The RTPI exists as a charitable body to advance the science and art of planning for the benefit of the public. Within this the RTPI undertakes to ensure good quality spatial planning outcomes through setting expectations of competence and professionalism for planning professionals, and supporting these through education and lifelong learning.

Although the RTPI is based predominantly in the United Kingdom its work, impact and membership is international and has global implications – much like the spatial challenges faced by the world today. Our commitment to lifelong learning therefore does not assume any local or national context, but should have relevance for all RTPI members and stakeholders worldwide.

What does the RTPI mean by Lifelong Learning?

Lifelong Learning has been defined in many different ways by different governments, organisations and bodies. It is frequently used to refer to learning undertaken after a period of formal education and/or schooling; and is often taken to refer primarily or solely to work-based learning or learning derived from experience.

However the RTPI takes a much broader view of Lifelong Learning, as referring to education and learning opportunities throughout an individual’s lifetime and career. Regardless of whether the learning experience is personal or shared, aimed at a formal qualification or less formal, in a workplace, at home, or in an educational setting, lifelong learning as supported by the RTPI is learning directed at improving an individual’s understanding of, engagement with, and/or practice of spatial planning at any life or career stage.

Why is Lifelong Learning Important?

Lifelong Learning should have value for individuals, employers, and the profession alike:

For individuals, lifelong learning is a personal commitment that is as much about your own desire for learning and improvement as it is about your status as a professional. Lifelong learning ensures that your knowledge and skills stay relevant throughout your professional career, supporting a wider range of career and employment opportunities.   

For employers, supporting lifelong learning for your employees is a way to ensure the best possible professional outcomes; and thus the reputation and standing of your organisation.

For the profession, a culture of lifelong learning ensures that planning professionals are able to respond to new spatial challenges whenever they arise; are willing and able to support new entrants to the profession in their own learning; and that the profession continues to be held in a positive light by all users of the planning system.

Lifelong Learning at the RTPI

Lifelong Learning is therefore at the heart of what the RTPI is and does in its role representing the planning profession. At the RTPI, Lifelong Learning is concerned with:

Building a culture of learning – where learning opportunities are embraced enthusiastically, and where planners new to the profession can expect to be supported and encouraged by colleagues and peers.

Delivering high standards and spatial planning outcomes - by ensuring that all planners are committed to being the best they can be, high standards of professional competence lead directly to high quality spatial planning outcomes, whether in policy, practice, teaching or research.

Spatial planning education and careers for all – creating learning opportunities for the public better to engage with spatial planning; career and membership opportunities for individuals with a range of backgrounds and experiences; and opportunities for planners to advance their professional competence throughout their careers.

Formal education and qualifications – the RTPI has a role in approving or accrediting formal education opportunities, which may be for the purposes of entry to the profession or for more general reasons of quality assurance.

Informal learning and individual learning – while formal education and qualifications are extremely valuable, the RTPI recognises that lifelong learning also incorporates less formal and personal learning experiences.

Support for learning – the RTPI is committed to providing the best possible support and opportunities for learning – whether this is as a benefit of membership of the RTPI, or more broadly as a means of encouraging the public to engage with spatial planning.

Lifelong Learning and Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

For many years, members of the RTPI have committed, by virtue of their professional membership, to undertake continuing professional development (CPD) – ongoing learning which ensures that they maintain and develop their professional competence throughout their careers. CPD is vitally important to the profession and its professional profile – but it is only one part of the RTPI’s vision for lifelong learning.

The RTPI’s CPD policy is available separately. While CPD remains a requirement of professional membership – and indeed is at the heart of what it means to be a professional – through the lifelong learning strategy the RTPI seeks to ensure that undertaking CPD is an enjoyable, supported and indeed desirable activity for all Members.

Author:

Education Team

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

17-Aug-09

Categories:

Lifelong Learning 

Sections:

Education & Careers

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