What does the programme involve?
The Return to Work – Planning programme will provide candidates with training, support and coaching to return to work after a career break and join local government.
The programme is divided into two core sections; virtual training and connecting with employers.
- Virtual training
The training for the Return to Work – Planning programme will be provided by PAS. PAS is a highly respected provider of support in planning, with the principal mission of ensuring that local planning authorities (LPAs) are continuously improving in their execution and delivery of planning services.
They specialise in providing councils with high-quality help, advice, support and training. They also help local government officers and councillors stay effective and up to date on sector developments.
For the Return to Work – Planning programme, PAS will build upon their expert knowledge to support you both professionally and personally.
Training will take place between January and March 2021, with a flexible duration depending on your experience and learning needs. It will cover a variety of areas, including:
- a re-introduction to working in planning, including changes to policies and procedures and where appropriate, focussed training on specific areas of planning
- an introduction to the future of planning and the Government’s proposed planning reforms
- the opportunity to complete developmental learning on core practical competencies to support your future planning career. Topics may include:
- the use of relevant digital tools
- engagement and communication skills
- place making and design
- critical appraisal and problem solving skills
- written and verbal communication skills
- an introduction to working in local government.
- practical learning from industry experts about good practice in one or more of the following areas:
- the development and delivery of planning policy and local plans
- the consideration of planning applications and development management
- strategic planning and working across boundaries
- understanding infrastructure needs and their delivery to support development.
- support to build your confidence so you can apply for positions and feel ready to re-enter the workplace.
The training programme will be provided via virtual seminars and workshops, reading materials, e-learning, group exercises and assignments. This format is designed to give you both the flexibility to train at times that work around your life and the chance to interact with other returning professionals.
2. Connecting with employers
While you are completing your online training with PAS, the LGA will invite you to an online platform where you can describe your skills and experience.
Prospective employers in local government will then be invited to review your credentials and get in touch with you to discuss future employment opportunities. We cannot guarantee employment, but we are pleased to offer you a way to connect with councils who are eager to work with returning planning professionals.
What are the benefits of participating in the programme?
- Refresh your skills
If you have been out of the Town Planning profession for a while, you may not be aware of the latest developments in the sector. This programme can help you to refresh your skills and knowledge so you can hit the ground running on your first day back at work.
- Understand local government planning
If you are joining local government from the private sector, you will find this element of the training particularly beneficial.
Town Planning operates differently in local government, with the work requiring collaboration and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. It also involves working within democratic processes, ensuring that decisions consider the social, economic and environmental impacts across an area.
Gaining insight into local government operations will support your transition from the private sector to the public sector.
If you have experience of working in council planning, this will help you get up to speed with how processes might have changed.
- Understand the various roles and specialisms in planning
Local government planning is a diverse profession, allowing individuals to specialise in different areas including land use, design, economic development and climate change.
In whatever role you enter, you will be at the forefront of shaping the places where you live and supporting the COVID-19 recovery.
- Connect with local government employers
You will get the opportunity to share your skills and experience with councils that have vacancies in their planning teams.
As our programme is nation-wide, signing up can help you gain exposure with councils across England. With the impact of COVID-19, some councils may be interested in discussing remote working opportunities.
- Build a network with other returners
Returning to work after a period away can be daunting. By providing you with online workshops, you will get the chance to interact and build networks with other professionals returning to work.
- Understand how to become a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
As you may be aware, the RTPI is the principal body representing planning professionals in the United Kingdom and Ireland. With over 25,000 members worldwide and more than 100 years of history, the RTPI is at the forefront of planning.
Many employers require applicants to have RTPI membership. This programme will provide you with an understanding of the pathway to gain that membership if you do not have it already.