- Managing learning and development
- Learning resources
- Other sources of learning and skills development
Managing learning and development
All managers in planning services are responsible for staff training and development either at a team level or a strategic level. Within most planning authorities there is a positive and proactive approach to learning and development that benefits the organisation and individuals. However, due to current financial constraints and the fast-changing environment, there are inconsistent approaches across Scotland; one of the objectives of the Planning Development Programme is to support improvements in the management of training and development across all councils.
A guide for managers of planning services on managing staff training and development is now available to download. The purpose of the guide is to provide practical advice and information for planning managers on staff development and training. Topics covered in the guide include the benefits of staff development and training, identifying development needs, how, why and what people learn, and choosing solutions for your service.
A short advice note on Sourcing Training and Development Solutions is also available to download. This advice is based on the experiences of procuring training through the Planning Development Programme.
Further information and advice on managing staff training and development is available from the following:
- RTPI - Planners in the workplace - designed to help RTPI members develop as planners, managers and leaders. Providing a range of free management briefings provide practical advice on a wide range of topics including workplace policies, marketing and business development, and quality and performance indicators, supporting you in your day-to-day work.
- RTPI Learning Partners - the recently established planning specific training and development standard developed by the RTPI.
- PlanningMatters - the pay per use RTPI resource covering planning and management issues.
- Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development - provides extensive information on a range of learning and development topics.
- Investors in People Scotland - as well as details on the IiP structure and accreditation the website contains extensive information on management and performance improvement. The diagnostic guide is a very good starting point for self assessment.
Planning modernisation
Resources are available for the following:
Learning resources for the events below are available to local authorities. The resources include training notes, presentations, handouts and self-learning guides. To obtain the resources, please contact Lesley Broadley on 01506 775564 or Leigh Rennie on 01506 775578.
Sustainability and the planning system
Resources are available for the following:
- Delivering greater sustainable development through planning
- Energy efficiency and low and zero carbon development (LZCD
- Sustainable buildings and places
Other sources of learning and skills development
More information on planning, including careers in planning is available on the website of the Royal Town Planning Institute. Information on CPD requirements for members, the Assessment of Professional Competence for newly qualified planners and the support provided through Planners in the Workplace is also available on the RTPI website.Information on planning-related conferences and seminars in Scotland can be found on the following websites:
Five universities in Scotland offer RTPI accredited degree courses - Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow, Heriot Watt, and Strathclyde (urban design postgraduate) .
Information on planning service delivery improvements and skills development in England can be found on the websites of the Planning Advisory Service and Academy for Sustainable Communities.
Trevor Roberts Associates has created a Planning Administrators Network for planning support staff across the UK. The aim of the network is to provide planning administrators and support staff with the opportunity to contact each other and share their experiences, issues, challenges, etc. The website of the network is http://www.planningadminnetwork.co.uk/.
If you would like more information on the Planning Development Programme please contact Lesley Broadley on 01506 775564 or Leigh Rennie on 01506 775578.
Related information
Background to the Planning Development Programme
Funding
Workshops & Events
Sharing Good Practice
Elected Members
