A new programme is being launched to attract more people into the
planning profession and build their skills.
The National Planning Skills Commitment Plan will provide
training and skills development through monthly themed webinars,
hands-on learning and recruitment support. It is supported
by more than 100 leaders across almost 60 organisations in the
built and natural environment professions. The plan will cover
different themes at different times, with the first one on
housing.
More planners are needed in Scotland to meet recruitment gaps. In
2023-24 planners dealt with nearly 23,000 applications including
227 applications for major developments.
Public Finance Minister met planning students during a
visit to Govan Housing Association's Water Row Development.
Mr McKee said:
“The response to the new National Planning Skills Commitment Plan
has been overwhelmingly positive and demonstrates that the
industry is eager to work with the Scottish Government to develop
skills and welcome new talent.
“Planning promotes economic development, addresses housing
shortages and supports action on climate change. Modernising how
the profession is promoted and portrayed, and taking a more
direct approach to recruitment will help attract the next
generation of planning professionals. This will ensure that
Scotland can deliver development and infrastructure efficiently,
effectively and sustainably now and in the future.”
, Head of Place at Glasgow City
Region, said:
“Planners help to imagine and deliver many of our local, regional
and national priorities, from town centres and business parks to
renewable energy and nature networks. As a growing City Region,
we need planners to create great places like Water Row in Govan.
The National Planning Skills Commitment Plan and our own regional
skills initiative are boosting the profession's profile and
opening up new routes to education and employment.”
Background
The Commitment Plan is available at www.ourplace.scot/resource/training-and-recruitment-opportunities
The Commitment plan builds on the Future Planners Research (2022)
and delivers on the action outlined in the Planning and Housing
Emergency - Delivery Plan (November 2024). Organisations
committed to actions, this month, include Fife Council and
Highland Council who are leading a workshop for the Scottish
Young Planners Network on processing a planning application.
Others training partners during March include the Improvement
Service, Scottish Land Commission, Scottish Futures Trust,
Architecture and Design Scotland.
