Ongoing training provides a solution to skills shortage

Planning, 16 May 2008

The RTPI is committed to helping members improve the skills needed to work in an increasingly demanding environment. The Planners in the Workplace (PIWP) service is finding new ways to support members with issues at work by drawing from a pool of good practice, offering guidance as diverse as job evaluation, starting in private practice or even lending a supportive ear.

These activities underpin the core aim of PIWP to help members become better planners, managers and leaders. Over the past two years PIWP has introduced management guidance and support to members in private practice, but good management techniques are equally important to public sector members.

Much has been reported on skills shortages in the public sector, with the Egan review continuing to prompt debate. The RTPI's 2005 survey of discipline, knowledge and the generic skills of corporate members highlighted weaknesses in key areas detailed in the review.

The RTPI's Effective Practice in Spatial Planning project report recommends development of management skills including finance, human resources, business processes and project management. It suggests: "The management of resources and people to achieve the outcomes set by the local authority and local strategic partnership (LSP) and delivered through the LSP and local development framework has to be supported by effective management practices."

The Scottish Executive's improvement service published a Scottish planning authorities skills assessment report in April last year, which highlighted priorities for training and development identified by planning staff and managers. Areas covered included generic professional and management skills for professional and support staff including project management, negotiation and conflict resolution, staff and team management, financial and business management, monitoring and appraisal.

PIWP is expanding the management guidance offered to members in the public sector. Its director briefings give all the basic information needed on a range of topics presented in a concise guidance note. The topics cover business and finance, human resource management, employment law, information technology and general marketing.

- Chris Sheridan is RTPI Planners in the Workplace manager. For further information, please visit www.rtpi.org.uk.