URL: https://democracy.ribblevalley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1348

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Director of Economic Development and Planning submitted a report advising Committee on the Pathways to Planning Cohort 4 program and seeking approval to add a temporary member of staff to the Planning Policy Team.   The Local Government Association is inviting councils to apply for the program, which offers a £40,000 salary bursary over two years for employing a graduate, plus a £10,000 educational bursary for their part-time study.   It was noted that councils with high local plan or housing delivery needs, such as Ribble Valley will be prioritised. Committee approval was sought to apply, as this could provide additional support for the Planning Policy team. A graduate would be only be appointed if the bursary was to be granted, and details of the proposed job description/candidate specification were attached to the report.   RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE:   1.         Authorise the Director of Economic Development and Planning to engage with the Pathways to Planning program and establish whether RVBC would receive a salary bursary.   2.         Subject to confirmation of a salary bursary authorise the Director of Economic Development and Planning to seek to appoint a suitable candidate from the Program (would commence employment in September 2026) and refer the matter to Personal Committee to include the post temporarily within the establishment.

Date of Decision: November 27, 2025