Working for Braintree District Council

Braintree District Council is an ambitious and dynamic Council and is becoming one of the fastest growing Districts in the East of England.

It is a great place to live and work. We pride ourselves on our creative, innovative, and forward-thinking approach which is led by our staff.

We are committed to having an engaged workforce who understand our strategy and how they can help deliver it. Some of the benefits of working for us include:

Competitive pay and benefits
Flexible working
Free parking
Local government pension scheme
Learning and development for all staff
Staff discounts at local businesses
Staff recognition schemes
Extensive health and wellbeing programme including discounted gym membership
Financial Wellbeing Portal * Employee Assistance Programme

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Living here

Braintree District Council lies at the heart of rural Essex, spanning 236 square miles (612km) between the key regional centres of Cambridge, Colchester and Chelmsford. Braintree is the second largest district, by area, in Essex and has the fourth highest population at 155,200 residents. Around half of the residents live in rural parts of the district and the other half live in one of the three main towns which are Braintree, Halstead and Witham.

In addition to the three market towns, there are 6 larger villages which act as local service centres, a further 53 defined villages, and many smaller settlements and hamlets.

The district is outside of the metropolitan green belt and borders and it is adjacent to the Dedham Value Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There is a wealth of historic features including 39 conservation areas and over 3,900 listed buildings.

Braintree district offers historical charm and modern amenities. In the district, vibrant market towns and charming villages are nestled in countryside, showcasing a range of attractions like the medieval Knights Templar barns. Explore the grandeur of Norman Keep, hop on steam railways, and meander through magnificent houses with picturesque gardens.

Museums and heritage centres unveil a rich history, from Bronze Age settlements to flourishing wool, silk, lace, and weaving industries. Whether enjoying leisurely drives through serene villages or embracing charming trails, Braintree district offers a diverse and inviting experience for residents and visitors alike.

Places to visit

With colourful, bustling market towns and picturesque villages set in the most beautiful rolling countryside, the district of Braintree has it all and there's plenty going on to suit all tastes. We benefit from excellent leisure facilities that include seven golf courses and four modern leisure facilities. Destinations such as the Braintree Village Outlet Shopping Centre on our doorstep and our popular street markets offer a fantastic retail experience.

Alongside the modern, there is plenty of tradition. A trip to Braintree District Museum or the Warner Textile Archive will give a glimpse into the District’s past.

The district has four delightful market towns; Braintree, Coggeshall, Halstead and Witham, each unique in their own way and worth a visit. Marvel at historic houses and gardens, or the landscaped woodland walks and footpaths of Marks Hall Estate, with its ever changing colours reflecting the seasons!

For heritage enthusiasts, why not pay a visit to the magnificent medieval barns of Cressing Temple, the largest of its kind in Europe or enjoy thrilling displays by jousting knights at Hedingham Castle, home to one of the best preserved Norman Keeps in Europe.

There is a lot for families to do too. Visit the Colne Valley Railway where everyone can enjoy a ride on a vintage steam or diesel engine, Thomas the Tank Engine may even make an appearance too! A visit to Great Notley Country Park is a must. It’s a child’s paradise, from giant see-saws to Essex’s biggest climbing frame, a climbing forest and a toddler’s play area.

Schools

In Braintree, education isn't just about books and grades—it's a catalyst for change. With 63 schools, including 52 primaries, 8 secondaries (independent ones aside) and 3 special needs. 6 out of the 8 secondary schools have a sixth form college and the district has 1 seperate college that has courses focusing on skills priority areas for Essex. These include Technology, Engineering, Construction, Business and Media - the town's commitment to nurturing future leaders is evident.

Transport

The A120, which connects the international port at Harwich to Stansted Airport and the M11, runs through the district and has a dualled carriageway for the majority of its route in the district. The A12, the major trunk road through Essex to London, runs through a small section of the eastern part of the district and is also a dual carriageway. The main north to south road connection for the district is the A131 which is mainly single carriageway.

As well as the branch line to Braintree, the Great Eastern mainline runs through Witham, providing regular train services into London Stratford (and onwards links to the Docklands) and London Liverpool Street in the City, taking around 40 and 50 minutes respectively.

Excitingly, Braintree District Council is teaming up with Essex Highways to craft a visionary Future Transport Strategy. This strategy delves into the intricacies of how people move about, addressing transport challenges and seizing opportunities for future development. It's a forward-thinking approach that aims to enhance the town's transportation landscape for residents and visitors alike.