APC review progress update: shaping the future of the APC

Matt Tennant is Head of Membership at the RTPI

As part of our ongoing review of the RTPI Assessment of Professional Competence (APC), we want to provide an update on progress to date and outline the next steps in this important piece of work.

Reviewing the evidence base

In recent months, the project team has focused on developing a robust evidence base to inform the future development of the APC. We have now completed a gap analysis, bringing together insights from previous APC results data alongside existing research into members' experiences of the APC process.

This work has helped us identify where we already have a strong understanding of member experiences, as well as where further evidence is needed to ensure that any future recommendations are informed by a broad range of perspectives.

New member experience research underway

Following the completion of the gap analysis, we have commissioned a research partner to undertake new primary research with several key groups whose experiences we want to better understand.

The research will focus on:

1. Candidates with additional needs.
2. Associates, including those considering undertaking their APC as well as those who have completed the Associate APC (A-APC).
3. Experienced Practitioner candidates, including members entering planning through alternative routes and those who have completed or considered the Experienced Practitioner APC (EP-APC).
4. International members.
5. Current RTPI APC assessors.
6. Academics.

For groups one to four, we will shortly be inviting members to take part in this research. Participation is entirely voluntary, and we are keen to hear from a diverse range of members with different experiences and perspectives. We are also interested in hearing from individuals who aren’t members, if your colleagues aren’t members and fall into the categories above, then they can also take part in the research via the link below.

The insights gathered through this research will play a key role in helping us understand how different groups experience the APC, identify any barriers that may exist, and explore opportunities for improvement.

Accessibility audit progress

Alongside the member research, we have also commissioned an independent education specialist to undertake an accessibility audit of the APC process.

This external review is examining the accessibility of the APC journey from a candidate perspective, helping us identify opportunities to ensure the process is as inclusive and accessible as possible. The findings of the audit will be reviewed and considered by the Oversight Group as part of the wider evidence base informing the review.

Looking ahead

The APC review will enter its next phase in August. This phase will focus on benchmarking the routes to chartership and professional assessment processes used by other professional membership bodies. We will be exploring areas including:

• Chartered membership routes and progression pathways
• Assessment methods and approaches
• Competency frameworks and professional standards

This work will help us understand how the RTPI's approach compares with those of other professional bodies and identify examples of good practice that could help inform future recommendations.

Thank you

We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the review so far. Member participation is vital to ensuring the APC continues to support an accessible, inclusive and high-quality route to Chartered membership.

We look forward to sharing further updates as the project progresses over the coming months.