A Day in the Life of an Inspector
Jennifer Armstrong Part-time Housing and Planning Inspector
I've been an Inspector in various guises for many years, although I had two periods away when my children were born. I'm now a part-time salaried Inspector working 26 weeks a year but this number can be increased with sufficient notice, so it's a very flexible arrangement. This suits me well: I can do a serious, worthwhile job but also spend more time with my children, particularly as my husband is often away. I can also pursue other interests in my local community. However, there is one disadvantage to my way of working. Moving up the ladder - and earning more - in the Inspectorate generally requires holding bigger inquiries and/or working in Bristol. This means, being away from home for longer periods. So, because of my particular priorities, I'm happy to stay as I am.
Working part-time does not imply a "second rate" status or restrict involvement in other aspects of the Inspectorate's work: I've given talks and recently done quite a bit of interviewing of people seeking to be Inspectors. I'm also included in the normal in-house inspector training. The work of the Inspectorate is fascinating at any level. It's also exacting and demanding, requiring great concentration, high standards and good communication skills. During my working week I find there is little time for anything else - it's certainly never boring!
Nigel Payne
Senior Housing Planning Inspector
I joined the Planning Inspectorate in September 1996 from the private sector, where I was a director of a medium sized planning and development consultancy, I moved into development plan work about four years ago and prefer it to the normal run of S78 casework. In particular, it provides the opportunity for an even more flexible pattern of home working during the long reporting periods, although having an understanding wife is essential! While clearly not for everyone, I enjoy the chance to concentrate on one major project at a time, with few distractions, albeit still working to a single, strict, deadline. Although a little more time is spent away from home, this is usually concentrated into relatively short periods and is known about well in advance so that suitable domestic arrangements can be made.
When becoming an Inspector, friends and colleagues suggested that it might be a lonely life. However, by keeping up with a network of people, including the family of course, by email and mobile phone, this is simply not the case. While some planning ahead is involved, I continue to play cricket regularly in the summer and to take part in charity events. Recently I rowed down the full navigable length of the River Thames for the NSPCC with a group of friends.
