The following benefits have all been highlighted by Planning Aid volunteers as reasons for joining and staying with Planning Aid:
give insights into less familiar areas of the planning system
provide a view of planning from the user's point of view
give experience in community consultation and capacity-building
widen networks of professional contacts
give access to free and low cost relevant training
enable retired people or those taking a career break to keep up-to-date with planning issues
enable newly qualified planners to gain breadth of experience with the support of a qualified mentor
be an opportunity to give something back to the community
help break down barriers between the public and the planning system
Remember that all of the above benefits could actually be a source of Continued Professional Development (CPD).
