Two authorities that recently became RTPI learning partners show the initiative’s value, says Jacqui Ward 

Launched in January, the RTPI learning partners initiative helps employers promote their commitment to professional standards by investing in training and development.

There are now ten learning partners spread equally across the public and private sectors. Each has demonstrated a commitment to the development of planning employees.

Hambleton District Council has recently become an RTPI learning partner. It provides a wide range of activities to support its planners, as well as tapping into the RTPI Yorkshire Region’s continuing professional development programme and funding a corporate account at PlanningMatters.co.uk.

With one employee working towards RTPI membership via the assessment of professional competence, two trainees completing accredited planning courses and another about to begin employment, the council is also nearing its target of all planning employees gaining chartered membership. Director of planning and environmental services Steve Quartermain says: “As a beacon council, we want to ensure that we have the skills to deliver the outcomes of our core strategy.”

Skills and professional development are also high on the agenda at Walsall Council. Formed last year, its regeneration directorate has already achieved Investors in People (IiP) status. “Personal development of staff is very important for the council and vital to the success of the directorate,” says the latter’s executive director Tim Johnson. 

The council has seen some real returns on its commitments in this area. “We have high levels of staff retention,” Johnson adds. “Some of our planning officers have been with us for nearly 20 years. This is testament to our valuing of employees.” With its IiP accreditation, the directorate was in a great position to apply for RTPI learning partner status. “We are delighted to have this prestigious award,” Johnson remarks. “Staff are our greatest asset and this award shows that we are doing something right.”

Author:

Jacqui Ward

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

25-May-07

Categories:

Learning Partnerships, RTPI News 

Sections:

Education & Careers , News & Media

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