Training Programmes

Negotiation concepts and skills for planning and development staff

Negotiation is one aspect of management to which planners are introduced at an early stage in their careers and where they have a lot of experience. They are in contact with a variety of agencies, developers, members of the public etc. in relation to development plan proposals, planning applications, planning briefs, implementation, planning gain and many other aspects of their work. This module equips them with the framework of concepts and skills to which they can relate their experience.

The module covers the significance of negotiation in town planning; when and when not to negotiate; the different approaches to negotiation and their implications; negotiation gambits and their application in practice; the power and personality dimension of negotiation; the role of information in negotiation. It establishes a much more systematic and rigorous, yet creative, approach to negotiation, based firmly on concepts but always related to the practical realities of planning/development situations.

The module makes especially extensive use of the participants' own involvement in negotiation at work, especially through the work-based assignments. This experience is integrated closely into the Tutorial Sessions.

The module includes attendance at two separate two-day tutorial sessions at Madingley Hall, Cambridge, and successful completion of assessed practical project work. The dates of the two Tutorial sessions are given below.

Full details available on request - telephone Shelagh Pooley on 01204 385678

Please note that this module can also be used towards the Certificate for those attending the Planning Enforcement programme.