The Planning Development Programme aims to support skills and knowledge development in planning authorities. This includes providing relevant learning opportunities and support for elected members.

An induction pack on planning for elected members was published in April 2007, and copies sent to all authorities for circulation to members following the elections in May 2007. The pack provides a basic introduction to the planning system and to the role and responsibilities of elected members. It aims to help councillors understand what the planning system seeks to achieve and introduces the processes involved in decision-making.

A copy of the Code of Conduct for elected members is available from the Standards Commission website.

The Improvement Service also offers planning training for elected members on specific aspects of the planning system. The two workshops that are currently available are:

• Decision Making - covering topics including material considerations, policy based decision, local and strategic development plans, probity and the code of conduct
• Development Issues - covering topics including discussions with developers and communities, planning gain and developer contributions and handling media interest

The training opportunities that are available include workshops, self learning material and trainers packs. The trainers packs will enable authorities to use the material produced through this project when working with their elected members to develop their planning knowledge. The self learning material and trainers packs will be published by the end of 2008.

More detailed information is provided in the information leaflet. If you are interested in any aspect of the planning training support for elected members please contact Emma Richardson

Related information

Background
Programme Information
Managing Learning & Development
Funding
Workshops & Events
Sharing Good Practice
Other Projects
Further Information