Training for Councillors (England)

Feedback from Councillors

"Met my expectations completely, as a planning novice I have learnt a huge amount. After 5 years as a Councillor I have always shied away from planning but after today I shall put my name forward to sub for the committee."

"You made a dull subject FUN."

"I was most impressed by the content of the presentation and by the standard of the presentation by both of the presenters. They are obviously very au fait with their area of expertise and both very confident and polished in their presentation."

• more feedback comments from Councillors and their officers

An extensive client list

TRA has trained Councillors in more than 150 local authorities across England, Scotland and Wales

• view our clients in England/Wales
• view our clients in Scotland

The presenting team

Over a dozen presenters regularly deliver Councillor training for TRA

• view our Councillor training presenters

The significance of Councillor training in Planning

 "Planning legislation is complex and it is essential that Councillors have adequate training to enable them to apply the rules in a proper way to applications. Officer advice, however excellent, cannot be a substitute. We believe that basic training in the planning system, preferably provided by experts from outside the authority, should be compulsory for members of the planning committee. All members of an authority's planning committee (or equivalent) should receive training in the planning system, either before serving on the committee, or as soon as possible after their appointment to the committee."

Report of the Nolan Committee on Standards of Conduct in Local Government in England, Scotland and Wales