Landscape InstituteI DECEMBER 2020
Landscape Institute entry standards and competency framework – Additional landscape competencies
BACKGROUNDLandscape Institute PAPER entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 1 Chartered Member – Competency Requirements
Additional Landscape Competencies Level A Expert Members will be required to meet a selection of these competencies based on their knowledge and experience Level B Accomplished Level C Able Level D Understanding All applicants All applicants for chartered membership must achieve Arboriculture all Core Landscape Competencies and five Additional and Landscape Competencies (16 competencies in total) woodland to the following levels: 9 competencies to Level B (this must include Contract administration Sustainability, Climate and Resilience) and; 7 competencies to Level C Contract management Choices must: Be no more than 1 from: Design Design – garden – landscape • Contract administration (must be taken to level B by (all sectors) anyone wishing to work as a Contract Administrator) • Contract management Design Digital And no more than 2 from: – public realm technologies • Design – garden • Design – landscape Education and Funding • Design – public realm knowledge exchange and finance
Habitats and Heritage Chartered Landscape Architect Pathway species landscapes/places Subject to the requirements for all applicants those wishing to use the title Chartered Landscape Architect must Landscape Landscape construction assessment (materials and systems) include in their choices: A minimum of 1 at Level B from: Landscape Landscape Landscape planning • Design – garden ecology engineering and/or policy • Design – landscape • Design – public realm Landscapes/places and Management of Master people (including tourism) landscapes Planning A minimum of 2 (at Level B or C ) from: Natural resources and Parks Place • Contract administration or Contract management ecosystems services management management • Landscape assessment • Landscape construction (materials and systems) Planting and Procurement and Protected • Landscape planning and/or policy horticulture tendering landscapes/places • Master planning • Planting and horticulture Soil management, Visualisation and Water • Procurement and tendering conservation and improvement photography management • Visualisation and photography • Water management Common across all landscape sectors, these competencies define the unique nature of our profession. All future members will be required to meet them at some level.
Creative problem Healthy Inclusive Landscapes solving places environments as systems Core Landscape competencies Other Landscape Physical and social Planning, legal, specialisms context of sites/ policy and regulatory and industry structure places/landscapes compliance
Quality of Research Stakeholder and/or Sustainability, Climate landscape and analysis community engagement and Resilience
These competencies are common across all professional sectors. Professional competencies Communication, negotiation, Data Digital Economic systems influencing and engagement management practice and context Members need to achieve all competencies at levels indicated: Equality and Governance of societies Health and Management of organisations diversity (legal and political) safety and services Level B Level C People management Professional judgement, Project Team working and Level D and leadership ethics and values management collaboration
2 Technician – Competency Requirements
Additional Landscape Competencies Members will be required to meet a selection of these competencies Level A Expert based on their knowledge and experience Level B Accomplished Level C Able Level D Understanding All applicants All applicants for Technician Membership must achieve all the Core Landscape Competencies and either one or Arboriculture two Additional Landscape Competencies to the following and woodland levels: 7 to Level D Contract AND EITHER: administration 5 to Level C (which must include Sustainability, Climate and Resilience) Contract OR: management 1 to Level B and 3 to Level C (one of the Level C choices must be Sustainability, Climate and Resilience) Design Design – garden – landscape Choices must: (all sectors) Be no more than 1 from: • Contract administration (must be taken to level B Design Digital by anyone wishing to work as a Contract Administrator) – public realm technologies • Contract management Education and Funding And no more than 1 from: knowledge exchange and finance • Design – garden • Design – landscape Habitats and Heritage • Design – public realm species landscapes/places
Landscape Landscape construction assessment (materials and systems)
Landscape Landscape Landscape planning ecology engineering and/or policy
Landscapes/places and Management of Master people (including tourism) landscapes Planning
Natural resources and Parks Place ecosystems services management management
Planting and Procurement and Protected horticulture tendering landscapes/places
Soil management, Visualisation and Water conservation and improvement photography management
Common across all landscape sectors, these competencies define the unique nature of our profession. All future members will be required to meet them at some level.
