Helping a community start a new company, advising groups on what grants they could get, getting funds to improve housing or development transport systems - these activities are all in a day’s work for a regeneration officer.

Regeneration has become a major activity for local authorities in recent decades, whether it has been developing docklands areas in cities or launching community-based businesses. Some regeneration or urban renewal units are departments in local authorities, others are development agencies that are contracted out.

While regeneration is a separate activity in some authorities, its close links with both community development and economic development mean that it is not necessarily a separate department in others.

Work Environment

Regeneration officers are partly office-based, but spend a good deal of time out in the community visiting private, public and community organisations and agencies.

They generally wear smart business clothing, but may use their judgment to dress less formally (e.g. smart/casual) when visiting certain community groups.

Working hours are usually 37 per week, but evening and weekend visits to groups may be required.

Daily Activities

Regeneration officers help local groups start and develop regeneration projects. They may offer advice or help groups secure funding, whether voluntary organisations or business groups. They may arrange training for groups, who may be setting up businesses for the first time, for example. They may encourage community groups to take up external funds so that they can take maximum advantage of opportunities available.

Officers keep in regular contact with a wide range of colleagues and external organisations, such as Business Links and Chambers of Commerce. They may work with these bodies to help local companies improve their marketing and international trade, or achieve stability and growth through training and developing their employees.

Regeneration officers may also work with national organisations that provide funding for housing or transport improvement schemes for example. In addition, another major role for regeneration officers may be in promoting tourism, both nationally and internationally, to produce greater income for local businesses and communities.

Skills & Interests

The main requirements are an ability to work diplomatically with a wide range of people and groups, and a commitment to equal opportunities. Regeneration officers need to be literate and numerate.

Entry Requirements

Regeneration officers need skills at securing funding and a good knowledge of grant systems. They require good communications and budget management skills. Minimum academic entry requirements are often at degree level - especially in planning or business studies - although some employers may accept A levels/Highers or equivalent.

Regeneration officers are often encouraged to train towards further qualifications including higher degrees (such as an MSc) in subjects such as community work, urban regeneration or industrial development.

Estimated salary range

Salaries for full-time regeneration officers are likely to be between £21,000 and £30,000.

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

There are opportunities for urban and regional regeneration all around the UK and it may often be necessary for officers to move around the country to gain suitable openings.

Officers may work directly for a local authority, or for a contracted-out organisation, or for a local/community agency that is funded by central government.

Career progression may be into national, European and international funding agencies, urban or regional planning or into regional development agencies.

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