Training for Councillors (Scotland)
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 as presenters experienced people with direct and current involvement in planning practice (as distinct from staff of academic or educational institutions).
So far, we have delivered Councillors training sessions for about a third of the local authorities in Scotland.
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
It may also be possible for us to run more in-depth training session on individual topics. Please contact us if you would like to discuss training on a specific topic.
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.
