What We Do › SP=EED

SP=EED

SP=EED is our practical guide to undertaking effective community engagement in planning. Download our free guide or join our training programme.

A practical guide to engagement

SP=EED is our practical guide to undertaking effective community engagement in planning and is freely available to download. It is referred to in the Scottish Government Planning Advice Note 3/2010 as a benchmarking tool for community engagement. You can download the SP=EED guide here.

Strong community engagement skills are a key requirement for planners and those working in related fields. The current planning reform process being led by the Scottish Government emphasises the importance of achieving early and effective engagement with communities and other stakeholders.

The SP=EED approach provides a clear and practical framework for carrying out engagement projects. It sets out 3 levels of engagement (Informing, Consulting and Partnership) and 8 criteria by which engagement projects can be designed, carried out and assessed.

PAS also offers SP=EED Verification, a training programme in engagement skills. SP=EED Verification training runs several times each year, but can also be commissioned on an organisational basis. Scroll down for more information.

“Gaining SP=EED Verification has been really useful to enhancing the quality of my community engagement work with communities on planning issues. The training provided lots of fresh ideas and a good explanation of the SP=EED process. The materials provided were very comprehensive and invaluable to completing my project”

Book your place on our next workshop here

SP=EED Verification

Would you like to be recognised for your skills in community engagement?

SP=EED Verification is a two-part programme offered by PAS which verifies an individual’s competence in using the SP=EED approach. Key benefits of undertaking SP=EED Verification:

  • develop a greater understanding of SP=EED and its practical application
  • deeper understanding of the range of skills required for effective engagement including interpersonal and “softer” skills
  • encourages the use of a range of creative and effective engagement tools to suit different scenarios
  • offers individuals the opportunity to have their engagement methods verified by independent planning and engagement professionals

There are two parts to SP=EED Verification: 

  • Part 1: Understanding SP=EED
    A 3.5-hour interactive workshop facilitated by our SP=EED Verification Trainers. Cost £250
  • Part 2: Putting SP=EED into practice
    A written reflective-learning submission based on an engagement process you have been involved in utilising SP=EED principles. PAS can offer advice to assist you with this stage. Your submission will be verified by an independent planning and engagement professional and by PAS. Cost £250

What happens once I become SP=EED Verified?

  • You become part of the ‘SP=EED Aware’ Network
  • Opportunity for you or your organisation to highlight your SP=EED Verified credentials.

Our next Part 1 SP=EED event will take place on:

The next event will take place on 13 November 2024 in Edinburgh (the venue is located near our office, just off the Royal Mile, a 5 minute walk from Waverley Station).

To be alerted to when additional future dates are announced, please email sp=eed@pas.org.uk.

How to register

Book your place on our next Part 1 event via our SP=EED Booking Form.

For general enquiries, or to discuss an in-house training event, please e-mail sp=eed@pas.org.uk.

“As a recent graduate I believe SP=EED Verification training has given me the edge to step out as a planner to interact with people and incorporate their views in the planning process”

Book your place on our next workshop here