What is PlanningMatters?
PlanningMatters is an online knowledge and learning resource, developed by the RTPI, that is designed to support planners in carrying out their day-to-day jobs and to facilitate their ongoing professional and personal development. PlanningMatters acts as both a job support tool and a precise planning profession learning tool.
Who develops the content?
Production of the modules involves a range of people. The Editorial Board determines the subject areas to be developed and their priority. An author is then commissioned and a subject matter expert retained to check the initial manuscript. Authors can be practicing planners, recently retired planners or teachers of planning.
Modules are sent for instructional design and copy editing prior to being published on the PlanningMatters website. The author of each module is identified in the preview and in the introduction to each module.
How regularly are the modules updated?
The material is regularly reviewed to identify when changes are required. The original author of the module and the Editorial Board are responsible for identifying the need for change.
Can I try before I buy?
Yes. There are two options to test the material. There is always a free-of-charge trial module available from the homepage of the PlanningMatters website. An account can be purchased for £50, or for £500. This latter option allows for 60 downloads over a six-month period.
Isn’t the same material available on the internet?
Possibly, but it would take hours to find, filter and consolidate. The RTPI has already undertaken the research to develop a concise and usable learning module. Most modules include links to additional relevant web-based information.
What level of detail does the content offer?
Modules are specifically designed to be bite-sized nuggets that provide a good insight into the subject, rather than to be a detailed or expert-level training course. Access to more detailed and technical material is referenced in every planning module.
What happens when my number of users falls between licence options?
The licence size can be fitted to the exact number required and the price calculated by adding additional users at the per capita price of the previous price band. For example, a licence for 12 users would be priced as follows: £3,000 for a 10-user licence and 2 users at £3,000/10 = £300. This makes £3,600 in total, plus VAT.
Does PlanningMatters count towards CPD?
Yes. The CPD hours are identified in each module.
Are the modules studied online?
They can be, or they can be printed off and studied anywhere and at any time the user finds convenient. The self assessments at the end of each module must be completed online.
Who can use PlanningMatters?
Anyone who works in or with the planning profession, and others who have an interest in the subject – there are no restrictions. The business modules are suitable for all and some of the planning modules are also suitable for administration and customer-facing staff. They will benefit by being more aware of the subject matter and thereby able to provide a more confident service to customers.
What is the Legal Commentary?
The Legal Commentary provides case study information on how the law is being interpreted by the courts and local authorities. It is an informally written section of PlanningMatters that is added twice each month to provide some useful pointers on how legal rulings might affect day-to-day town planning. The Legal Commentary is written by a practicing solicitor who has worked in the planning arena for over 25 years.
How long do modules take to complete?
The planning modules and their self assessments typically take an hour to study, plus any time spent looking at the referenced documents and websites. The business modules range from 20 to 60 minutes for completion. The process is flexible; modules do not have to be completed in one ‘sitting’.
How much content is there?
There site supports over 160 specialist planning modules, all commissioned by and developed specifically for the RTPI. In addition there are around 400 modules covering personal, supervisory and management topics.
When can PlanningMatters be accessed?
24/7. A 56K web connection is all that is required.
Who is using PlanningMatters?
A wide range of local government and commercial companies currently subscribe to PlanningMatters. A recent survey identified that the modules are being used by all age groups and levels of experience in the planning profession. People are using PlanningMatters for a wide range of reasons, including research, professional development, CPD and performance support. Most people use PlanningMatters in the office, while approximately 15% study at home.