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 organisations.  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:

• 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 with the examnation process and respond effectively to the Inspector.
• 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.
• 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 management and localism - Financial pressures and the expectations of localism make it timely to review approaches to development management to ensure they remain fit for purpose.  This course covers neighbourhood planning and community power, using CIL and Section 106 effectively for local benefit and affordable housing, the development management implications of the NPPF, models of alternative service delivery, and new bases for fee setting.

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