SP=EED™ ILM-Accredited Qualification 

• SP=EED™ Pratical Guide
• SP=EED™ ILM-Accredited Qualification
• SP=EED™ Accreditation Programme

SP=EED™ is Planning Aid for Scotland’s (PAS) practical guide to engagement in planning. It aims to promote and help share good practice throughout the planning and built environment community in Scotland. SP=EED™ is unique in that it focuses specifically on engagement in this context. It is endorsed by the Scottish Government in Planning Advice Note 3/2010 Community Engagement.

Registration is now open.

ILM-Accredited Qualification in SP=EED™
This is the first programme of its kind in the UK and is accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) and supported by the RTPI Scotland.

Together with the Social Enterprise Academy, Planning Aid for Scotland has developed this continuing professional development (CPD) programme for built environment professionals. On completion of the continuing professional development programme, successful candidates will gain an ILM-accredited qualification in SP=EED™.

Why the SP=EED™ Qualification?
The purpose of the programme is to enable built environment professionals to develop the skills required to lead and manage a process which effectively engages communities.

The programme focuses on the development of soft skills to equip professionals with the confidence and techniques to design, carry out and assess community engagement activities – an increasingly vital component of the work of the built environment professional.

Is It For Me?

You are a built environment professional, most likely an urban planner, urban designer or an architect. Or you may work in the fields of regeneration, housing or the environment.

Professional Development

• Understand how to design, carry out and assess a process which effectively engages people and communities.
• Confidently demonstrate skills which facilitate effective engagement, including: involving, communicating, dialogue, creative collaborate, appraising and reflecting.

Recognised Qualification
Successful completion of the SP=EED™ CPD programme (tutorials and self-directed work, submitted for assessment) will lead the candidate to gain an ILM-accredited qualification in SP=EED™, which recognises the candidate as a leading practitioner of effective engagement in the built environment professions. 

The SP=EED™ ethos

Unique Programme
This ILM-accredited course is the first of its kind in the UK for planners and other built environment professionals. It is unique in that it focuses specifically on candidates developing their skills, rather than simply receiving instruction in a traditional teaching style.

The SP=EED™ CPD programme is about candidates understanding and developing key skills that will enable them to undertake the three aims of the SP=EED™ guide: to design, carry out and assess an effective engagement process.

Unique Approach to Learning
By working with the Social Enterprise Academy to design and deliver the SP=EED™ CPD programme, Planning Aid for Scotland is able to provide candidates with a unique learning experience.

The programme is based upon the Social Enterprise Academy’s positive model of learning in which participants enrich their own practice by learning from what others are doing. The programme is very different from the traditional ‘deficit model’ of learning whereby knowledge is transferred from teacher to student in order to fill a gap in understanding. In other words, candidates take an active role in their learning; there is plenty of support, but no spoon-feeding.

Above all, the programme creates a safe and supportive space for reflection and review. It is not tightly packed with PowerPoint presentations or rote learning exercises. Candidates enrolled on the programme are expected to play an active part in each of the six tutorials.

Read more about the Social Enterprise Academy’s ‘Values in action’.

Working with SP=EED™ Tutors
A dedicated team of tutors will lead candidates through the 3 modules (i.e. 6 contact days/tutorials). However, candidates are required to work on their Personal Development Plan and Reflective Review Log continuously throughout the programme. Tutors will work with candidates to enable them to progress their Personal Development Plans and Reflective Review Logs and put their skills into practice.

Whilst the tutorials focus on the understanding and development of important skills for engagement, candidates will have an opportunity to explore case studies and specific engagement techniques as part of their wider personal learning and reflection on the programme.

Following completion of the final tutorial, candidates will submit their Personal Development Plan and Reflective Review Log for assessment.

Course Structure

To gain the ILM-accredited award qualification in SP=EED™, candidates must successfully complete the facilitated component (tutorials) as well as the self-directed component (CPD work in the candidates’ own time). Candidates are investing their efforts in a comprehensive programme of learning, not simply attending the six tutorials.

The SP=EED™ CPD programme is based upon key skills within the SP=EED™ guide. Tutorials will focus on each of these skills in turn. Candidates will work on their Personal Development Plans and Reflective Review Logs to further develop these skills before and after each tutorial. It is important that applicants understand that additional work is required over and above participation in tutorials.

Course Components & Hours
Candidates are expected to dedicate a minimum of 80 hours to the programme. This comprises:

1. Facilitated component (tutorials)
Over the duration of the programme, candidates will have 36 contact hours with tutors:
- 6 hour tutorial x 6 = 36 hours

2. Self-directed component
Candidates will work continuously on their Personal Development Plans and Reflective Review Logs throughout the programme:
- Personal Development Plan = 14 hours
- Reflective Review = 10 hours x 3 modules = 30 hours

Final assessment
Candidates will submit their completed Personal Development Plans and Reflective Review Logs for assessment at the end of the programme. It would be expected that by completing these on-going pieces of work, and by producing any relevant evidence to support their work, the word count for the assessment would be in the region of 4,000 – 6,000 words.

Continued support for candidates
Candidates may contact the SP=EED™ Co-ordinator for advice and support throughout the programme.

Timetable
The course is structured around the academic year, with the first tutorial to be delivered in September 2012. Full timetable details to follow soon.

Location
Tutorials will be delivered in Edinburgh.

The programme has been designed to be as accessible as possible to candidates from around Scotland:
• Tutorials are scheduled to be delivered on Saturdays (avoiding work conflicts)
• A large part of candidates’ work is focused on their Personal Development Plans and Reflective Review work – which can be done from any location.

Requirements
This programme is aimed at chartered or full members of professional institutes related to the built environment – e.g. RTPI, RIAS, RICS. However PAS also wishes to admit other professionals who will derive benefit from the course and will therefore use its discretion to admit licentiates, probationers or candidates from other fields.

Once enrolled, candidates will receive an electronic induction pack for the programme, including all relevant materials and links to resources. Candidates will also receive a printed copy of the SP=EED™ guide to enable them to familiarise themselves thoroughly with the guide before commencing their PDP work and tutorials.

Conditions
We appreciate that an unexpected situation may arise that may prevent you from completing the programme.  On such occasions we will aim to seek a solution with you, and negotiate any refund as appropriate. 

Fees and payment plan
The course fee is £1,550. This fee may be paid up front. However, Planning Aid for Scotland is happy to discuss and agree a convenient payment plan with candidates following their acceptance on to the programme.

For any SP=EED related enquiries, please contact David McAllister - sp=eed@planningaidscotland.org.uk - 0131 220 9730.