Creative problem Healthy Inclusive Landscapes solving places environments as systems
Core Landscape Other Landscape Physical and social Planning, legal, competencies specialisms context of sites/ policy and regulatory and industry structure places/landscapes compliance
Quality of Research Stakeholder and/or Sustainability, Climate landscape and analysis community engagement and Resilience
These competencies are common across all professional sectors. Professional competencies Communication, negotiation, Data Digital Economic systems influencing and engagement management practice and context Members need to achieve all competencies at levels indicated: Equality and Governance of societies Health and Professional judgement, diversity (legal and political) safety ethics and values Level D Project Team working and Level C management collaboration Plus one from the list to Level C 3 Additional Landscape Competencies (in alphabetical order)
Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Arboriculture Recognises the importance Understands the underlying Can work within a team Has a proven track Is an authority on the and woodland of trees and woodland principles, legislation and and contribute to the record of delivering integration of landscape as part of both urban best practice of tree and delivery of projects relevant projects. Can level thinking in tree and and rural landscapes woodland management. requiring tree and provide leadership and woodland management. including their ecological, Recognises the social and woodland management. supervision in the delivery Promotes and educates economic, socio-cultural environmental benefits Independently make of complex schemes on the functions, benefits and aesthetic roles. of trees and factors decisions on basic working alongside other and integration of trees Considers the principles which influence their planning and management professionals. Evaluates and woodland within the of silviculture, including management. to consider common and offers critical and urban and rural landscape. species selection according influencing factors strategic thinking in Provides strategic level to site conditions, artificial situations with unique and advice to national bodies. and natural regeneration uncommon factors. of woodlands and interventions. Creates management plans. To be competent you will Demonstrate Can: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate understanding of: • Work with assistance • Demonstrate a track • Contribute to new that in relation to your • The significance of as part of a project team record of successful and research and thinking landscape specialism you: legislation regarding the including specialists to relevant projects on management of trees protection of trees and determine appropriate • Lead and supervise a and woodland woodland management of existing project team engaged • Advise on the • Key principles of policy trees and woodland in the planning and formulation of standards, and best practice for • Make decisions on management of existing policy and/or best trees and woodland in species selection for a trees and woodland practice at a national the planning process range of basic sites and • Formulate complex and/or international level • The varying functions climates planting schemes • Provide training and and services that trees • Effectively plan projects which balance a range guidance to others on the and woodland offer involving trees and of objectives and appropriate management within a range of settings woodland with regard to constraints and planting of trees and and contexts relevant legislation and • Oversee and ensure woodland • A range of common processes compliance with required • Use the position of an tree species and • Seek and appoint legislation, standards expert to promote the characteristics specialist consultants and best practice benefits of trees and • The importance of when appropriate, • Communicate and woodland to society and correct species choice including sourcing and demonstrate an the environment and planting specification evaluating proposals understanding of • Provide expert advice for trees and woodland • Specify appropriate complex tree and on the changing role within a range of settings planting specifications woodland matters to a of tree management in • The presence and for trees within hard and range of stakeholders the context of climate significance of pests and soft landscapes • Bring together change diseases on trees and • Make more complex associated disciplines woodland decisions on correct (ecology, water • Biosecurity in the species and planting to management etc.) to management, sourcing meet varying objectives formulate joined up and planting of trees and within a range of management plans contexts considering the needs • The role and limitations and objectives of other of the landscape • Contribute to the disciplines professional and the formation of tree roles of specialist and woodland • Supervise and formulate consultants within planting schemes and schemes for woodland arboriculture and forestry management plans creation • Principles of the • Make decisions on • Develop and implement relationship between tree species selection and tree and woodland species, site and climatic planting with regard strategies conditions (both present to current and future and projected future) climatic threats, pests and diseases. • The fundamental differences and specific requirements between the planting and management of individual trees and woodlands TECHNICIAN • PYRAMID The presence and potential application CHARTERED of tree and woodland MEMBER PYRAMID valuation tools
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 4 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Contract Administers projects Demonstrates an Contributes to the fair and Shows the ability to Is a recognised authority administration ensuring the correct understanding of impartial administration of administer contractual on contract administration contractual procedures contractual processes and contract processes and can processes competently processes and fair, effective need for fair and impartial solve arising issues. and deals effectively with administrative practices administration. arising issues are followed and that the contract is accurately and completely recorded from inception to completion. Deals with insurances, contract instructions, variations, practical completion and defects. To be competent you will Demonstrate Can: Can: Are called upon: need to demonstrate understanding of: • Demonstrate a clear • Independently set up • As a recognised that in relation to your • Contract processes understanding of the and act as contract expert on contract landscape specialism you: and the importance of need for an impartial administrator for more administration impartial and effective and effective process complex contracts • To provide expert procedures and implement this in • Deal effectively with any advice on contract • The role of the contract practice contractual issues arising administration administrator from • Contribute to the work of and advise other parties • To provide training for conception to completion a contract administrator on resolution others on simple contracts • The duties of all parties • Administer and record • To advise on best • The different forms of • Identify the appropriate fair and effective practice contract and associated form of contract contracts documents • Liaise with contractors • Make reasoned • The need for insurances throughout process to judgements on and other documents answer queries and contractual issues resolve issues • The requirements of • Ensure all relevant relevant regulations • Demonstrate ability to regulation requirements deal with instructions, are fulfilled variations, simple valuations and completion certificates • Record and monitor the TECHNICIAN contract efficiently and PYRAMID clearly CHARTERED • Advise on relevant MEMBER PYRAMID regulation requirements
