A new planning system and future-ready planners hybrid seminar (Plymouth and online)

This RTPI event will explore how the planning profession is responding to a changing planning system and what this means for planners working across policy, development management, and strategic planning roles.

The programme will examine the implications of local government reform and the creation of unitary authorities, and the practical challenges facing the planning workforce, including recruitment, retention, and skills development.

Sessions will also consider how digital tools and emerging uses of data and artificial intelligence are influencing planning practice, from policy development and evidence gathering to consultation and decision-making.

Bringing together academic insight, practitioner experience, and perspectives from across the public and private sectors, the event will provide an opportunity to reflect on how planners can be equipped with the skills and understanding needed to operate effectively in a rapidly evolving system.

What you'll gain:

By attending this event, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the implications of planning reform for plan-making, decision-taking, and the reintroduction of strategic planning at local and regional levels.
2. Recognise the opportunities and challenges arising from local government reform, including the move to unitary authorities and its impact on governance, delegation, and strategic coordination.
3. Identify current workforce issues within the planning profession, including recruitment, retention, and skills shortages, and understand emerging approaches to strengthening the planning pipeline.
4. Gain insight into alternative routes into the profession, including apprenticeships, conversion pathways, and early-career entry models, and their role in supporting a more resilient planning workforce.
5. Develop awareness of the digital skills required for contemporary planning practice, including the use of data, digital engagement tools, and emerging AI-enabled technologies.
6.  Assess the potential role of artificial intelligence in planning, including its application in policy analysis, evidence gathering, consultation processes, and decision-making, alongside associated opportunities and limitations.
7. Reflect on how planning practice and professional competencies must evolve to ensure planners are equipped to operate effectively in a changing policy, organisational, and technological context.

This event is eligible for up to five hours of CPD and covers the following subjects from the core CPD framework:

• Digital planning
• Planning law and process

Programme:

Topics and speakers will be available as we approach the event.

Sponsors:

RTPI South West have a range of sponsorship opportunities for a number of events in the year, so please do get in touch to discuss. As well as supporting events which raise the profile of planning, they are a great way of aligning to your organisation values and goals. 

Getting to the venue

By train: The nearest train station is Plymouth and is a 15-20 minute walk away.

By car:  There is parking available on site and chargeable

Please view travel information here.

Before you set off, it's worth checking for any updates – e.g. ongoing roadworks in the area that might affect your journey.

Access and inclusion

We're committed to making sure everyone has a great experience at our events. Once you've booked, we'll get in touch to talk through any access needs or requirements you might have. If you have any questions in the meantime, just contact Charlotte.Daborn@rtpi.org.uk  – we're here to help.

• The event will take place on the ground floor in the event space which is fully accessible. 
• A quiet room  are available during the event should you require this.

Tickets

We offer free tickets for carers and have a limited number of free or discounted tickets for those working in the public sector, students and those on low income/unemployed. Contact us to check availability.

If you wish to make a group booking, please contact Charlotte.Daborn@rtpi.org.uk

Food and refreshments

We'll provide refreshments and a buffet. We can also offer vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options (pre booking) too, and we're happy to cater for other dietary requirements like Kosher or Halal meals – just let Charlotte.Daborn@rtpi.org.uk know.

Booking

If you wish to do a group booking please contact Charlotte.Daborn@rtpi.org.uk 

RTPI South West are happy to support RTPI Members and Students who are unemployed or financially precluded from attending local CPD events. Please contact us to discuss opportunities.