Course structure
This course is comprised of four interlinked modules, each delivered over a day's duration.
Module 1: Introduction to social planning and community development
This module covers the key theory and good practice principles that underpin quality social planning and community development. It includes discussion of:
- Legislative and Regulatory Requirements, including local government IP&R issues
- Social justice principles and the role of Quadruple Bottom Line thinking
- Effective engagement and decision making principles
- Different types of planning and key considerations including common community, recreational and infrastructure activities, plus safety, local conflicts, and crisis management.
Module 2: Social policy, planning and project management
This module introduces effective project management approaches to delivering quality social and community outcomes. It includes discussion of:
- Practice and management of specific social planning and community development activities
- Introduction to social planning research
- Introduction to effective stakeholder engagement
- Working with communities and managing change in a dynamic environment.
Module 3: Social planning methods, tools and techniques
This module covers specific approaches, tools and techniques for working at the local level, with specific reference to using evidence based research and engagement techniques. It includes discussion of:
- Designing, implementing and managing one off or ongoing social planning or community development initiatives
- Common data sources and how to use in community focused social research.
Module 4: Place based approaches, measuring impact and influencing decision making
This module will draw together the theory and practice across the three previous modules and applies the learning to place-based scenarios. It includes discussion of:
- Social Planning and Community Development measurement, evaluation and learning
- Community Indicators
- Communicating with Impact and writing for decision makers.
Learning outcomes
After completing this course, participants should have:
- Increased knowledge and understanding of social planning and community development theory, good practice and their role in decision making
- Applied community development approaches - such as social impact assessment, social infrastructure analysis, ‘Safety by Design’, and stakeholder engagement - to local scenarios
- Capacity to think strategically and practically about place and communities, using social, cultural, economic, environmental, and leadership drivers of change, working collaboratively with colleagues with colleagues and other professions
- Acquired project planning methods, tools and techniques that reflect social justice, ethics and Quadruple Bottom Line concepts required in local government settings
- Analysed current challenges and barriers, plus personal views and values and their impact on professional practice
- Learned skills in impactful communications and report writing relevant to social planning and community development decision making.
Price
Full price: $2,990 (GST-free)*
*Price subject to change. Please check price at time of purchase.
Course delivery
This short course will be delivered as an interactive workshop consisting of an instructor-led lecture, group and individual activities. This training approach allows participants to work through concepts introduced by the trainer in an application-focused teaching environment. Participants will challenge their understanding of the concepts and consider their application once back in their individual workplace.
In-house training solutions
Social Planning and Community Development can also be customised and/or delivered in-house. Find out more.
Enrolment conditions
Course purchase is subject to UTS Open Terms and Conditions.
COVID-19 information
UTS is undertaking a number of social distancing initiatives, as informed by NSW Health advice, to help reduce social interactions in support of the government’s efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. As part of this response, some of our short courses may be postponed to a later date.
Please note however, bookings are open for all courses offered by the Institute for Public Policy and Governance (IPPG). If a course needs to be postponed, participants will have the chance to transfer to a later date, a new course or request a full refund. IPPG will also be offering a range of online or blended learning options facilitated via Zoom video conferencing. If you have any questions in the interim, please do not hesitate to contact our team at ippg.learning@uts.edu.au