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 5 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Contract Manages contracts from Demonstrates a broad Able to manage small to Leads on complex and Is an authority on contract management creation through execution understanding of the medium scale contracts large-scale contracts and management and delivers to completion. Undertakes importance of contract as the dedicated contract evaluates and reports on complex contracts performance analysis management and manager outcomes Develops innovative against the contract terms contributes to wider Monitors contracts from solutions to maximise operational management of contracts the inception to practical and financial performance eg member of a project completion and identifies and team with a defined Manages project budgets mitigates financial and purpose or outcome effectively and assists reputational risk through in evaluating contract non-compliance with outcomes contract terms. To be competent you will Demonstrate Can: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate understanding of: • Implement and • Undertake analysis in • Produce / contribute to that in relation to your • The needs of the facilitate the necessary relation to mapping and sector specific guidance landscape specialism you: contract, its purpose and communication and improving the necessary or publications desired outcomes reporting lines interactions between • Share your contract • Risk assessment • Establish the necessary core business functions, management expertise processes leadership, teams and customers and suppliers with others • The role of a contract effective delegation of • Encourage • Train / mentor others in manager responsibility communication and contract management willingness to share • Types of contracts • Encourage teamwork, • Project Sponsor of large- knowledge and available for landscape networking, scale projects responsiveness, ethical, information projects • Act as an authority on emphatic and social • Facilitate openness to • Conflict avoidance and a range of forms of thinking constructive feedback dispute resolution contracts and contract without emotional bias • Be open-minded towards management other business functions • Be outcome-oriented, and cultures, and and reach compromise understand their goals, between different techniques, methods and interests cultures • Manage large and • Construct an evaluation complex contracts framework for contracts • Use tact and diplomacy • Manage contractors, to resolve contract consultants, senior users disputes and negotiate changes where applicable • Deal with conflict where it arises • Monitor and evaluate TECHNICIAN contracts / undertake PYRAMID performance analysis CHARTERED • Undertake risk MEMBER PYRAMID assessments
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 6 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Design – garden Formulates/interprets Demonstrates an Takes a proactive role Has a repertoire of Is a recognised authority project briefs. Blends understanding of the with clients in creating designs that is both on garden design creative and artistic artistic and scientific and sometimes overseeing large and diverse with skills with a scientific knowledge bases that construction of designs many different site types understanding of comprise the craft of that demonstrate not and scales, including horticulture, plants and garden design, primarily just comprehensive designs that involve major materials to create and focused on small-scale, understanding but engineering/construction/ represent proposals for the residential sites ie single originality of thought. reshaping of a site. design of gardens. family homes. To be competent you will Understand: Can: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate • Client communication • Develop original ideas • Show a recognisable, • Collaborate with that in relation to your and expectations, • Go beyond a basic site distinctive design style architects or urban landscape specialism you: following the client’s analysis to identify a • Work on prominent planners on complex expressed desires site’s hidden potential projects projects interfacing architecture/streets • How to read and use • Demonstrate a • Develop designs that with garden the language of visual distinctive, recognisable involve technical issues graphics that depicts style in visual graphics in site contour planning, • Mentor and support landscape elements, early-career garden • Select plants that meet hardscape construction, whether by hand or designers all appropriate aesthetic or other aspects computer-aided design and horticultural criteria • Provide initial design • Publish designs or write • How to analyze a site but also expand the site’s concepts for support about design theory and accurately read scope and possibilities staff to finalize technical in magazines/books/ conditions of light, water, electronic media • Use a creative eye in renderings soil quality, climate, etc. selection of hardscaping, • Design original structures • Provide advice as a • Basic aesthetic fencing, water features, or elements for gardens, recognised authority on and horticultural and other non-plant such as water features garden design considerations for plant elements • Prepare complex selection designs of a clearly TECHNICIAN • PYRAMID Correct, practical identifiable style. selection of non-plant CHARTERED materials such as MEMBER PYRAMID hardscaping, fences, etc.
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 7 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Design – Formulates/interprets Demonstrates an Contributes to the Formulates project / design Is a recognised authority landscape project briefs. Creates and understanding of project / formulation of project / briefs. Manages the design on landscape design, called represents proposals for design briefs. Conversant design briefs. Creatively process and creatively upon to provide advice on (all sectors the design, planning or with the principles and involved in the design carries out the required all aspects of design. including management of landscape process of landscape process and various stages design tasks at the various housing, play, projects, including verbal design. / levels from concept stages / levels from sport and and visual representation, through to detailed design. concept through to detailed recreation) two and three dimensional design. and temporal contexts. Presentation of design proposals to a range of professional and lay audiences. To be competent you will Understand: Can: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate • Landscape design • Work to a project / • Interpret objectives • Provide expert advice on that in relation to your principles and process design brief and formulate project / landscape design landscape specialism you: • A project / design brief • Contribute to the design design briefs • Chair collaborative/ • Various design stages process including • Manage the design enabling panels or from concept to detailed preparation of materials process effectively committees design for design review