The IHT/TPS Transport Planning Professional Qualification Derek Palmer

The Presentation Overview of the Transport Planning Professional – TPP - Qualification Experience to date

Overview of the Transport Planning Professional - TPP Qualification

Aim of the Qualification The aim is to provide Transport Planners with clearly identified routes to an industry-recognised qualification: Transport Planning Professional (= to CEng)

TPP – The Basis Technical requirements (Section A): based directly on the TPS Professional Standards/NOS Generic requirements (Section B): based directly on the IHT CEng Candidates are required to demonstrate certain levels of competence to achieve the qualification

Competence Levels AAwarenessa general understanding of a particular area, including an appreciation of its relevance KKnowledgean understanding of how a requirement can be satisfied, in addition to a general awareness EExperiencean ability to carry out work under supervision, with the underpinning knowledge PProficiencyan ability to carry out work without supervision and to supervise others, based on both experience and the underpinning knowledge

Member of IHT or TPS Professional Experience UK Transport Masters degree that covers the ‘TPP knowledge requirements’? Submit Portfolio of Evidence Attend Professional Review Interview TPP Awarded UK Honours Degree? Structured graduate training/professional development scheme for transport planners? Submit Portfolio of Technical Knowledge Submit Technical Report No Yes Routes to the TPP qualification

The Core TPP requirements Section A: Technical Skills 10 units Section B: Generic Skills 3 units

Section A: Technical Units A1: Working within the policy context of transport planning A2: Applying laws and regulations in transport planning A3: Data A4: Models A5: Assessment A6: Stakeholder engagement. A7: Developing strategic and master plans for transport A8: Applying the principles of transport systems design A9: Travel Planning A10: Commercial and operational management of transport systems

Section A: Requirements TopicUnit Mandatory Minimum Standard Options A1Working within the policy contextEP A2Applying laws and regulationsEP A3DataP A4ModelsEP A5AssessmentEP A6Stakeholder engagementP A7 Developing Strategic and Masterplans for Transport E or P A8Principles of Transport System Design E or P A9Travel Planning E or P A10 Commercial and operational Management of Transport Systems E or P

Section A: Rules for Options Mandatory: P – data & stakeholder engagement E – policy, laws, models, assessment Options: 3 at P level & 1 at E level P – not data or stakeholder engagement E – not policy, laws, models, assessment P – not both models and assessment A - for all Units K - for all Units for which E or P is claimed

Section B: Generic Units B1: Professional leadership B2: Interpersonal skills B3: Commitment and personal conduct All at Proficiency level

Section B: Professional Leadership Plan, negotiate, resource and secure agreement to the development of a project Plan, budget, organise, direct and monitor tasks and resources that contribute to the delivery of a project Understand how continuous improvement in service delivery can be secured Be aware of the implications of the management imperatives and systems of the organisation Understand the ingredients of effective teams, apply and monitor some measures in the workplace that improve performance

Section B: Interpersonal Skills Communicate fluently in written and oral expression with a wide range of other people, in English Participate in focussed discussions about technical matters Prepare and present technical reports to senior personnel and the public Understand the principles of client and customer care Understand negotiation skills Play an active part in building and maintaining an effective team Issue clear and accurate instructions to subordinates

Section B: Commitment and Personal Conduct Understand and comply with the Code of Conduct of their professional institution or society Work constructively within all relevant legislation and regulatory frameworks Undertake technical work in a manner that complies with the codes of practice on risk and the environment Undertake transport planning activities in a way that contributes to sustainable development Undertake and record professional development to a minimum of 25 hours a year, in accordance with a current Personal Development Plan covering the next two years, and monitor output

Portfolio of Technical Knowledge The Portfolio of Technical Knowledge route is for candidates with a UK Honours degree but who –do not have a transport Masters or – have not completed a structured graduate training scheme Requires evidence of the knowledge required for the Mandatory Technical (Section A) Units and two of the Optional Units

Technical Report The Technical Report route is for candidates without a UK Honours degree It provides evidence of candidate’s learning outcomes – knowledge - in the technical areas covered by the qualification

Portfolio of Evidence Content Professional Review application form Authenticated, passport-sized photograph CV and organisational chart Project synopsis – or up to 3 synopses Competence Record Forms –13 –500 words per unit –Possible support material in Appendices Continuing Professional Development Record Professional Development Plan

Competence Record Form

The Professional Review Interview - 1 Interview allows candidates to demonstrate they have achieved required level of competence and commitment Interview is conducted by two trained reviewers who are experienced transport planners Reviewers will read the Portfolio of Evidence prior to interview

Professional Review Interview - 2 Interview allows experience and attainments to be clarified so that reviewers can have full confidence that required level of competence has been demonstrated A review interview normally lasts minutes and starts with a minute presentation by the candidate on a project/s outlined in the synopsis Candidates may use an A3 or A4 flip chart or their own laptop to make the presentation, and/or bring illustrative materials such as charts, drawings, photographs and calculations

Typical review 75 mins long 15 mins presentation on one main project 15 mins questions on presentation project 30 mins questions on Portfolio focussing on “P” level 15 mins questions on Generic skills etc Allow candidate to add information at end/ ask questions

Key Personnel Reviewers: –trained and experienced transport planners –review portfolio Assessors: –trained and experienced transport planners –evaluate potential of the technical report to be a sufficiently rigorous academic test

Mentors Mentors are critical friends Mentors: –advise on the preparation of the Portfolio of Evidence –comment on final Portfolio drafts –advise on interview presentation, style and technique –authenticate CPD records The mentor must not contribute to the content of the report nor will the mentor be involved in the assessment process

TPP Documents The Overview, Requirements and Routes The Technical Report The Portfolio of Technical Knowledge The Portfolio of Evidence and Professional Review All available at

Fees for 2009 Portfolio of Technical Knowledge £200 Technical Report £200 Professional Review –£100 registration fee –£350 interview fee Senior Route £100 Annual registration fee £12

Dates for 2009 Professional Reviews November – Portfolios of Evidence to be submitted by 2 October Portfolios of Technical Knowledge and Technical Reports can be submitted at any time

Experience to date 2008 – two pilots Some candidates via senior route 2009 – May reviews completed & December to come Welcome applicants via any route

Progress 53 candidates so far Over 30 successful candidates Pass rate over 60%

Common failings Poor understanding of TPP requirements Insufficient breadth of experience demonstrated Poor understanding of reports submitted Using PowerPoint for presentation Appendices being too long Circulating detailed reports on day Lack of confidence answering questions Not discussing submission with mentor Not practising presentation with mentor

Benefits of TPP Professional recognition as a qualified, professional transport planner: –among clients –in public –with potential employers –at public inquiries Focus for career development Possible salary increase

Further information on the TPP qualification and at