A new aspect of the Planning Development Programme has been introduced in 2008 which aims to encourage and support the sharing of good practice between authorities.

There are two parts to the sharing good practice activities:

• Case studies
• Events

Case studies

The purpose of the case studies is to provide useful and easily accessible information to authorities about practice elsewhere, concentrating on how an authority undertook a specific task or addresses a particular issue, and providing an understanding of what has been achieved and how, successes and lessons learned.

The information in the case studies is gathered from authorities both through written information and discussions with the staff involved.

The first case study published through the Planning Development Programme is on Student placements in Scottish planning authorities. It explores how placement programmes were developed and implemented in three authorities - Fife, Dundee and South Lanarkshire. The case study:

• considers the benefits for both the councils and the students
• demonstrates the potential value of this approach for other councils
• provides useful hints and lessons for other councils wishing to use this method of supporting the development of new planners in Scotland.

A case study of graduate development is currently underway. Ideas for future case studies would be welcomed.

Events

The purpose of the sharing good practice events is to provide a forum for planning authorities to learn from each other. The intention is for authorities to come together to discuss the approaches they are taking to various aspects of service delivery and on topical planning issues. Sharing experiences and reflecting on achievements and lessons learned in this way will support authorities in identifying, adapting and applying good practice in support of improved service delivery.

The format for events will usually be a half-day session, based around presentations from three or four speakers followed by a discussion session.

The following events are planned:

• 16 July 2008 - Developer contributions
• 18 August 2008 - Affordable housing
• September 2008 - Community engagement

If you would like to made aware of future events or have a topic that you would like covered in a future event, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 01506 775558.

Related information

Background
Programme Information
Managing Learning & Development
Funding
Workshops & Events
Elected Members
Other Projects
Further Information