panel including presenting to • Train / mentor others collaborative/enabling • Budgetary / financial • Execute design tasks on the various aspects panels or committees constraints under supervision at of landscape design various stages • Creatively execute including CPD initiatives. • Industry standard tools / design tasks at various resources • Contribute to managing • Provide expert budgetary / financial stages contribution to • The importance of constraints • Manage and work within creative and technical effective communication budgetary / financial developments in of designs (verbal and • Use industry standard constraints landscape design visual) tools / resources • Strikes the right balance • Advise others on best • The ethical and legal • Contribute to between creativity and practice in landscape responsibilities of the communicating design financial constraints design. designer ideas effectively verbally, in writing and using • Use industry standard • Relevant regulatory and visual representation tools / resources for planning framework • Comply with the ethical complex designs and legal responsibilities • Communicate design of the designer ideas engagingly verbally, • Apply relevant in writing and using regulations and planning visual representation considerations • Comply with ethical and legal responsibilities TECHNICIAN • PYRAMID Apply relevant regulations and planning CHARTERED considerations for MEMBER PYRAMID complex designs
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 8 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Design – public Designs a public realm Demonstrates Contributes to setting out a Leads projects on the Is a recognised authority realm that provides a connected, understanding of the clear analysis of the public public realm either as lead on the design of public inclusive and intuitive user context, local character realm: context, functions, designer or in support realm with a track record experience and responds and functions of the issues and opportunities. of another professional. of delivering high profile to the local character of Public Realm. Supports a Understands the role Advises on commission of projects or in special the area providing a sense more senior colleague in of other professions appropriate consultants situations. of place. Creates designs developing, producing and in the design of the and surveys that are vibrant, modern communicating designs. public realm, where a and with a distinct local landscape professional has character, that integrate responsibility and where maintenance needs with they should seek advice. design needs and ensure Designs public realm that appearance is in schemes with the support keeping with structural and of a more senior colleague. functional design concepts. To be competent you will Understand: Can: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate • The important aspects of • Run a simple public • Run more complex public • Provide expert advice to that in relation to your context which influence realm project under the realm projects others on public realm landscape specialism you: the design of the public supervision of a senior • Lead project meetings design realm colleague • Produce best practice • Train and develop others • Inclusive design issues • Coordinate input from inclusive designs in public realm design other professionals when • Healthy street design • Commission or advise on • Advise others on best leading a simple projects • Which baseline surveys the commission of sub- practice or input to a team are required, for which a consultants and surveys • Deliver high profile supporting on a more landscape professional is projects complex project • Devise engagement responsible strategies • Produce inclusive designs • Methods for surveying, that conform to design • Advise on more complex mapping and guidance layout, drawing and communicating context, specifications issues and opportunities • Incorporate healthy street design principles • Produce programmes • How to produce • implement legislative, drawings at each stage • Undertake baseline planning and highway of the design process surveys for simple projects requirements • The difference between a project in the adopted • Attend and contribute to highway and one in project meetings private ownership and • Attend and contribute to how this influences stakeholder workshops TECHNICIAN survey, design and and public consultations PYRAMID consultation issues • Advise on and produce CHARTERED basic layout, drawing and MEMBER PYRAMID specifications
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 9 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Digital Use of computer software Demonstrates an Contributes to the Employs appropriate Is an authority on the technologies and equipment and other understanding of the provision of appropriate equipment and electronic provision of appropriate digital technologies, importance of appropriate equipment and tools. tools to a variety of equipment and electronic electronic tools, systems, equipment, electronic tools projects. tools. Is expert in the field. devices and resources that and computer software. generate, store or process data. To be competent you will Understand: Can: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate • The range of electronic • Use appropriate • Use electronic equipment • Provide knowledge of that in relation to your equipment landscape equipment to gather data for gathering data for electronic equipment and landscape specialism you: professionals use for for simple projects complex projects computer software to gathering data • Use appropriate • Review the current wider audience. • The range of computer software for projects state of equipment and • Motivate others software available for • Use GIS software for software within the through training in the delivery of different basic geographical landscape practice/ different areas of digital projects, from writing understanding authority technology and computer reports to generating software types • Use CAD for generating • Use different software planting plans to hard layout plans for delivering projects • Advise on CPD content surfacing details • Use graphics packages • Use 2D and 3D • Evaluate and advise on • How to digitally generate for generating representations in the the effectiveness of 2D CAD/graphics landscaping graphics workflow electronic equipment representations and digital technologies • Use software to • Use digital data for • How to digitally capture within the workplace digitally create 2D development projects data using various representations and and understand the • Motivate others technologies export limitations of the data through training in the • The process of 3D different areas of digital • Specify what digital data • Work with 3D data for Modelling technology and computer is required for the project both the development software types • The role of a Geographic and how to acquire it and surrounding Information System (GIS) topography • Communicate the • Use GIS software to benefits of XR and • Use of Building compile and display • Use GIS software to develop links between Information Modelling geographic data interrogate data for academia, professional (BIM) including shape files, calculation purposes eg practice and other • Use of Surveying geo-referenced maps and ZVIs/ZTVs disciplines equipment LIDAR data • Use BIM software to • Provide internal • Knowledge of extended • Use BIM software to interrogate data and external CPD realities (Virtual Reality/ compile landscape/ • Apply survey data for use on software, 2D Augmented Reality/ project management in verified views representation, 3D Mixed Reality) and data • Use techniques to modelling, extended enabling software • Use survey equipment for remove the limitations realities (XR), GIS and/ capturing levels data and of geographic projection or BIM control points systems in 3D • Understand limitations visualisations where of geographic projection necessary systems in visualisation • Use extended realities compared with the enabled software curvature of the earth to integrate 3D TECHNICIAN • representations into the PYRAMID Use of extended realities enabled software to workflow CHARTERED digitally create 3D MEMBER PYRAMID representation
