About the Independent Consultants’ Network
The Independent Consultants' Network (ICN) is for chartered town planners who are sole practitioners or who run their own small practices (with other planners or related professionals).
Its purpose is to provide targeted information and resources, and provide a forum for independent consultants to discuss issues and share practice.
Join the ICN
The Network's objectives are to:
1. Reflect the interests and concerns of independent consultants by providing a forum for them to discuss relevant issues
2. Support and raise the profile of independent consultants
3. Signpost independent consultants to training, events and other resources to help develop their knowledge and skills
4. Offer friendly contact and informal support to lone workers
Resources
Email Discussion Forum
We have an active forum for consultants to discuss issues, support and advise each other. To join email the network manager. Please read our protocol when you join.
Steering Group
The ICN has a Steering Group which meets at least twice a year. Current members are: Peter Lloyd (Chair), Deirdre Wells, Anton Lang, Alyn Nicholls, Jacqueline Veater and Brian Waters. Further details of the ICN Steering Group members can be found here. If you wish to get involved or contact the Steering Group, please contact the network manager.
The last meeting of the Steering Group was held on the 28th of February 2022, click here to access the minutes of this meeting.
See the 2021 Annual Report here.
Meetings and Networking
The RTPI is also willing to assist in the organisation of member initiatives for ICN meetings or networking opportunities. Please contact the network manager if you have any suggestions.
Additional wider-RTPI resources:
A number of members in our network are involved in neighbourhood planning, we therefore recommend the following resources:
Conferences
ICN Annual Conference 2022
This year the ICN Conference will be held at the Riverside Innovation Centre in Chester on the 22nd of September. A walking tour of the city and networking drinks will be held on the 21st, save the dates!
The Planning Portal Spring Conference
The Planning Portal are hosting their fourth conference virtually on 25-28 April 2022! They are offering ICN Members a special 10% discount code to use if they want to participate, please email the network manager with your membership number to obtain it. The early bird discount is also available until 31 March.
The 4 days will offer bite-sized sessions on Urban Regeneration, Building Safety and Planning Gateway 1, Beyond Net Zero and The Future of Planning: Local Plans among other topics. Details on the programme can be found here. The conference is CPD accredited.