Sample module
FAQs
What is PlanningMatters?
PlanningMatters is an online knowledge and learning resource, developed by the Royal Town Planning Institute. It 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 for 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 practising 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 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?
The simple answer is ‘yes’. There are two options to test the material:
- There is always a ‘free-of charge’ trial module available from the homepage of the website
- An account can be purchased for £50 or £500. This latter option allows for 60 downloads over a period of 6 months
Isn’t the same material available on the internet?
Possibly, but it may 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. If you are interested in a training course covering every level of planning, please visit www.rtpiconferences.co.uk. Furthermore 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 band. For example, a licence for 12 users would be priced as follows, e.g. £3,000 for a 10-use licence and 2 users ay £3,000/10 = £3,000. This makes £3,600 in total plus VAT.
What happens if my users change?
It’s simple. If you are an annual licence holder, you will now be able to update the personal details of any users who can access this site. So if one person leaves the company and another one starts, you can simply remove the old user details and replace with the new user details.
Does PlanningMatters count towards CPD?
The simple answer is yes. The CPD hours are identified in each of the individual modules.
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 within the planning profession, and others who have an interest in the subject – there are no restrictions.
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 updated twice a month to provide some useful pointers on how legal rulings might affect day-to-day town planning. The legal commentary is written by practicing solicitors and who have worked in the planning profession for many 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 process is flexible and modules do not have to be completed in one ‘sitting’.
How much content is there?
The site supports over 160 specialist planning modules, all commissioned by and developed specifically for the RTPI. In addition we can support your learning through a number of conferences held each year by RTPI Conferences, covering every aspect of town and country planning. Visit www.rtpiconferences.co.uk
When can PlanningMatters be accessed?
This site is available 24 hours a day – 365 days a year.
Who uses 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 with varying levels of experience within 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 whilst in the office while approximately 15% study at home.
Interested in promoting PlanningMatters?
If you are a planner, possibly retired, and interested in spending some time promoting PlanningMatters locally to local authorities and planning consultancies, please email services@rtpiplanningmatters.co.uk or call 0845 082 1171 to discuss any potential opportunities available.
Are you a subject matter expert?
We are seeking planning professionals to write future modules. If you would like to contribute to this specialist resource and discuss this further, please email services@rtpiplanningmatters.co.uk or telephone 0845 082 1171. Your contribution can also form part of your CPD.
