A very warm welcome to PAN, the Planning Administrators' Network. The network was established in November 2006 and we hope you will find it a really useful resource. The main idea behind the network is to provide a way for people working in planning administration and support to contact each other and share their experiences, issues, problems etc.
Because the network operates online, it's easy to contact people regardless of whether they are in the next town or at the other end of the country - an opportunity you don't often get. PAN is open to anyone working in (or interested in) planning administration in England, Scotland and Wales, in either the public or private sector.
Features
The network functions via this website. As the network develops, so will the website and new features will be added over time. However, the main feature, the interactive discussion Forums, is already up and running and you can start using these straightaway - just click on Forum at the top of this page.
Other features likely to be introduced to the website later include a "what's new in planning" page; more in-depth articles covering issues of interest; regular hints and tips, information on training opportunities etc. If there are any other features you would like to see added to the website please let us know.
Membership
Membership of PAN is on an individual basis and is absolutely free. The registration process is quick and easy and you only need to provide your preferred username, email and password.
Once you are registered you can edit your own user profile. This allows you to choose how you want to be identified on the site and how others can contact you and it gives you the opportunity to provide additional information which will help us to co-ordinate and improve the network. Providing additional information is entirely optional but would be much appreciated.
Co-ordination
The Planning Administrators' Network is co-ordinated by Trevor Roberts Associates Ltd (TRA). TRA was keen to establish a network of this kind as part of its ongoing commitment to providing learning and development opportunities for planning administrative and support staff.
TRA has been providing training for this crucial staff group for nearly 20 years and therefore has an excellent grasp of the issues facing them on a daily basis. For further information on TRA's range of services please visit the TRA website.