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 10 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Education and Undertakes knowledge Demonstrates knowledge Contributes consistently Plays a significant role in Serves as a recognized and knowledge exchange activities to and awareness of the to ongoing development contributing knowledge to leading figure for learning share ideas, experience available resources and and dissemination of the field and participating and training in the field. exchange and expertise relating channels for professional knowledge in the field. in ongoing dialogue on key to landscape which is education and knowledge issues. mutually beneficial to all exchange. parties involved. Assesses and evaluates achievement. To be competent you will Understand: Can: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate • The importance of • Maintain an active • Develop course and • Teach specialised that in relation to your ongoing knowledge and engaged presence training material courses or studios landscape specialism you: exchange for maintaining in professional • Mentor and advise • Contribute original professional standards organisations and/or younger colleagues theories and ideas to and dissemination of new learning institutions, both • Share or present own textbooks information online and face-to-face original theories, • Share knowledge in • Available resources, • Contribute to boards, technical innovations, academic journals channels and committees or other creative ideas or other • Provide leadership in memberships needed workgroups committed original knowledge in professional associations to satisfy continuing to educational endeavors professional forums and networks at education or professional • Contribute to the • Teach basic level skills a national and development development of course courses international level requirements material • Assess or evaluate • Serve in a leadership • How to continually build • Contribute to assessment learning outcomes capacity in a learning on existing knowledge and evaluation of environment through books, achievement electronic resources, and • Mentor or advise professional networks students or younger colleagues carrying out • The methods for original research in the assessing and evaluating field. achievement • Serve as consultant in reviewing or proposing TECHNICIAN PYRAMID new educational or professional standards CHARTERED or legislation related to MEMBER PYRAMID the profession
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 11 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Funding and Contributes to setting Demonstrates Able to lead on small to Leads on complex funding Contributes to national finance and managing budgets understanding of types medium scale funding strategies and large thinking on funding and and developing a funding and sources of funding applications and contribute scale or complex funding income generation in a strategy and action plan. and methods of income to wider funding strategies applications and large landscape context Identifies opportunities generation and income generation scale income generation for grants, funding and initiatives encompassing commercial income. business planning and Writes applications for commercialisation funding. Delivers and opportunities evaluates funded projects. Understands and manages relevant legal & legislative mechanisms that provide funding for landscapes or places eg levies, service charges, taxes etc To be competent you will Understand: Can: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate • Types of funding • Write a successful • Write / lead on a • Produce / contribute to that in relation to your • Sources of funding funding application for successful funding sector specific guidance landscape specialism you: a small to medium scale application for a large or publications • Monitoring and project /complex project evaluation techniques • Train / mentor others • Construct a simple (including commissioning (including CPD initiatives) • Where to find sources of funding strategy consultants) information relating to • Develop strategic involving multiple funding • Effectively communicate business planning partnerships sources on one project the need for funding for a • Information needed for • Secure complex/blended • Devise and deliver an particular project funding applications funding packages to appropriate monitoring • Lead on a funding support projects • How to match a project and evaluation approach strategy involving to possible funders for a funded project multiple funding sources • How to measure success • Demonstrate the • Devise an income against a funder’s management of funding generation strategy for outcomes on a small / medium a large project or whole • How to construct a scale project service simple (project) budget • Contribute to writing • Demonstrate the and understand the a facility / site specific management of large and key components of a business plan complex budgets business plan • Contribute to • Lead on / write / TECHNICIAN • Sources of income generating income and commission complex PYRAMID generation commercialisation business plans CHARTERED • Work collaboratively to MEMBER PYRAMID support funding bids
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 12 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Habitats and An understanding of Demonstrates an With guidance and support Consistently applies Is a recognised authority species habitats and species; understanding of habitats applies an understanding advice and understanding on one or a number of their basic ecology and and species present in the of habitats and species . of habitats and habitats, wild species and/ how landscape design, region they work, primarily species relevant to the or taxonomic groups and management and human through a theoretical environment and area of is called upon to provide behaviours can influence capacity. professional work. expert advice to assess, the functions of habitats protect and enhance for different species. habitats and species. Expert in a particular field of study, methodology or approach such as habitat assessment, species surveys, re-introduction of wild species, in different climates and geographic locations. To be competent you will Understand: Can: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate • The role of the ecologist • Identify where specialist • Consistently apply an • Provide technical advice that in relation to your and the potential risk input is required and ecological understanding on habitat creation landscape specialism you: of poorly designed and advise on the commission of habitats and species in for key species and/or implemented ecological of sub-consultants and the design process habitats surveys to the design surveys. • Apply good working • Demonstrate extensive