Return to Planning Programme Evaluation Report

This document describes an evaluation of the Return to Planning (RtP) programme, designed to support professionals returning to work in the planning sector after career breaks, particularly due to caring responsibilities. Managed by the Local Government Association for the Government Equalities Office, the programme aimed to recruit up to 90 individuals and provide training and support, adapting to an online format due to COVID-19. The evaluation used online surveys, application forms, governance reporting, and case study feedback, finding that while the programme fell short of recruitment targets and faced challenges in matching participants with employment opportunities, participant feedback was positive, with increased confidence and satisfaction reported. Key recommendations include clearer eligibility criteria, introductory pathways for upskilling, flexible support, and more engagement with councils for employment opportunities. Despite limitations such as small sample sizes and limited council feedback, the programme showed potential interest in transferring skills into new professions with appropriate training. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: Government Equalities Office (GEO)
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Process evaluation
• Process methods: Surveys and polling
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: March 2022

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Links to published evaluations (DEBUGGING): No final report link found.
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes