The Neighbourhood Planning Independent Examiner Referral Service (NPIERS) is a cost-efficient service which supports the neighbourhood planning process by providing quick and easy access to impartial and highly qualified examiners on an 'as needed' basis. It also provides clarity on how much an examination will cost.
What is NPIERS?
Communities are able to produce Neighbourhood Plans for their local area, putting in place planning policies for the future development and growth of the neighbourhood. This puts communities centre-stage, encouraging collaboration on planning at the neighbourhood level.
A number of industry bodies came together to develop the Neighbourhood Planning Independent Examiner Referral Service (NPIERS) which provides access to expert, impartial examiners when needed and is designed to support communities through this process. This resource has been designed by the following organisations, with support from the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG):
Communities and local authorities can make applications to NPIERS free of charge to obtain an Independent Examiner from a panel of highly competent professionals. We use professionals who are highly qualified and regulated by professional bodies.
You are able to apply for two services:
- A pre-submission health check review of your neighbourhood plan.
- A referral of an Examiner to undertake the examination of your neighbourhood plan.
By using NPIERS, you are guaranteed:
- Access to highly professional, independent Examiners with a wide range of skills, knowledge and expertise specifically related to neighbourhood planning.
- An accessible service with guaranteed high levels of knowledge, professional standards and integrity.
- An application service designed to determine the amount of time an Examiner is likely to spend on the examination, and as you will know their daily rate, you will have a clear idea of the cost and time commitments involved.
NPERS Guidance to service users and examiners
NPIERS Information guide
NPIERS Criteria for membership
Why use NPIERS?
The Service, which is managed and administered by RICS provides cost-efficient, quick and easy access to impartial and highly qualified examiners on an “as needed” basis.
You are able to apply to NPIERS for a pre-submission Health Check review of the neighbourhood plan, or for the referral of Examiners who are able to undertake the examination of the neighbourhood plan.
There is a set fee for Examiners, which provides transparency and clarity on how much an examination will cost. A real benefit of the service is that you only pay for the time you use the examiner, there are no retainer or other employment costs normally incurred by employing an expert or a consultant.
The benefits of using NPIERS:
- NPIERS provides quick and simple access to an independent Examiner who has been trained, assessed, interviewed and is regularly monitored by RICS and RTPI.
- NPIERS is supported by DCLG, which has contributed to the training and reassessment of the Independent Examiners.
- NPIERS gives you access to information and guidance on the process, and gives easy access to qualified Examiners who are knowledgeable on planning issues.
- NPIERS is administered by RICS, who provide a range of services including complaints handling and a free appointment service.
- NPIERS has a dedicated point of contact, providing consistency and confidence in the service.
NPIERS Examiners
RICS manages the appointment of NPIERS Examiners. The Examiners are professionals drawn from across the planning professions, and have specific skills and expertise in neighbourhood planning.
NPIERS ensures that Examiners:
- Have the necessary qualifications, expertise and knowledge to undertake specific tasks.
- Are able to work within timescales and other criteria required by the communities and local authorities.
- Are free from financial or other conflicts of interest in the outcome of the examination.
- Have appropriate professional indemnity insurance to undertake the relevant tasks.
- Maintain CPD through ongoing quality training and education.
- Are continually monitored and undergo reassessment to ensure they maintain performance and standards.
If, after an appointment is made, the Examiner is unable to undertake the task as required (for example, due to sickness), as soon as NPIERS becomes aware of the problem, it will endeavour to appoint another Examiner as quickly as possible.