process • Help to articulate the role knowledge of best practical experience • The role of the landscape habitats and species play practice approaches to delivering habitat professional and when in design, planning and protect and enhance creation and land they need to ask for land management important habitats and/ management for a range advice from others • With guidance from or species of habitats and species • Key international and professional ecologists, • Identify a typical and • Work collaboratively national legislation interpret ecological wide range of habitats with the full range of relating to the protection reports, habitat and vascular plants specialists to design and of habitats and species in terminology and impact • Understand the habitat develop new habitat their region on species relevant to requirements for a wide and management • The fundamental area of work range of representative programmes for priority principles of ecology (e.g. • Communicate effectively species relevant to the habitats and species food chains, competition, with ecologists, soil region of work and/ or restoration techniques succession, connectivity, scientists, arborists, • Understand the potential nutrient cycles) hydrologists, civil impacts as a result of • Contribute written • The role of local and engineers, architects inappropriate design material for journals, national government to ensure a fully use, and/or management conferences or industry relevant to the region of coordinated package of (e.g. shading, lighting, best practice practice information disturbance, nutrients, • Provide training on • Identify a typical but invasive species) relevant aspects of the limited range of habitats • Implement guidance and above and vascular plants. knowledge thorough • Understand basic practical design projects, TECHNICIAN PYRAMID requirements of and construction and potential issues for management plans CHARTERED common species and MEMBER PYRAMID their habitats
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 13 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Heritage Contributes to the Demonstrates an Contributes to the Understands the Is an authority on landscapes/ identification conservation, understanding of the protection and significance and historic landscapes and management and/ or management needs of a enhancement of historic vulnerability of historic a recognised advocate of places celebration of heritage range of historic assets character and assets. sites, features and the critical importance of assets and landscapes. sites and landscapes and Contributes to the landscapes. directing conserving and restoring Understands and promotes their role in shaping local development of character positive management in heritage sites, features and the value of heritage and distinctiveness and cultural and heritage policy. plans, policies and practice. landscapes. its role in shaping the identity. Understands the cultural distinctiveness importance of landscape and the character of places setting with respect to and landscapes. Considers the conservation and the social, cultural and enhancement of heritage economic value of heritage. assets. To be competent you will Understand: Can: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate • Historic landscape • Identify, map, describe • Engage in heritage led • Advocate for the that in relation to your character assessment. and assess heritage approaches to place importance and landscape specialism you: • Basic historic periods e.g. landscapes, sites and management and relevance of historic bronze age, medieval. features. regeneration. landscape character and the historic environment. • The range of heritage • Support the production • Include the management designations (historic of management plans and restoration of • Provide specialist advice, sites, buildings, features for heritage assets and heritage within plans and guidance, training and/or and places) and their contribute to heritage projects. research on heritage. management needs. management and • Use historic records, data • Contributes to national/ restoration initiatives. • The potential impacts and historic landscape international level policy, upon heritage of a • Consider how new characterisation. guidance and legislation range of activities, such landscapes and places • Lead on the production supporting heritage as different types of can strengthen historic of heritage management protection. development proposals character. plans and policy. TECHNICIAN and agricultural activity. PYRAMID • Relevant legislation CHARTERED and policy supporting MEMBER PYRAMID heritage protection.
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 14 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Landscape Prepares formal landscape Demonstrates an Contributes to impartial Actively promotes and Is a recognised authority assessment assessments (or appraisals understanding of the and proportional landscape undertakes good practice on landscape assessment where appropriate) principles of landscape assessments in landscape assessment and is called upon to including but not limited assessment provide expert advice to Landscape and Visual and contribute to industry Impact Assessments, guidance. Landscape Character Assessments, Landscape Sensitivity Assessments and/or Seascape Character Assessments. Ensures approach and methods adopted are appropriate to the specific circumstances and considers appropriate mitigation measures. To be competent you will Understand: Can: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate • The relevant policy • Utilise available industry • Apply in depth • Act as an authority on that in relation to your context guidance to undertake knowledge of industry landscape and visual landscape specialism you: • Importance of landscape and visual guidance and application assessment opportunities and assessment (or appraisal in undertaking landscape • Advise on best practice constraints advice arising where appropriate) or and visual assessments and contribute to from landscape and review where carried out (or appraisals where industry guidance by others appropriate) or reviewing visual assessments to • Train others to develop where carried out by inform good design. • Apply the relevant policy knowledge others • Where to find available context industry guidance on • Contribute to discussions • Write methodologies landscape and visual and negotiations on EIA for landscape and visual assessment scoping and screening assessments • The EIA process, when • Undertake impartial and • Prepare and/or review / what this is triggered proportionate landscape complex documentation by and the role of and visual assessments • Lead discussions and Landscape Assessment (or appraisals where negotiations on EIA in the EIA process appropriate) scoping and sreening • The need for an impartial • Contribute to writing • Undertake impartial and proportional methodologies for and proportionate approach to landscape landscape and visual complex landscape and and visual assessment assessments visual assessments • Different types of • Provide a supporting (or appraisals where assessment (landscape, role for expert witness appropriate) townscape, seascape, services capacity studies and • Prepare and/or review character assessment) relevant documentation • Differences between landscape character assessment and visual assessments • Documentation required • The difference between Landscape Assessment and Landscape Appraisal and when to use each • The role of mitigation and the assessment of TECHNICIAN residual effects PYRAMID • The difference CHARTERED between mitigation and MEMBER PYRAMID enhancement
