The launch of the five-year transformation programme follows the publication in November 2020 of Transforming Places Together: Scotland’s digital strategy for planning, and will create the conditions for digital planning to flourish.

As part of its work on the programme, RTPI Scotland said it will explore the ‘digital readiness’ of planners working in the Scottish Government, planning authorities, planning consultancies and other organisations.

It will undertake research to identify the current ‘state of play’ by assessing the level of skills and knowledge on digital planning; identifying the needs, challenges and opportunities to upskill planners; and testing what an effective skills development programme could look like.

RTPI Scotland’s work will inform the drawing up of a programme to support planners across Scotland to share best practice and learning; network and connect with others involved; shape practice; and champion digital planning and challenge stakeholders to embed it into their work.

RTPI Scotland director Craig McLaren and programme director Diane Rennie discuss the digital planning programme and the benefits of working collaboratively to transform planning

The RTPI will deliver this programme, in association with relevant partners, between March 2021 and March 2025.

RTPI Scotland director Craig McLaren said: “RTPI Scotland is delighted to be at the heart of the digital planning transformation programme. Our own research has shown the value that digitising the planning service can have to the economy, to users and to those who manage the system and we believe that this partnership with the Scottish Government can be a real catalyst in making the system more accessible, transparent and collaborative.

“This is especially important as we move towards a post-COVID green recovery. We are very pleased that the Scottish Government has recognised the importance of investing in the profession so that planners are digital ready and primed to take this forward.”