An online training module to help members develop good working relationships with the media has been launched by the RTPI.
‘Telling the planning story: how to champion the planning profession through press and social media’ was written by RTPI practice officer, Sarah Lewis and has been endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR).
Part of a series of RTPI Learn modules, this latest interactive online training outlines the importance of developing inclusive and proactive working practices with communications colleagues to enable planners to get key messages across to the public.
Ms Lewis said: “Developing a good relationship with local journalists can pay dividends. This training module is not designed to replace the input of communications professionals but rather to give town planners a better understanding of how they can work jointly with these colleagues to maximize public engagement.”
Mandy Pearse, CIPR President elect and former Chair of the CIPR Local Public Services group, said: “It is a really positive step for us to collaborate with the RTPI to help planning professionals understand how public relations can add value and build trust when engaging local communities. Working together we can be a real force for good.”
RTPI Learn modules are free and open to all. Anyone who wishes to access the course simply needs to create a login on the RTPI Learn site.
