About

Planning Aid for Scotland (PAS) is an independent organisation, working across Scotland to help people shape their communities and improve the way people engage with the planning system. Planning is a vital public service and everyone in Scotland should be able to participate. PAS is here to provide everyone with the skills and information to engage positively with planning.

Recent reforms to the planning system in Scotland aim to make the system more inclusive, efficient and accessible. Everyone in Scotland should be able to participate in planning - but not all of us have the understanding and tools to do so. This is where PAS can help.

Unique
Our services are delivered by a network of more than 300 qualified and experienced volunteer planners. We also work with legal experts, communications specialists, community artists and others. They offer their time and specialist knowledge to enable everyone to gain the know-how and confidence to engage with Scotland’s planning system.

Volunteering is at the heart of the way we do business. Volunteer time and energy does not give us a cheap way of delivering products – on the contrary, it represents an investment which then generates added value to our unique products.

Impartial
As an independent organisation, impartiality is our most important guiding principle – one that we will not compromise. We deliver all our products with a professional and impartial approach.

For Everyone
PAS provides a wide range of products and services – from our free advice service to our tailored training products. PAS has developed services for everyone – planning professionals, local authorities, elected members, community councils, young people... and for members of the public who are simply interested in how their town or city is changing.



Key Facts

Planning Aid for Scotland
     promotes a more efficient planning process
     believes that everybody should be able to participate in the planning system
     works to empower by giving people the confidence and skills to engage effectively with planning, whilst building capacity in local communities
     is committed to social inclusion: we work with a wide range of individuals, communities and organisations across Scotland
     helps to deliver the Scottish Government’s commitment to equality and culture change in the way we go about planning in Scotland

A unique organisation
     Volunteering is at the heart of what we do
     PAS has achieved Investing In Volunteers status
     Our network of over 300 volunteers deliver our services
     15% of all planning professionals in Scotland are now PAS volunteers
     We are committed to providing continued after-care to all our clients

Recognition for PAS
     Shortlisted: Charity of the Year award at the SCVO Scottish Charity Awards 2011
     Highlighted as an example of ‘inspiring practice’ by Learning and Teaching Scotland (2011), in recognition of IMBY primary education programme
     Award: Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning (2007), in recognition of Planning to Act, youth education programme
     Award: Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning (2006), in recognition of Planning for People, training programme
     Award: Dynamic Places Award (2002), in recognition of Community Local Environment Awareness Raising (CLEAR) project.