NIPA Early Years Practitioners Launch

I am delighted to announce the introduction of NIPA Early Years Practitioners (EYPs)

Further to the initiative in organising and holding in October 2021 what was promoted as the first ‘NIPA Nippers’ event and then the interest group that has been started to progress the idea, current members of the interest group have met with myself and discussed their ideas. The interest group prepared and put forward a proposal to the NIPA Board which has resulted in this launch.

What could and should the NIPA Early Years Practitioners do?

Create an accessible way into NIPA and provide opportunities for EYPs to develop their knowledge of infrastructure planning and network with those working in the area. Activity is to principally be focussed around organising events, ranging from training and learning sessions and themed seminars to study tours, networking and engagement/outreach sessions and socials. We also plan to incorporate career development and mentoring opportunities and involvement with those in education, to support those in their professional career and development journey. The interest group can also be a way of developing a future pipeline of engaged potential members of NIPA. First events

To get this initiative started and to gain interest, the interest group are organising two initial events. The first will be a social event to be held at ‘The Editor’s Tap’ London, on Wednesday 11^th May 2022 from 6pm and booking will open soon. The second event will be a training knowledge sharing event on a date to be advised.

How will membership of NIPA EYPs be structured?

All NIPA EYPs will be NIPA members but anyone involved in and interested in infrastructure planning and who is in their first 10 years of practice will have a reduced NIPA membership fee open to them of £40 per annum instead of the standard £75 per annum[1]. There will also be a discretionary nil cost that can be applied for, where cost is considered to be prohibitive to membership.

How will it be organised and led?

The Board proposes that a Steering Group is set up and appointed by the Board with the aim of engaging up to 10 early years practitioner members.

The Steering Group should aim to have a mix of people and sectors/professions to represent diversity of involvement in National Infrastructure Planning. The Steering Group will plan and lead activities and provide the interface with the NIPA Board, Council and wider membership, including reporting to the NIPA Board.

Specific roles within the Steering Group are initially proposed as:

• Chair (refreshed annually)
• Vice Chair (refreshed annually)
• Finance and Funding
• Events and Administration
• Social Media Co-ordinator/Editor
• Up to 5 other members ideally including a range of representative members.

Jan Bessell – Board Chair April 2022

[1] Applies from 1 June 2022 renewal date