Planning Service Northern Ireland

08-Aug-07

Planning Service is an Executive Agency within the Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland) and is responsible for developing and implementing Government planning policies and development plans in Northern Ireland. Following the re-instatement of the Northern Ireland Assembly these decisions are taken under the authority of the Minister for the Department of the Environment.

The Agency also carries out the main Development Control and Enforcement functions for the region. The overall aim of the Agency is ‘to improve the quality of life of the people of Northern Ireland by planning and managing development in ways which are sustainable and which contribute to creating a better environment’. This overarching aim is supported by a series of business objectives.

Planning Service has been accredited an Investors in People organisation. Its learning and development function is managed via a Training Unit which comprises two full time training staff (one responsible for Professional and Technical training, the other responsible for management and soft skills training). In addition to in-house training, specific development needs are met via outsourcing of training from external providers and professional bodies, the Northern Ireland Civic Service (NICS) Shared Service Centre, and on-line learning.

Training & Development Highlights

Extensive investment (6.5% of DRC) in business specific training and development over the last three years, including a dedicated training team.
Sponsorship of planning staff to gain professional and technical qualifications through accredited degrees (Queens University Belfast) and HNCs (Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education).
Sponsorship of professional development through attendance at RTPI Conference, Summer School and RTPI season ticket.
Approval to pay RTPI membership fees for all planning staff.