November 2011

We have just had a very successful APC update event with Philip Woodward of the RTPI on Wednesday 9 November at Grafton House, home of Ipswich Borough Council. The event was pushed back towards the end of the year to take into account the changes to the APC process that have been recently introduced by the RTPI.

There was a lot of interest in the event, particularly with the publication of the RTPI's new guidance http://www.rtpi.org.uk/join_the_rtpi/assessment_of_professional_competence/ replacing the somewhat infamous 'blue book'. Other Young Planner's representatives and I have been involved in commenting on the re-drafting of the APC guidance and it was pleasing to receive some good initial feedback on this.

Philip's presentation was well-received detailing the revisions to the APC process that will be introduced from January 2012. This includes the following:-

• Electronic submissions;
• Reduced requirements for corroboration and covering forms;
• Quicker receipt of results with fixed dates for publication;
• Removal of the 'fail' category and revised fee schedule with resubmissions charged at £30 per section deferred but capped at a maximum of £90.00;
• Experience prior to becoming a Licentiate does not need to be logged. However the entire period you are a Licentiate does need to be included.

Together with these revisions, clear advice was provided on meeting the requirements of the 3 sections of the APC as well as the log book and necessary experience. There was also the opportunity for Licentiates to ask specific questions relating to their submissions or on the process in general

Finally information was also provided about the Planners in the Workplace (PIWP) Service from the RTPI, giving a range of support to Planners http://www.rtpi.org.uk/member_services/piwp/. It was considered particularly important to promote this service given the on-going difficult economic situation.

The event attracted a very good attendance of just under 30 people and I would like to thank all of those who came along, which reflects the continued importance of the APC to Young Planners. My thanks also to Rob Hobbs and Ipswich Borough Council for providing the venue.

We are also currently finalising the arrangements for the Xmas Beer and Curry Social Event, the (un)traditional festive event for East of England Young Planners that will take place in Norwich in December. Subject to print deadlines, this event may have already taken place by the time this article reaches you and further information and photos will be provided in the Spring Edition

The 2012 Young Planners' Conference has been confirmed for London in 2012. This is particularly well-timed to coincide with the hosting of the Olympics and the legacy for regeneration.

As ever, we are keen to continue events across the region, from our Norwich/Norfolk roots and if you have ideas for events or have something you would like us to promote, please do not hesitate to contact me. We are also continuing to try and promote cross-networking with a recent email circular highlighting events being put arranged by RICs and Norwich Young Professionals.

Graham Bloomfield

Author:

Tina Jessup

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

16-Nov-11

Categories:

Nations & Regions 

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