Diane Cassidy

Diane has years of experience in community engagement and facilitation, with a particular focus on creative approaches and inclusive participation. She has worked alongside communities, organisations and councils across Scotland, England and Canada, making sure local voices are heard in decision-making.

Alongside delivering our training, Diane leads engagement projects on the ground. Recently, she:

• Helped the community in Stonehaven share their views on the town’s conservation area
• Worked with four communities to develop walking and wheeling plans

In training, Diane draws on these real-world experiences, sharing practical tools and methods she knows work in practice.

 

Nick Wright

Nick Wright is a Fellow of the Royal Town Planning Institute and a highly experienced trainer.

With over 30 years’ experience in planning, regeneration and community engagement, Nick has worked as an independent practitioner, in the voluntary sector, and in local authorities. A qualified mediator and skilled facilitator, he has led countless community-led plans and projects, from neighbourhood regeneration to national policy guidance.

At the training, Nick will explain how to use the SP=EED® Framework (recognised by the Scottish Government as a benchmarking tool), which has helped hundreds of professionals deliver meaningful, effective community engagement.

Nick says: “Community engagement works best when it’s supported by people with specialist skills and expertise. This training is about giving you practical tools, techniques, and confidence so that you are one of those people.”

 

Community Engagement Skills Training

Interactive, practical training to help you plan and deliver effective community engagement with confidence.

Location: The Robertson Trust, Glasgow

Date: 30 September 2026, 10am–4pm

Cost: £275

Community Engagement Skills Training from Planning Aid Scotland workshop is a hands-on workshop packed with useful tips and practical tools. The session is built around the SP=EED® Framework and will help you strengthen your approach to engagement.

Find out more and book your place

 

What recent participants say about our Community Engagement Skills Training

 

“I really enjoyed it. The facilitators were fantastic, with a wealth of experience in community engagement.”

– Kasia Kozlowska, Sustainability Consultant

 

“I highly recommend this SP=EED training course by Planning Aid Scotland. The day was interesting, interactive and… highly engaging!”

– Penny Hawdon, Head Site Development

 

“Great to be able to get another member of the Affric team through the SP=EED training. Having used the framework for years now we would highly recommend it.”

– Fiona Henderson, Managing Director

 

How to book your place

Check available sessions and book here