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Training Programmes

Conference for Planning Support Staff

This unique conference has been run in the north of England since 1991 and is established as the principal event of its kind for administrative and support staff working within the planning service. A similar event has been held in London since 2002 and has been extremely well received. These events are an excellent opportunity for administrative, technical and support staff involved in the planning process to meet colleagues from other authorities, exchange experience and learn about current best practice.

The most recent conference took place in London on 16 June 2011 and the theme of the event was understanding the "big picture" in relation to changes currently happening in planning and crucially how this might translate to the local level.

The topics covered during the day included:

• an update from the DCLG on the government's latest agenda for the planning service
• localism and community engagement: what this new agenda might mean for planning support staff
• an insight into lessons by an authority currently implementing a new model of low-cost service delivery, including a look ahead to future challenges
• possible implications of the government's reform agenda and how this might affect planning support.

The conference was run in association with the Planning Admin Network (PAN), a FREE online network for anyone with an interest in the administration of the planning service in England, Wales and Scotland. Registration on PAN is quick and easy and further details can be found on the PAN website.

Comments from some of the delegates attending the 2011 conference include:

• "An excellent conference!"
  Colin Green, City of London
• "It was great to have a forum to learn how others are changing working processes to take on board the changes in Planning"
  Chris Page, Bracknell Forest Council
• "Very informative - would definitely come again"
  Nicola Spencer, Arun District Council

Some of the comments from delegates who attended previous conferences can be seen further down this page.

Details for the 2012 conference will be finalised in early Spring, and then posted here and circulated to our usual postal and email contacts. In the meantime, provisional bookings can be made at any time to reserve your place.

Make a provisional booking on the conference.