career support

Since 2008 the recession, cuts to the public sector, and uncertain economic growth have reduced the amount of jobs available to planners in the UK and Ireland. Planners looking to develop their careers now find themselves in a competitive jobs market.

It is important to remember that RTPI membership provides you with a competitive edge. It is a clear recognition of your professionalism, your competence and your expertise. The RTPI is working hard to support as many members as possbile, and we have developed the following guidance to help you consider some of the options open to you; 

• Facing redundancy?

• Finding that next job

• Work for yourself?

• How we can help

What if I am re-deployed or seconded outside the planning service I currently work in, or I have to find employment in a non-planning environment?

The skills planners have are highly sought after, and planners can find work in a variety of different roles and sectors. The impact of the recession has reduced the number of employers with positions available. Some will need to consider a much wider choice of potential employers and positions. Read more here . .

Delivering support and information to members . .

The RTPI has also been supporting members through workshops and meetings arranged with RTPI Regions and Nations. Aimed at graduates, licentiates and chartered planners, these meetings have discussed a range of issues and offered practical advice to those facing redundancy or redeployment,  as well as those who are trying to find employment, or are thinking of becoming a self-employed planning consultant. To find out more contact chris.sheridan@rtpi.org.uk

Advice if the economic climate is affecting your business.

Some planning consultants & consultancies have reported a reduction in work. If the economic situation is affecting your business then the suggestions below will help you plan the way ahead. 

• Turn your attention to outstanding payments. Good practice shows that debts should never be allowed to build up. Always keep on top of payments, further guidance can be found from the RTPI’s consultancy support webpages.
• Review your terms of engagement. Have you included interest on payments? This will help encourage new clients to pay promptly.
• With a slowdown in the housing market some homeowners will consider extending rather than moving home.  Consultants are often only approached when there is a problem to be resolved, so why not contact the public’s first port of call - local architects, developers, and domestic builders? Promotion during an economic slowdown needn’t be expensive and may well extend your potential client base. Good practice points to targeted and specific marketing.
• Where are the new work opportunities emerging? Read the views of other planning consultants in our annual survey of members of the RTPI’s Independent Consultants Network.
• Business Link, Business Support Wales , Scottish Enterprise, Business Gateway offer free advice and support to keep your business fighting fit.The Open University Small Enterprise Research Team (SERT) surveyed 700 businesses and found that 49 per cent saw increasing marketing expenditure as a way to beat the downturn, while 42 per cent advocated targeting new markets. A spokesperson for the SERT said: ‘Normally the first thing businesses think of cutting back on is marketing and PR. To increase spending in these areas may seem counterintuitive, but this is exactly what [businesses] should be doing to survive.’(http://www.smallbusiness.co.uk/channels/small-business-finance/news/610726/increase-marketing-spend-to-survive.thtml)
• For further information on marketing consult the RTPI’s consultancy support pages.
• An increase in house extensions (including unauthorised developments) may lead to an increase in appeal work.
• Review your insurances – PII, house/office cover. Shop around to see whether you can save money.
• Some consultants survived the recession in the early 90s by undertaking additional work not related to planning (for example short term agency work, admin/clerical work). Think about other skills and services that you and your business have to offer.

Archived related RTPI News articles 

• Meetings sought as service cuts threaten reform process – May 2010
• Internship offers sought to fill practical experience gape – April 2010
• Expertise and knowledge are markers of RTPI membership – March 2010
• Positive approach needed to tackle the challenges ahead – December 2009
• Membership improves skills base amid economic gloom – October 2009
• Recession signals change in the fortunes of consultants – September 2009
• Welsh workshop illustrates redundancy support in action – August 2009
• Redundancy initiatives offer employment support - August 2009
• Cash flow questions point to members' recession dilema - June 2009 (p3 of 3)
• Workplace service holds firm with recession response tips - May 2009 (p 3 of 3)
• Adaptability and flexibility needed to maintain career path in recession - March 2009 (p1 or 3)

The above are a sample of the information and support published in Planning and RTPI Nation and Region Newsletters. Please search the RTPI website for more content.

If you would like to send us your thoughts, comments and experiences (in confidence) then please email them to piwp@rtpi.org.uk.

Please note that the RTPI is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Author:

Chris Sheridan

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

01-Mar-11

Categories:

Nations & Regions, Planners in the Workplace 

Sections:

Member Services

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