Examination of Witnesses (Questions 60-62)
MS LUCY
DE GROOT
AND MR
TED CANTLE
CBE
22 FEBRUARY 2005
Q60 Chairman: One final question. In
terms of training people to work in local government, does consultation
play a sufficient part in that? Do you think most civil engineers
know how to consult?
Ms de Groot: I have to say that
is a really good question, and I am not just saying that because
you are the chair.
Q61 Chairman: I was not asking whether
it was a good question, I was asking for a quick answer.
Ms de Groot: The answer is probably
no, but increasingly I do not think you can rise to a senior position
as a planner, engineer, environmental health officer or indeed
housing officer unless you have some skills of communication,
which is a backdrop to consultation, and an understanding of some
of the basic mechanisms of consultation. I think it will increasingly
become a requirement.
Q62 Chairman: It may be a requirement,
but is it in the training schemes that exist at the moment?
Ms de Groot: In some but not enough,
I would suggest.
Chairman: On that note, may I thank you
very much for your evidence.
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