POS Enterprises Training

We provide training in house at the authority's own offices (or a chosen venue).  This is the most effective and economical way of sharing the benefits of good training across staff or elected members.  There is also the option of two or more authorities sharing the training and the cost.

Our trainers are experts in their fields, gained through working with planning authorities directly and in supported learning groups, and developing guidance and advice for the Society and other organistions.  They are accomplished communicators and have a deep understanding of the tensions and pressures of local government service.  It is therefore no surprise to us that the feed-back we get from training is exceptional, with the great majority of participants rating it as very good or good.

Training Topics

We currently offer training in the following areas:

Officer training:

• Implementing the CIL - POS Enterprises has worked closely with CLG and local authorities in developing practical ideas about what needs to be done to prepare infrastructure plans and bring the CIL into operation.  The course considers viability assessment, tailoring the charging schedule to local circumstances, and setting up effective arrangements for collection and use of CIL funds.
• Development economics for planners - The need to demonstrate the deliverability of planning policies, coupled with the requirement that the level of the CIL should have regard to the impact on viability, make it essential that planners have a good working knowledge of development finance. This day course covers project appraisal, economic viability and the CIL.
• Local plans: the key to success - Focusing early on the key issues and the key decisions will maximise the prospects of a sound and effective plan. It will also assist in the economical use of time and resources. This course explores successful approaches to achieving this focus and how to take advantage of the advantages they offer to plan-making. This course can be provided to an individual authority or perhaps a group of neighbouring authorities.
• Preparing for core strategy examination - DPD examinations are new to most staff, and require different skills and approaches to the familiar local inquiry model.  This course will help the team get into the right frame of mind on how to engage confidently to the examnation process and engage effectively with the Inspector.
• Making the shift to development management - We worked with the PAS and a group of pioneer authorities to identify the principles which lie behind true development managment, which were subsequently taken up by CLG in the draft PPS.  This course will share the experience of those who have already made a strong start, and explore how to develop an action plan for change.

Elected member training

• A Councillor's guide to development management - Changing from the control to the management of development requires new thinking and practice on the part of members. The encouragement from CLG and PAS to involve members in pre-application discussions raises particular issues. This course explores the implications for members through role-playing, highlighting specific probity matters, and how potential risks can be overcome. This is a full day course.
• Councillor engagement in pre-applications discussions - This course is suitable where the authority wishes to support members to manage their probity responsibilities. It explores the LGA guidance on probity in planning, the current encouragement for elected members to be engaged in pre-application discussions, and the need for a local protocol to avoid the risk of predetermination.This is a half day course, and can be provided in either the daytime or the evening.
• Local planning for elected members - This course uses jargon-free language to explain the underlying principles of the spatial planning system, the importance of robust evidence, the process of plan preparation, approaches to community engagement, the relationship of the Council's plans with neighbourhood plans, and key implications for elected members.  It can be provided on either a full day or half day basis.

For further information on training oppportunities contact Linda Durtnal on 01296 422161 or by email at linda.durtnal@dsl.pipex.com