Training Programmes
Training for Tree Officers (in association with the National Association of Tree Officers)
This programme has been put together by the National Association of Tree Officers (NATO) in association with Trevor Roberts Associates, specialists in the training field.
The programme has been running succcessfully since 2000. It is aimed at all practitioners involved with trees, in both the public and private sectors. The programme consists of specialised training workshops on a wide range of subjects relevant to the everyday working situation. Participant numbers on each of the workshops are limited in order to encourage participation and ensure maximum benefit to all attendees.
Discounts are available when a number of places are booked at the same time, enabling staff to attend a comprehensive package of training at an affordable price. Members of NATO also receive an additional 10% discount off all workshops in this programme. Information about NATO and the advantages of membership can be found on the Association's website.
Please note that details of the 2008 NATO programme are currently being added to the website and will be accessible very soon.
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."
An extensive client list
TRA has trained Councillors in more than 150 local authorities across England, Scotland and Wales
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
CLG endorses TRA's position on the role of Councillors
The CLG Committee looking into Labour Shortage and Skills Gaps in Planning published its final report in July 2008. TRA made a number of responses to the questions asked by the Committee about officer training and the skills of Councillors and the Committee was particularly interested in what we had to say on the role of Councillors and the wider principle of democratic accountability. Indeed, the Committee noted that TRA had “best grasped the essential importance of the principle of democratic accountability” when we stated that:
"The role of the planning officer is to provide an objective analysis of the issues in a clear and succinct way, so that the decision maker can make an informed decision…the Councillor needs to be able to have an appreciation of what is proposed but also be able to ask difficult questions in order to test the robustness of the recommendation…The system rests on the basis that the technical specialist can be challenged by a non-specialist, so that there are checks and balances and that the decisions being made reflect the needs and desires of the wider community."
