RTPI supporting members within the Northern Ireland Planning Service

28-Apr-10

The RTPI has attacked the announcement that the Northern Ireland Planning Service has been targeted for 'efficiency savings' with the aim of reducing staffing numbers by a third.

The RTPI shares members’ concerns about the implications of this announcement, and the impact it may have on their careers. The RTPI will be addressing these concerns with the Planning Service and Environment Minister Edwin Poots, but in the meantime the RTPI is keen to assure members of our support.

The RTPI has experience in supporting members throughout the UK and Ireland who have faced similar uncertainties during the recession.  In answer to two common questions that have been asked over the last two days, the following bullet points provide a brief overview of how we can help.

What if I am made redundant?

What if I am redeployed outside of the planning service, or 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, but as the economy improves so will the job opportunities.
  • RTPI Members working outside of planning should retain their membership of the RTPI, as working outside of planning will not affect your membership status within the RTPI in the short term. Members in this position will need to ensure that they continue to meet CPD requirements.
  • Competition for jobs means that qualifications and experience will play an important role in securing employment. Your membership of the RTPI is a public recognition of having met, or having a commitment to meet, the highest standards within the profession.  This will give you a competitive edge over those planners who do not hold such qualifications.
  • Review your professional development plan to identify ways to maintain your planning skills and knowledge, and to plan your route back into planning.

Ensure you make your RTPI membership work for you:

  • Keep yourself informed of the latest low-cost CPD events provided the RTPI’s Northern Irish Branch.
  • Join RTPI Networks or Associations.
  • Read Planning and keeping up to date with the latest news, developments and jobs.
  • Access low-cost desk top training through RTPI’s PlanningMatters.
  • Identify which member services, benefits and support will be of use to you.
  • Members working outside of planning face issues similar to those members who take career breaks. The RTPI’s ‘Career breaks and professional development’ guidance' will be of interest to some.
  • Some RTPI members have benefited from the new experiences and insights that working in a different environment opportunity can bring, particularly for those thinking of career development and wider management experience.  Think how transferable your skills are to these opportunities, and how the experience can relate to your professional development. Your professional development plan will help you ensure you exploit the opportunities open to you.

 Additional information:

  • Guidance on CPD and professional development is available here.
  • Details of RTPI member services are available here. 
  • Planning Service wins commendation at RTPI Planning Awards 2009.

 

 

 
Author:
chris sheridan
Publisher:
The Royal Town Planning Institute
Date:
28-Apr-10
Categories:
Planners in the Workplace 
Sections:
Member Services

This article has been read 3156 times.