PAS welcomes Helen Robertson to the board of directors

Sept. 23, 2011 - PRLog -- Date: 23 September 2011
Embargo: Immediate
Contact: David McAllister, Communications Officer
Telephone: 0131 220 9734 / 07595 995268
E-mail: davidm@planningaidscotland.org.uk
Web: www.planningaidscotland.org.uk

http://www.planningaidscotland.org.uk/news_more.asp?news_id=41¤t_id=1

PAS welcomes Helen Robertson to the board of directors at 2011 AGM

Planning Aid for Scotland (PAS) welcomed its newest member to the board of directors at its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 22nd September.

Helen Robertson, External Relations Consultant at Reform Scotland joins the board of directors, bringing with her considerable expertise in public affairs and communications.

Helen Robertson: “I’m delighted to be joining the board of this vibrant and enthusiastic organisation. I look forward to working closely with the committed board and staff at Planning Aid for Scotland. The year ahead is full of opportunity to further the unique work that PAS and its volunteers do right across Scotland, helping people to engage positively with planning. ”

Ian Angus, PAS Chair: “We are very confident that Helen will bring valuable skills and experience into the mix. We welcome her on board.”

Petra Biberbach, Chief Executive, thanked those board members who had completed their period of service on the board:
“Several of PAS’ longest serving volunteers and board members are moving on.  Nick Wright, Alan Pollock, Sarah McIntosh and Jackie Scutt have shown unparalleled commitment over the years. We thank them for their hard work and wish them all the best for the future.”

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. Through our unique network of over 300 volunteers, we are here to provide everyone with the skills and information to engage positively with planning.

ENDS





Notes to Editors


Helen Robertson - biography
http://reformscotland.com/about/our-people/helen-robertson


About Planning Aid for Scotland

Planning Aid for Scotland (PAS) is an independent organisation, working across Scotland to improve the way people engage with the planning system. Planning is a vital public service and everyone in Scotland should be able to participate effectively and efficiently. PAS is here to provide everyone with the skills and information to engage positively with planning. As an independent organisation, impartiality is our most important guiding principle – one that we will not compromise.

ü  PAS enables individuals, communities and business start-ups to participate in a more efficient planning process
ü  PAS helps to deliver the Scottish Government’s commitment to equality and culture change in the way we go about planning in Scotland

Planning advice helpline: 0845 603 7602
www.planningaidscotland.org.uk

What do we mean by ‘planning’?

Terms such as 'planning', 'the planning system' and 'planning process' are about deciding how land is used in our towns, cities and the countryside. This includes a wide range of things - from home extensions, micro-renewable projects, building schools, shopping centres, roads, skate parks, new towns and windfarms to protecting public open spaces like playing fields, leisure centres and listed buildings. These activities in the ‘built environment’ are known as 'development' and often require planning permission.

Planning decides where development should happen, where it shouldn't and how it affects and fits into its surroundings. The planning system is essential for economic growth, protecting the environment, promoting sustainability and improving quality of life for all of us.

Scotland has recently undergone the biggest reform to its planning system for 60 years, with a strong emphasis on community engagement. Find out more about the planning system: www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/281542/0084999.pdf.

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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.