Training for Councillors (England and Wales)
A Briefing on Planning for Councillors
Our popular general briefing session, aimed especially at Councillors on Planning Committees and Sub Committees, of mixed experience levels. It covers:
- the context of planning (Councillors often become very familiar with detailed aspects of the system and very much appreciate an overview)
- an outline of the legislative framework
- key aspects of the statutory system in which Councillors are involved, usually focusing on development control and material considerations
- the role of Councillors in the process, in general terms (we have a full session on this topic)
- "tools for the job" i.e. a few key things Councillors need to handle their Committee roles more effectively.
The session consists of an interplay of short presenter briefings, structured interactive case study exercises, discussions and question sessions.
We present a clear picture of the overall framework; but undertake to answer any questions which Councillors put to us about planning and their involvement in it, however detailed or specialist (a pledge we have almost entirely kept!).
This workshop is designed to last a day, roughly between 9.30am and 4.30pm with the usual breaks. However, format can be varied. For example, we have run sessions from mid afternoon to mid evening. We do insist on enough time being allocated to cover the relevant material properly in a user friendly manner. We do not simply come in to deliver a series of set "talks".
We use a variety of techniques, including:
- presentations, supported by visual aids as appropriate
- group discussions based on pre prepared case studies
- question and answer sessions
- exercises relating to planning problems
- pre-course and course questionnaires
- straightforward course documentation.
Our style is structured but informal. Quite a lot of work is conducted in small groups.
The workshop is delivered by two of our presenters.