Public Inquires and Appeals: preparing for a successful public inquiry
Course Overview
This two-day course is a 'must attend' for any practitioner who may need to give evidence as an expert witness on behalf of a local authority, the private sector or promoter of a development. Simulating the real life speed and pressure of an Inquiry or Appeal environment, the course provides all the key background knowledge and skills support to help delegates formulate and articulate their arguments both in written and spoken form, and also helping them to build on their existing professional experience to develop the core skills needed to demonstrate strong and persuasive arguments. The ability to negotiate and reach 'common ground' is also tested through the mock inquiry scenario. Whilst based around a planning appeal, the course is equally applicable to those preparing to appear at an inquiry/appeal and those involved in LDF/policy or 'roundtable 'style hearings.
The course is built around a mock inquiry for a major urban extension with its core purpose to develop the skills required in preparing and delivering robust and precise proofs of evidence. As close as possible to the 'real-life' scenario, delegates will also gain experience of the additional pressures imposed by speaking in public and dealing with cross-examination, and not forgetting the importance of making arguments clear and simple to understand so that all those present at the inquiry are on an 'equal footing'.
A unique part of this course is that each delegate will receive individual coaching and mentoring support during the course from our expert tutor, and will also receive a personal evaluation sheet and suggested development plan within one week of finishing the course, for them to reflect upon personally and to integrate into their professional development plan. Repeatedly we have received excellent feedback from local authority and private practice delegates, who have especially benefitted from the individual coaching and feedback given.
This summer, we are being hosted by the University of Gloucestershire at their modern campus in the Oxstalls part of the city with easy links to main line rail services and the M5. We'll be carrying out the training in the University's own Moot Court, so you will feel like you presenting in a real Council Chamber environment.
Who should attend
All those involved or potentially involved in the preparation and presentation of evidence at public inquires, hearings, appeals, commissions, and similar. They would include planning, highways, engineering and transport policy professionals as well as members of legal departments and chief executives' offices. This course is also suitable for those from public, private and community sector organisations that will be advocating their position at Inquiries or Informal Hearings.
Upcoming Dates
2-3 June 2026 - In-person in Gloucester
Email info@ptrc-training.co.uk for further information.