, updated, and shared in line with the relevant legal and policy frameworks, working effectively with those in relevant KIM roles across the organisation.
• Develop policy, processes and procedures to ensure that the Inspectorate collects, utilises, and disseminates key information and knowledge in the most effective way, making maximum use of digital channels and technology.
• Provide leadership on KIM aspects of knowledge and information quality, risk and handling.
• Working with others across the organisation, ensure the FOI (Freedom of Information), EIR (Environmental Information Regulations) and Subject Access Requests (SARs) functions are running effectively and are supported.

For full information on the role and the assessment processes please refer to the candidate pack attached.

More information on the Government KIM Skills framework can be viewed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/civil-service-government-knowledge-information-management-profession/about  Please note you will not be assessed against this framework, this is for information purposes only.

 Hybrid working

All of our office-based roles are contractually located at Temple Quay House in Bristol. Most of our roles are able to work in a hybrid manner and you will be expected to attend Temple Quay House at least 12 days a year. Depending on your role, you may be required to attend more often than 12 days a year either permanently or temporarily to ensure we deliver our services in the most efficient and effective way for our customers. If you would like to discuss our Hybrid Working Policy in more detail please contact us at PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk  

Essential Criteria

• A Knowledge Information Management (KIM) professional, or have deep working knowledge of what good knowledge and information management looks like in a complex organisation, and have working knowledge of relevant legislation.
• Effective leadership and management skills including ability to establish, encourage and motivate own team and those within the wider KIM function & roles across the organisation
• Experience of building effective, supportive and productive relationships with own team, across the organisation and with key stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a highly organised manner, managing a complex workload and at pace.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the importance of IT applications in relation to the KIM Profession. Recognise how new technologies used in the organisation can help or hinder KIM good practice.

 Desirable: 

• Ability to communicate, influence and operate clearly and effectively at all levels, including Board level.
• Experienced in proactive decision-making in a complex work environment.
• Experience of developing knowledge and information policies and strategies.
• Experience of working in a Government KIM role.
• Knowledge of UK planning sector.

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Changing and Improving

• Flexible working options, including flexi-time, part-time, compressed hours and home working if suitable for the role.
• A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity.
• 25 days annual leave increasing by 1 day per year up to 30 days after 5 years, plus 1 privilege day to mark the King’s birthday. In addition to the normal bank holidays.
• Generous family friendly policies.
• Fast and modern IT kit which utilises Windows 10 and Microsoft 365, enabling seamless working from home and collaboration across teams.

 For full information see our Benefits information pack. 

Job contact :

• Name : Laura Boxall
• Email : PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk