Young POS
Young POS is a network for early career public sector planners. Early career planners are definited as those with under 10 years post qualification experience. The network provides the opportunity for early career planners to support each other therough sharing experience and knowledge.
Young POS aims to have regional networks across England but with national meetings held online. If you are interested in starting a Young POS network in your region; or have ideas for an online national meeting, please get in contact.
Contacts
Imogen Hopkin, National Chair, Young POS
Shaun Knights, National Vice Chair, Young POS
North West Young POS - Co Chairs: Shaun Knights and Kate Pickles
West Midlands Young POS Chair: Jade Bagley
South West Young POS - Rachel Blanchard
POS Emerging Planner Award
The Planning Officers Society is proud to launch the Emerging Planner Award 2026, celebrating early career planners working in the public sector. This award recognises the everyday achievements of early career public sector planners whose work often lacks the visibility and recognition it deserves.
Supported by the Society’s Rising Star bursaries, the 10 shortlisted finalist will be invited to attend the POS Annual Conference 2026 in Nottingham on 9-10 July (including overnight accommodation on 9 July, conference dinner and reasonable travel expenses).
Eligibility
To be eligible for the POS Emerging Planner Award, nominees must:
- Be working in a public sector planning role at the time of application
- Have 10 years or less experience in planning
- Submit an application using a recognised local authority email address
Self nominations
Self nominations are strongly encouraged. If you are making a positive difference to planning, no matter how small, we want to hear from you.
Self nominators must provide a co‑signer, someone who has worked with you professionally and can verify the examples included in your application. Suitable co‑signers include:
- Current or former line managers
- Heads of service
- Senior colleagues or project leads
Their role is simply to confirm the accuracy of your submission; they are not required to write any part of it.
Nominate an early career planner (for Managers & Senior Officers)
Managers and senior officers are encouraged to nominate early career planners who show promise, initiative or consistent contribution. You might consider nominating a colleague who:
- Goes above and beyond on everyday tasks
- Shows strong potential and initiative
- Makes meaningful contributions to planning policy, development management, community engagement or corporate projects
- Demonstrates professionalism, collaboration or leadership at an early career stage
Your nomination can help shine a light on emerging talent that may otherwise go unrecognised.
Award Announcement
The award will be presented at the POS Annual Conference evening Dinner of 9 July by the President of POS Karen Shaw. Those shortlisted will be contacted 6 weeks before the conference as to allow reasonable time to make arrangement to attend.
How to Apply
Please download and return the application form to the POS Secretary by email to: secretariat@planningofficers.org.uk
Nominations close: 11:59pm on 22 April 2026