Kate Brocklebank

Employer: Arun District Council
Qualifications: BA town and country planning, Oxford Brookes University; PgDip planning, Oxford Brookes University

8.45 am

I’m in the office early today, but my hours are fairly flexible so I sometimes get in at 9.15 am. I start by writing up reports on planning applications that are nearing their deadline, which involves doing research into the site history, relevant legislation and development plan policies – having earlier completed an on-site inspection. I usually spend one morning a week making site visits throughout the district.

11.30 am

We have regular team meetings where we discuss changes to current legislation or procedures, give feedback on how we think the team is performing and bring up any other business. There’s a twice-yearly ‘away day’ where we can discuss any issues in more detail.

1.00 pm

At lunchtime I pop into town to pick up a sandwich and get some fresh air. I often spend Friday lunches at the pub with colleagues. It’s great to work with a team of people that I can have a laugh with, both in work and outside – it keeps me sane even at stressful times!

2.00 pm

I spend the afternoon catching up with correspondence. Luckily it doesn’t take too long, so I can take some time to catch up on new legislation and current issues that affect my work – I like to keep up to date. There’s always something new to learn; the planning system evolves constantly in response to the changing demands of the world around us. I like the idea that my job will continue to challenge me throughout my career.

5.00 pm

I’m responsible for a large caseload of planning applications, so I like to take time at the end of the afternoon to look at what I’ve done during the day. This helps me to sort everything out and prioritise what I’ll work on first when I get in tomorrow. I generally leave the office between 5.30 and 6.30 pm.