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 15 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Landscape Identifies and selects Demonstrates an Contributes to the Selects appropriate Is a recognised authority construction appropriate palettes understanding of the selection of landscape landscape materials and on landscape construction of materials with principles and processes materials and construction construction methods / and is called upon to (materials and consideration of site, relating to landscape methods / techniques techniques, having regard provide expert advice to systems) context, intended use, construction. Conversant appropriate to the site, to the site, context and clients and public bodies. structural performance, with the resources / tools context and intended intended end use, and sustainability for selecting appropriate end use, having regard to sustainability principles. characteristics, intended landscape materials and sustainability principles. Leads on the preparation lifespan, maintenance and construction methods (in Involved in the preparation of technical documentation financial implications. line with sustainability of technical documentation and costings / financial principles), and with the and costings / financial information etc appropriate production of technical information etc. to the type of contract and documentation for contract work stage using industry purposes. standard tools and systems / software. To be competent you will Understand: Can: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate • The landscape • Contribute to a • Lead programmes of • Provide expert advice on that in relation to your construction process programme of works works landscape construction landscape specialism you: • A programme of works • Contribute to selecting • Select and specify • Train / mentor others • The principles of / specifying appropriate appropriate landscape (including CPD initiatives) planting/ecology landscape materials materials and on the various aspects of and hard materials / (hard and soft) and construction methods / landscape construction engineering in both urban construction method(s) techniques for complex • Contribute to research and rural contexts / technique(s) for simple projects in line with in the field of landscape projects in line with sustainability principles • How to identify and construction sustainability principles select of appropriate • Select appropriate • Advise industry, public construction materials • Use industry standard industry standard bodies and others and methods / systems resources, tools / resources, tools / on best practice in in line with sustainability systems and software systems and software landscape construction principles. e.g. BIM, NBS, Revit e.g. BIM, NBS, Revit • The relevant regulations, • Apply relevant • Ensure compliance with standards, guidance and regulations, consents, relevant regulations, compliance / consenting standards and guidelines consents, standards and issues relating to • Contribute to preparing guidelines landscape construction elements of draft • Prepare technical • The tools / resources technical documentation, documentation, available (e.g. BIM NBS, construction and construction and Revit) to assist the design management schedules management schedules and construction process and specifications, and and specifications, and and preparation of cost estimates / financial cost estimates / financial technical documentation information information appropriate to the type of contract • Technical documentation • Liaise with of other and work stage. content i.e. drawings professionals e.g. QS (graphic info at various on such matters as • Engage collaboratively scales), specifications standard method(s) with of other (materials & of measurement and professionals e.g. QS workmanship), schedules costing / pricing, on such matters as (quantities) and cost tendering etc. standard method(s) plans (i.e. approx. of measurement and quantities, pre-tender costing / pricing, estimate, tender pricing tendering etc. document) • The role of other professionals e.g. QS (quantity surveyor) and such matters as TECHNICIAN PYRAMID standard method(s) of measurement and CHARTERED costing / pricing, MEMBER PYRAMID tendering etc
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 16 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Landscape Understanding of the Demonstrates a broad With guidance and support Consistently provides A recognised authority ecology spatial and temporary understanding of the applies an understanding independent advice, on landscape ecology patterns that influence importance of spatial of the importance of identifying solutions to in a particular field (eg ecological function and temporal patterns spatial configuration of improve the understanding statistical modelling for and processes of on influencing ecological different land uses, habitat of landscape pattern in habitat connectivity, island landscapes at a range function of landscapes in types, structure and influencing function for biogeography, landscape of scales. Inherently their region. management in influencing people, domestic and wild dynamics, land use change) multi-disciplinary the function of landscapes species. and is called upon to crossing between – for people, domestic and provide expert advice, social science, geology, wild species guidance and solutions climate/meteorology and in their region or further geomorphology. afield. To be competent you will Understand: Can: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate • Principles of landscape • Apply basic principles • Apply complex principles • Provide expert advice that in relation to your ecology and terms such of landscape ecology to projects (e.g. home to others on the landscape specialism you: as landscape metrics, to improve ecological range, edge effect, principles, analysis home range, and function patch size) at a variety and interpretation of structural elements such • Use or apply models to of spatial scales and landscape pattern on as patch, mosaic and practical or research species ecological function for a corridor situations, but requires • Work with one or more given area/focus. • Common computational support to interpret data, models to understand • Use in-depth working models for analysing run models landscape processes knowledge of methods data sets (e.g. tree cover) • Use GIS systems and/ and interpret results for and models to analysis • Principles and or remote sensing wider release landscape patterns applications of techniques with support • Use GIS and remote- • Expert at GIS to anaylsis Geographical Information from senior staff sensing data to inform environmental data and Systems (GIS) and • Apply regional projects at a range produce outputs. remote sensing approaches and polices of spatial scales and • Contribute written techniques to guide project aims and use standard tools material to journals, • Regional approaches, objectives for the analysis and conferences or industry policies and projects interpretation of spatial best practice on to improve ecological environmental data specialist subject function at the • Provide advice on policy, • Provide technical landscape scale methodologies for expertise to inform implementation at the TECHNICIAN regional planning polices, PYRAMID landscape scale through review project success. regional projects, land CHARTERED management strategies, MEMBER PYRAMID and planning guidance.
