Fundamentals of local government for built environment professionals

Demystifying some of the key processes and policies that guide the work and decisions of local government planning and development.

This one-day online course combines all four of our core CPD modules into one comprehensive day. It will provide an overview of: how planning applications are reviewed; the role of planning committees; the process and structures of tendering for external consultants; and how public-private partnerships (PPPs) work in the context of development projects.

Designed for architects and other built environment professionals, the day will provide a solid introduction to what really happens in local planning departments, and crucially why they happen.

This course is essential for built environment professionals who want to deepen their understanding of local planning processes and policies. It assumes some existing knowledge of the built environment industry and is recommended for those with some practical experience.

Through the one day course, it will cover each of our four CPD modules:

• How does a planning committee work?
• How does local government manage planning applications?
• How does local government procure built environment consultants?
• How does public-private partnerships work in development projects?

Key topics that will be covered during the day include:

• Overview of local governance structures
• Overview of procurement regulations in England
• Planning legislation and policy in England
• Submitting applications and validation
• Material and non-material considerations
• The role of elected members and officers
• The role of policies and politics
• Presenting at Committee meetings
• The role of procurement portals
• Key elements of a tender submission
• Tender evaluation and social value
• Overview of different PPP models and approaches
• Key stages in the PPP process, from initiation to operation
• Procurement and contract management of PPPs

By the end of the course day, participants will:

Understand

• the structure and role of planning committees within the English planning system,
• the fundamental legal and procedural frameworks governing planning applications,
• the regulatory and procedural frameworks that govern local government procurement,
• the role of PPPs in delivering infrastructure and development in England

Learn

• what the various procurement methods are available to officers
• about the different stages of the PPP process, including project initiation, procurement, and performance monitoring

Gain insights into

• the decision-making process of planning committees and the factors that influence their decisions
• the planning process from an officer perspective, from pre-application discussions to reaching the final decision
• how tenders are evaluated by officers and the process for issuing contracts
• how local government and the private sector can collaborate to leverage the opportunities and overcome the challenges presented by PPPs

Be better prepared

• to engage effectively with a planning committee during an application process
• to communicate and address common challenges such as objections and appeals.

The CPD will be hosted live, online via Zoom and will last a full day, starting 10am and ending by 5pm There will be breaks throughout the day and live captions available throughout.

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions through the Q&A function and can optionally participate in poll questions. At the end of the session, after completing a feedback form, we will share a written summary of the session with some further reading links.

If you would like any additional access adjustments, please get in touch. And if you can't make any of the dates available, you can request a new date and we will see what we can do.

The session is £300 (excl VAT), £360 (incl VAT).

Click the ‘book now’ button to secure your spot in our upcoming session where you will be asked to confirm your email address, input in your company details (if relevant) and pay via card.

If you have any questions about making our payment, get in touch.