25 April 2024, Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow
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It was a pleasure to host you all at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow for this year's Scottish Young Planners' Conference.
There was a fantastic atmosphere and a great buzz of enthusiasm as our excellent speakers shared their valuable knowledge and experience on a range of topics throughout the day.
We hope you enjoyed the day as much as we did.
The SYPN Steering Group are already turning their minds to next year's conference.
To support the Steering Group in this task, it would be great to get your feedback on this year's conference - including what you liked, what could be improved, what you hope to see included in next year's programme etc. The SYPN Steering Group will use this to inform the planning of the conference in 2025.
The Survey will be open until 31 May 2024
CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE FEEDBACK SURVEY
Planning in Scotland is in the midst of exciting changes. The implementation of NPF4 is well underway, Local Planning Authorities are embarking on the preparation of their new style Local Development Plans, and we’re having important conversations around the regulations for Masterplan Consent Areas, processes for amending LDPs and our National Planning Framework, and resourcing the planning system.
Young planners are crucial for delivering on our future aspirations for the planning system and the profession. This year’s conference seeks to reflect on the importance of our young planning professionals and highlight the opportunities available to them to shape the future of the profession. This is a fantastic opportunity to build important networks with other young professionals and develop the critical skills needed to support young planners in their career.
Programme
9.00AM Registration and refreshments
9.40AM Chair's Welcome and Introduction
- Laura Robertson, RTPI Scotland Senior Vice Convenor
9.50AM Ministerial Address
- Joe FitzPatrick MSP, Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning
Session One
10.05AM Carbon Literacy
- Cheyne Hamm, Sustainability and Climate Change Officer, East Lothian Council
- Chaired by Amy Bristow, SYPN Steering Group member and Planning Officer, East Ayrshire Council
10.25AM Community Benefit
- Lesley McVeigh, Taylor Wimpey
- Chaired by James Hewitt, SYPN Chair 2024 and Senior Planner, Aberdeenshire Council
10.45AM Q & A
- Laura Robertson, RTPI Scotland Senior Vice Convenor
10.55AM Refreshments
11.25AM Where do Planners end up?
Panel session with:
- Duncan Smart, Senior Planning and Environmental Policy Analyst, Scottish Power Renewables
- Nikola Miller, Scottish Government
- Tony Aitken, Head of Planning, Colliers
- Erin Fulton, Community Development Manager, Planning Aid Scotland
- Chaired by Laura Robertson, RTPI Scotland Senior Vice Convenor
12.25PM Q & A
- Laura Robertson, RTPI Scotland Senior Vice Convenor
12.40PM Lunch
Session Two
1.30PM Celebrating 30 Years of Planning Aid Scotland
- Jo Elston, Volunteer Coordinator, Planning Aid Scotland
- Erin Fulton, Community Development Manager, Planning Aid Scotland
- Chaired by Anne Krippler, SYPN Steering Group member and Housing Strategy Officer, East Lothian Council
2.00PM Workshops: Practical Skills
a. Recruitment
- Laura Padgett, Managing Director, Authentic Talent
- Sarah Shaw, Senior Recruitment Consultant, Authentic Talent
b. Effective Communication
- Neil Collar, Partner/Head of Planning Law, Brodies LLP Solicitors
c. Digital Mapping Skills
- Gillian Dick, Spatial Planning Manager - Research & Development, Glasgow City Council
- Etive Currie, Senior Planning Officer, Glasgow City Council & WHO Place Advisor
d. West End Walking Tour
This walking tour will be for a maximum duration of 2 hours, with delegates returning to the conference venue by 4pm for refreshments.
- Led by Glasgow City Council and the University of Glasgow
3.00PM Workshop 2 (repeated as above, except the walking tour)
4.00PM Refreshments
Session Three
4.30PM Measuring Performance and Skills
- Craig McLaren, National Planning Improvement Champion, Improvement Service
- Chaired by Sepi Hajisoltani, SYPN Past Chair and Planner (Conservation), Aberdeen City Council
4.50PM Conclusions and Summing Up
- Laura Robertson, RTPI Scotland Senior Vice Convenor
5.00PM Close and Post Conference Drinks until 7pm
at The University of Strathclyde Technology and Innovation Centre
