Training for Councillors (England and Wales)
Trevor Roberts Associates is the leading UK provider of practitioner-based training for Councillors involved in planning, with an extensive track record of positive results. TRA's approach is to involve a team of presenters who are experienced people with direct and current involvement in planning practice (as distinct from staff of academic or educational institutions). We have delivered training sessions for Councillors in over 150 authorities throughout the UK - from Shetland to Cornwall.
For those north of the border, please see our Councillor training in Scotland.
The need for Councillor training need is widely acknowledged. It has been recommended by the Government and various official bodies such as the Audit Commission; by political parties; by the Local Government Association; by the Royal Town Planning Institute; and in various investigations into local authorities where the planning system has been perceived to have gone wrong. Crucially, it is also recognised by Councillors themselves. More than anyone, they realise that to do their job effectively, they have to understand properly what it involves and to keep themselves up to date on policy, procedural and legal changes.
Courses Available
These are the basic course formats on offer. All courses are set up specifically for individual authorities, so we can emphasise specific aspects as required:
- A Briefing on Planning for Councillors
- The Role of Councillors in Planning: propriety and good practice
- Briefings on specific aspects of planning
- A Briefing on Development Control for Parish/Town Councils
We are also happy to consider developing bespoke sessions, on other topics, to suit the requirements of a particular authority, this may include an additional cost.
The advantages of in-house training
The advantages of in-house training
An in-house course is one run on your premises, for the specific benefit of Councillors in your authority. (The main alternative is where Councillors go to courses or conferences elsewhere, attended by Councillors from various authorities).
In-house training has several advantages:
- it is cost effective, since not only is the basic cost per head lower, but there is little outlay on travel, accommodation etc.
- it is convenient for Councillors, who are always very busy, and time away from the authority can only be spared with great difficulty
- it can be focused more specifically on particular issues and problems of your own authority.
Practicalities
Training sessions take place on your premises. Committee rooms, meeting rooms, training centres etc are usually quite adequate (we need a minimum level of comfort!). We specify what is needed in the way of equipment etc. Occasionally authorities use external venues at hotels or colleges. This is a matter of your choice.
We usually have course groups of around 12 -18 Councillors - but can accommodate up to a maximum of 25. This is to ensure interaction and participation.
We provide a specification and cost for each individual assignment. We provide an inclusive charge, covering all fees, expenses, materials, documentation etc. This means that you know your exact cost commitment in advance.
Actual charges vary according to the topic, the location, the number of sessions, the number of people involved etc.
Involvement of the local authority's own officers
Our contribution, while independent of the authority, is definitely seen as complementing and supplementing the support, information and advice provided by an authority's own officers.
The extent to which local authority officers are involved in the training is largely up to the authority itself. We are often approached by or through the Chief Planning Officer, and usually obtain some background information and briefing on what is topical in a particular place; this is very helpful. The training sessions themselves have been attended by Council staff in some cases, in others conducted without them - we ourselves are quite flexible on this aspect. It is crucial, however, not to overload sessions with an officer presence.
What to do next
Please contact Suzanne Waldram with a basic idea of your requirements. We will provide a proposal , setting out our understanding of what is required, what we will provide, and what we would charge.
