Feedback on TRA training events

The following comments are from participants on our officer workshops.

(Other feedback is available for our Certificated Courses in Planning Enforcement and Town Planning Support; and our in-house Councillor training).

It met my expectations and surpassed them. Wasn't 'dry' and gave an alternative and probably more realistic version of planning than I had previously experienced.
Robert Allan, Shepway District Council (Appearing at Hearings)
The workshop exceeded my expectations. Good clear explanations of principles and good mix of theory and practical.
Cheryl Maughan, Hertsmere Borough Council (Basic Principles of Urban Design).
More in-depth than expected. Useful to get an overview of the process/system. Verbal examples helpful – related to real life scenarios and hints and tips on negotiation.
Heather Raphael, East Dunbartonshire Council (Financial Appraisal).
Gave a good introduction into the formal hearings process. Also good to get pointers on dealing with what can be a difficult process, especially presenting the case publically and preparing members etc.
Callum Parker, Canterbury City Council (Appearing at Hearings).
Will definitely aid me in future policy writing and extended my knowledge of the LDF process.
Lyndsay Hadley, Redditch Borough Council (Writing Effective Policies in the LDF).
The speaker was very informative and knowledgeable in the field. The mock inquiry was useful for gaining insight into the process and tips for the future. Very proactive and dynamic.
Elaine Thames, Snowdonia National Park Authority (Being Effective at Enforcement Inquiries).
Excellent programme. A friendly, knowledgeable trainer who took time to answer questions thoroughly.
Stuart Humphreys, London Borough of Merton (The Basics of Planning).
Met my expectations. Very informative. Presenter had a wide knowledge of subject and kept the course interesting and encouraged the delegates to participate.
Lesley Campbell, Dundee CC (Certificates of Lawfulness).
Very good day, should be very useful, general skills and ideas re policy writing excellent. Altogether a well run course.
Sara Hill, Pembrokeshire County Council (Writing Effective Policies in the LDF).
The course content included useful examples from working practice that allowed a greater understanding of the issues under discussion.
Sarah Scott, Chesterfield Borough Council (Character and Appearance as a Material Consideration).
Expectations exceeded. The day was interactive and “open”. Able to discuss ideas without feeling that thoughts were incorrect.
Caroline Walton, Richmondshire BC (Housing Design and Layout).
The presenter was very good at simplifying legal/planning issues. Provision of real examples strengthened the arguments etc.
Helen Atkinson, East Dunbartonshire Council (Conditions, Planning Agreements and Planning Gain).
An excellent course full of relevant detail and covering the expected scope, delivered with enthusiasm and positivity. Would definitely recommend the course to others.
Sophie Brown, Macclesfield Borough Council (The Basics of Planning).
The workshop was perfectly pitched and comprehensive. The presenter ensured just the right level of interaction with students and was both inclusive and informative. Would recommend this workshop.
Matt Whitton, Great Yarmouth Borough Council (Effective Planning and Enforcement Site Visits).
Very pleased with the workshop, particularly around case studies and useful examination insights. Will happily recommend to other GM authorities who are approaching Examinations of DPDs.
Rob Haslam, Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council, (Examinations of DPDs).
A wide variety of aspects covered in conjunction with actual examples. Practical experiences were invaluable with interjections from course trainers.
K. Fitzherbert-Green, Test Valley Borough Council (Public Inquiries).
It was very informative and I enjoyed all the discussions and examples that the trainer provided, it’s a very tough subject and he made it simple and approachable.
Kirsty Hope, Falkirk DC (Advertisement Control).
Very informative, clearly explained key principles and concepts. Look forward to putting them into practice.
Steven Cooper, Bidwells (Negotiation Skills).
It exceeded expectations. It filled in basic gaps in my knowledge which my team members were too busy to answer. It also gave me confidence in my abilities and the knowledge to carry out my job effectively when I return to the office. Lynette Foulkes, Broadland DC (The Basics of Planning Enforcement).
Being new to planning, a good introduction properly organised was necessary and this course fulfils that.
David Hancock, Highland Council (Introduction to Development Management).
I found both presenters to be inspiring and approachable, giving encouragement to those wishing to ask questions. Very knowledgeable.
Michael Whitehead, Bury Council, (Examinations of DPDs).
The workshop had the right amount of presentation and case study and the material was very relevant to my job. I would recommend the course to others.
Diane Hill, Northampton Borough Council (Negotiation Skills).
Excellent course. Should be compulsory for every new starter to the planning service. Very useful course, delivered in a clear and enthusiastic manner, would recommend to colleagues.
Stuart Newlands, Aberdeenshire Council (Permitted Development).
The course was well presented with a good balance between presented information and activity based group work.
Janice Jennings, Northampton Borough Council (Effective Pre-application Discussions).
Felt it was a very good overview of a complex topic. I’ve left with a greater knowledge and awareness of the topic, and plenty to feed back to the Office.
Russell Clarkson, North East Lincolnshire Council (EIA: a guide to the regulations).
Appreciate having a young, enthusiastic speaker who is still actually working in the sector and muddling through the same issues. Nice to be in a small group to discuss things.
Claire Dobinson, North Tyneside Council, (Writing Effective Policies in the LDF).
Highly commended, money and time very well spent. Best course I have attended in many years.
Dave Moore, Newark and Sherwood Borough Council (Trees and the Planning Process).
Informal presentation but very informative and interesting. Good oral presentation backed by visual overheads.
Alison Mitchell, East Renfrewshire Council (Trees and the Planning Process)
The course was very well structured and covered a lot of information. It exceeded my expectations and was very relevant and applicable to my work.
Bruce Strachan, Aberdeenshire Council (Preparing Committee Reports and Appeal Statements).
Excellent workshop. Clear, cram-packed with info and very easy to take in. Presenter very knowledgeable and keen to educate us. Best ever seminar attended.
Caroline Walton, Richmondshire District Council (Trees and the Planning Process).
The training was very well structured, clearly presented and informative. Good mixture of lectures and practical work.
Sarah Tose, Test Valley Borough Council (Examinations of DPDs).
Good effective theory communicated and presented well. Case studies enforced work covered in the morning.
Rajinder Hare, Leeds City Council (Negotiation Skills).