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SP=EED® framework
SP=EED is a framework to support better engagement in planning and placemaking, devised and produced by Planning Aid Scotland. Download our free guide or join one of our training workshops.
What is SP=EED?
SP=EED is a recognised framework for best practice in community engagement. It provides a clear, structured approach to designing, delivering, and evaluating meaningful engagement with communities and stakeholders.
As well as our free guide, we also offer a community engagement skills training and verification programme – please scroll down for more information.
Why is it important?
Community engagement skills are essential for planners from all sectors, and for people working in related fields. The current planning reform process – led by the Scottish Government – emphases the importance of early and effective engagement, making SP=EED particularly relevant.
The framework is referred to in the Scottish Government Planning Advice Note 3/2010: Community Engagement and it complements the more general National Standards for Community Engagement.
How does it work?
The SP=EED framework is built around:
- Three levels of engagement: informing, consulting, and partnership
- Eight practical criteria: transparency and integrity, co-ordination, information, appropriateness, responsiveness, inclusiveness, monitoring and evaluating, and learning and sharing
This gives practitioners practical tools to plan, implement, and assess effective engagement activities.
Community Engagement Skills Training
This is an interactive workshop on community engagement and how to use the SP=EED framework. Our trainers bring extensive community engagement and facilitation expertise to help develop your skills, knowledge, and confidence as a community engagement practitioner.
Key benefits
- Learn how to undertake meaningful engagement that achieves positive outcomes for communities and projects alike.
- Discover useful tips and practical tools to help you lead your engagement work with confidence and ease.
- Engage in a range of different learning techniques to think creatively about engagement.
- Connect with fellow engagement practitioners, share experiences, and learn from each other in a safe, collaborative setting.
Upcoming training dates
Sessions run several times each year, but can also be commissioned on an organisational basis.
- To be alerted to when additional future dates are announced, please email sp=eed@pas.org.uk
SP=EED Verification
SP=EED Verification accesses an individual’s competence in using the SP=EED approach to engagement. It is particularly relevant for planners and those who engage with planning and placemaking.
After attending the Community Engagement Skills Training (see above), you will prepare a written reflective-learning submission based on an engagement process in which you applied SP=EED principles. Throughout the process, you will be supported by a mentoring approach from a dedicated Planning Aid Scotland staff member.
On completion, we provide verification that you are qualified in using the SP=EED approach when planning, delivering, and assessing engagement.
Key benefits
- Develop a greater hands-on understanding of SP=EED and its practical application.
- Build your confidence as a community engagement practitioner while being supported by a Planning Aid Scotland staff member.
- Explore how to use effective and creative engagement tools to suit different scenarios presented by your own project.
- Have your approach to engagement verified by independent planning and engagement professionals.
SP=EED Verification for your organisation
SP=EED Verification can also be commissioned on an organisational basis as in-house training and skills development. If you are interested, please contact us at sp=eed@pas.org.uk to discuss.
“Great to be able to get another member of the Affric team through the SP=EED training. Having used the framework for years now, we would highly recommend it.”
– Fiona Henderson, Managing Director at Affric