supporting your community in local government economic development
Economic development in local government is all about improving the economy of an area, by attracting new businesses, encouraging investment opportunities, increasing job opportunities, promoting leisure and tourism and identifying opportunities for sustainable growth and development. Economic development officers draw up local economic development strategies and implement actions to achieve all this.
Work Environment
Local government economic development officers are office-based, although they spend a lot of time travelling to meetings with local business representatives or partner organisations.
They work a standard 37 hour week.
Daily Activities
The role of an economic development officer in a local council can be varied and includes work at both a strategic level and at operational, implementation level. Duties might include some or all of the following:
- carrying out surveys, research and consultations in order to write a local economic development strategy;
- creating an action plan in order to implement the economic development strategy and monitoring its progress;
- seeking opportunities for external funding and making bids;
- project managing economic development and regeneration schemes;
- working closely in partnership with other organisations including the Learning and Skills Council, the Regional Development Agency, the Government Office for the region, neighbouring councils, the Chamber of Commerce, Business Link, Jobcentre Plus;
- providing advice for local entrepreneurs and business start-ups;
- acting as a first point of call for investment enquiries;
- promoting the development of tourism in the area;
- encouraging sustainable business practices.
Some larger councils might employ economic development officers in more specialist areas of work, such as inward investment, European funding or business development/advice.
Skills & Interests
Local government economic development officers need:
- a good head for business, with good financial ability,
- to be excellent communicators,
- an ability to build relationships with partner organisations,
- good project management skills,
- an interest in development and regeneration,
- to be strategic thinkers.
Entry Requirements
There are no specific minimum requirements, but most local councils ask for a degree in a relevant subject, such as economics, planning, business studies, geography or estates management.
Some local councils might ask for previous experience within economic development, or of putting funding bids together.
Estimated salary range
Local government economic development officers might expect to earn £26,900 - £28,500.
Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.
Future prospects & opportunities
Local government economic development officers may move into the role after some experience as an economic development or business development assistant. There may be opportunities to progress to managerial positions within economic development or finance.
Related Occupations
Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Supporting Your Community.
Further Information & Services
Institution of Economic Development www.ied.co.uk
Academy for Sustainable Communities www.ascskills.org.uk
You may find more information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school library under IF.
What should I do next?
Look for current local government Economic Development Officer vacancies in the following places:
- LGjobs.com - our official recruitment website for local government.
- Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
- Local council websites.
- Local newspapers
- National newspapers - The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.
Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:
- Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
- Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
- Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in - ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
- Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.