The Planner's annual careers survey revealed a stark view of our profession. Workloads are up, resources are scarce, and qualified planners are in short supply. Planning officers and consultancies are struggling to attract and retain talent. This matters not just to the future of planners, but to the communities we represent and that's why Education for Everyone is a priority for us.
The aim of broadening access to pathways into chartered membership and reaching out to attract diverse talent encompasses two reviews projects for the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) and for Initial Planning Education. The aim of the APC Review is to identify if there are any issues with the current APC arrangements and to consider potential changes to guidance and the assessment model. Complementing it is what has been termed the Education Policy Review which is considering the Institute's approach to degree-level accreditation to check that it remains fit-for-purpose.
Thank you to all RTPI members for sharing their thoughts on initial planning education through a recent survey.
Frequently Asked Questions provide background to the survey which ran between 5th September and 14th October. The findings are being synthesized by consultants Research by Design and the results will inform proposals to be shared with the Board of Trustees later this year.
Undertake a detailed review – EDUCATION FOR EVERYONE – to broaden access to the pathways into chartered membership, to reach out to attract diverse talent, which will include reviewing the time taken, the delivery mechanisms and the content of courses. Review the existing model of entry and learning outcome requirements for accredited planning schools to ensure it fits our new, more inclusive and reactive model, seeking to accredit further planning schools that support delivery of our vision and mission. Broaden planning education requirements to enable a wider pool of experts working in related built environment disciplines to become chartered professional planners.
