New PDS Advice Notes on Data & Public Engagement

Following discussion with PDS Managers and feedback from the PDS Reviewers, two new PDS Advice Notes have been published.

The first, 20/1, clarifies the requirement to achieve Proficiency (working without supervision) in PDS Data Units.  This is the only Proficiency requirement in the PDS.  The original unit was designed before some of the recent developments in gathering data, for example related to mobile phone tracking or camera based systems.  The Advice Note makes clear that new methods of data collection, validating and analysing can be used instead of the more traditional surveys such as roadside interviews or counts.

It also clarifies the point that a range of methods need to be used to achieve Experience (working with some supervision) but that only one example for each unit needs to be at Proficiency level.  The Advice Note can be accessed here.

For public engagement, Advice Note 20/2 sets out a clear definition of the different groups who need to be consulted: members of the general public; community groups; and other stakeholders with specific interests.  This has been produced in response to trainee and mentor request for clarification and can be accessed here.

Keith Buchan, TPS Skills Director, said:

“We need to be aware of the rapidly changing face of data collection and analysis and make sure the PDS reflects this.  We are awaiting revisions to the TPP on this subject (and others) later this year.  In the mean time, this is a good example of how the Advice Note approach can ensure the PDS is fully up to date in terms of the work trainees now undertake.”