Applied through

Licentiate APC (L-APC)

Commended

PCS

Qualifications:

MCD Civic Design at the University of Liverpool

My career:

I completed my undergraduate degree in Geography and Economics at Lancaster University in 2020 before going on to study for a Master’s in Civic Design at the University of Liverpool. Following this, I joined the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) through its two-year Planning Graduate Scheme. The scheme provided a fantastic opportunity to gain experience across different areas of planning policy through a series of six-month rotational placements. After completing the programme, I went on to work in the local plans delivery team and have since progressed to my current role as a Senior Planning Officer.

In my current role I monitor the progress of Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) in preparing their local plans. I engage with planning officers throughout the country to understand how their plans are developing and any challenges they face. I also engage with Ministers on issues relating to local plans by providing advice, briefings and supporting with other parliamentary business. 

APC tips 

• Get to know the competencies. As the first step I’d recommend getting very familiar with the competencies as this is what your case study will be marked against! I found it helpful to create a table listing each competency and use this as a reference throughout the process. At the outset, I used this to identify and note examples from my experience that could demonstrate each competency, which was particularly helpful when structuring my case study. Towards the end of the process, I revisited the table to cross-reference my submission and confirm that all competencies had been clearly demonstrated. 
  
  
• Reread, redraft, repeat. Producing the first draft is often the most challenging step, but it does not need to be perfect on your first go! Start writing early and focus on getting your experiences and examples down on paper and then allow sufficient time to reread, redraft and refine your submission. Revisiting your work several times will give you an opportunity to strengthen your examples and ensure they clearly demonstrate your professional experience.
  
  
• Engage with your mentor regularly. Speaking to someone who has gone through the APC process is invaluable in providing practical advice. I think it’s particularly important to schedule in regular check-ins to get support throughout the process and to give your mentor sufficient time to provide constructive feedback that you can incorporate into your final submission.