The Programme Overview explains the aims and objectives of the Programme, sets out the intended outcomes and benefits and summarises the key projects within the Programme.

The main activities for 2008 are:

• The development and delivery of a range of workshops and other learning opportunities linked to the key themes of sustainability, design awareness and development economics & developer contributions
• Support for learning opportunities for specialist planning topics, for example minerals or enforcement, and for learning opportunities for elected members
• Encouraging sharing of experience and good practice on a variety of topic issues within planning, for example graduate training and development or implementation of new legislation and procedures, and
• Enabling improved approaches to management of training and development in planning authorities and developing a training partnership model

Regular Programme Updates are sent to managers of planning services and other interested stakeholders. The latest update and previous updates are available to download from the Document Library.

A Stakeholder Group for the Programme was established in 2006 as a forum for discussion of ideas, delivery options and priorities. The Group provides the opportunity for the various interests to debate the direction of the Programme and the development of projects within it. Organisations that are currently represented on the group are planning authorities, the RTPI, Planning Aid for Scotland, COSLA, SNH, SEPA, Historic Scotland, A+DS, the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals, Homes for Scotland, the development industry and the planning schools. .

The first phase of the Planning Development Programme ran from April 2006 - March 2008. The second phase will run from April 2008 - March 2011. An evaluation of the Programme was carried out in late 2007. The purpose of the evaluation was to assess impact the Programme is having in planning authorities and to consider the value for participants of the learning opportunities being offered and the value for the authorities of the investment in skills and knowledge development. The final evaluation report and an executive summary are available to download.

Related information

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