Program Overview

Social Planning and Community Development Course

The Social Planning and Community Development course is designed to equip participants with increased knowledge of social planning and community development theory and practice. This course explores social planning and community development as applied to local government, focusing on the role of councils in responding to socioeconomic, political, and cultural trends.

Course Overview

The course covers key theory and good practice principles that underpin quality social planning and community development. It includes discussion of legislative and regulatory requirements, social justice principles, and the role of Quadruple Bottom Line thinking. Participants will learn about effective engagement and decision-making principles, as well as different types of planning and key considerations.

Course Outline

The course is comprised of four interlinked modules, each delivered over a day:

• Module 1: Introduction to Social Planning and Community Development: Covers the key theory and good practice principles that underpin quality social planning and community development.
• Module 2: Social Policy, Planning and Project Management: Introduces effective project management approaches to delivering quality social and community outcomes.
• Module 3: Social Planning Methods, Tools and Techniques: Covers specific approaches, tools, and techniques for working at the local level, with a focus on using evidence-based research and engagement techniques.
• Module 4: Place-Based Approaches, Measuring Impact and Influencing Decision Making: Applies the learning from the previous modules to place-based scenarios, including social planning and community development measurement, evaluation, and learning.

Key Benefits

By the completion of this course, participants should have:

• Increased knowledge and understanding of social planning and community development theory, good practice, and their role in decision-making
• Applied community development approaches to local scenarios
• Capacity to think strategically and practically about place and communities
• Acquired project planning methods, tools, and techniques that reflect social justice, ethics, and Quadruple Bottom Line concepts
• Analysed current challenges and barriers, plus personal views and values and their impact on professional practice
• Acquired skills in impactful communications and report writing relevant to social planning and community development decision-making

Course Delivery

This short course will be delivered as an interactive workshop consisting of an instructor-led lecture, group and individual activities. The training approach allows participants to work through concepts introduced by the trainer in an application-focused teaching environment.

Price and Discounts

• Full price: $3,089 (GST-free)
• Discounts are available for UTS staff, alumni, and students, including a 10% discount

Who is this Course For?

This course is suitable for social planners and councillors.

Lead Presenter

The course is led by Edwina Deakin, Associate Director, Research and Advisory at the UTS Institute for Public Policy and Governance. Edwina has extensive experience in commissioning, designing, and delivering service reviews and program evaluations for over 25 years. She holds a Masters degree in Social Science, Bachelor of Arts Honours degree, Graduate Diploma in Education, and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.