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 17 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Landscape Works in interdisciplinary Demonstrates Contributes to an Leads interdisciplinary Is a recognised authority engineering teams to apply principles understanding of engineers interdisciplinary team teams or the landscape in a particular area of of engineering and within projects. Is aware working in partnership input to large or complex Landscape Engineering other sciences to the of the different disciplines with engineers proving projects. able to direct engineers design and creation of within engineering advice on landscape Advises on commission of to deliver additional value anthropogenic landscapes and understands the aspects of the project. appropriate consultants to to a project. Has a track (human landscapes). responsibilities of a form a multi-disciplinary record of delivering high Holistically considers Landscape professional team and what surveys or profile projects in one or landforms, substrates, and when they should seek studies are required to fulfil more areas of Landscape ecology and vegetation the advice of an engineer. a commission. Engineering throughout all phases of Uses knowledge of design and construction. engineering to support or challenge engineering assumptions with implications for the landscape or public realm to develop a better solution. To be competent you will Understand: Can: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate • The different disciplines • Contribute to an • Lead interdisciplinary • Provide expert advice that in relation to your within engineering and interdisciplinary project teams on complex to others on a particular landscape specialism you: their different roles under the supervision of projects area of landscape within a project e.g. a senior colleague • Lead project meetings engineering structural, highway, • Coordinate input from • Produce best practice • Develop innovative drainage, electrical, other professionals projects strategies or designs geotechnical, utilities where leading a simple that challenge socially • Commission or advise on • The role and projects or input to a or environmentally the commission of sub- responsibilities of a team supporting on a damaging engineering consultants and surveys landscape professional in more complex project solutions • Devise engagement an interdisciplinary team • Apply understanding of • Train and develop others strategies engineering issues and in a particular area of consider their implication • Set up project strategies Landscape Engineering for information exchange for landscape issues • Advise industry bodies within inter-disciplinary • Work on coordinated (or similar) teams drawing and specification packages • Understand timescales in an interdisciplinary and produce programmes team referencing • Implement legislative drawings appropriately requirements and best Communicate effectively practice design guidance TECHNICIAN PYRAMID with engineering teams to ensure a fully CHARTERED coordinated package of MEMBER PYRAMID information
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 18 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Landscape Develops and/or applies Demonstrates an Contributes to formulating Formulates and/or Is a recognised authority planning and/or strategies, policies and understanding of and/or interpreting interprets strategic plans on landscape and / or plans to create successful landscape and strategic plans and / or and / or development environmental planning. policy environments, in both environmental planning development proposals proposals from a landscape urban and rural settings, and policy. from a landscape and and environmental for the benefit of current environmental planning planning policy and future generations. policy perspective. perspective. Advises on or manages proposals for change which may affect the landscape. Assesses and seeks to resolve environmental, economic and social opportunities and constraints and take these into account in addressing a landscape’s potential and capacity to accommodate change. Contributes to applications for planning consents. To be competent you will Understand: Can: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate • Principles of landscape / • Contribute to formulating • Lead on the formulation • Provide expert advice that in relation to your environmental planning and/or interpreting and/or interpretation of on landscape / landscape specialism you: and the process of strategic plans and / or strategic plans and / or environmental planning policy making development proposals development proposals at both strategic and • Key drivers behind • Apply understanding • Advise on related site-specific levels landscape change at both of related landscape, landscape, environmental • Train / mentor others 'landscape’ (strategic) environmental and and sustainability issues (including CPD and ‘site’ scales sustainability issues at at both strategic and initiatives) on the various • Core environmental and both strategic and site- site-specific levels aspects of landscape / sustainability issues and specific levels • Lead on applying and/ environmental planning tensions between them • Contribute to applying or ensuring compliance • Contribute to research and social and economic and / or ensuring with relevant legislation, and developments issues compliance with relevant regulations and policy in landscape / • Underpinning legislation, regulations • Carry out and interpret environmental planning environmental planning and policy / comment on • Advise on best concepts e.g. ‘ecosystem • Contribute to carrying complex landscape / practice in landscape / services’ and ‘landscape out and interpreting environmental planning environmental planning conservation and / commenting on documents such as LVIAs enhancement' simple landscape / • Provide reasoned advice • Relevant planning environmental planning on complex landscape and environmental documents / environmental legislation, and • Contribute to planning matters at both regulatory and policy providing advice on landscape and site scales framework simple landscape / • Distinction between environmental planning forward planning matters at both (strategic) and landscape and site scales development management (scrutiny of planning applications) • Principles and process of landscape and / or environmental assessment, such as EIA, LVIA and LCA • Synergies with other related specialisms e.g. Landscape Assessment and Natural Capital & TECHNICIAN Ecosystems Services PYRAMID • Current and emerging CHARTERED landscape planning MEMBER PYRAMID initiatives
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 19 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Landscapes/ The sustainable Demonstrates an Contributes to the Leads on destination Is an authority on places and management of visited understanding of the basic development of monitoring management planning sustainable destination and popular landscapes, principles of sustainable frameworks, visitor for well visited places/ management. Provides people sites and destinations. tourism and destination management plans and landscapes, developing expert advice and guidance (including Promoting accessible, management in a the implementation of and implementing at a national level, tourism) inclusive places and landscape context. management activity. effective strategies and advocating sustainable, positive experiences for management responses. landscape led solutions visitors in urban and/ to complex destination or rural environments. management challenges. Mitigating visitor impact to conserve the fabric of place and make space for nature. Monitoring both the quality of a place and user experience to ensure responsive management and improvement. To be competent you will Understand: Can: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate • The range of issues • Recognise visitor related • Plan and implement • Provide strategic advice that in relation to your facing well visited sites issues and challenges monitoring of visitors and guidance on visitor landscape specialism you: and landscapes for specific sites and and visitor impact, using management for multiple • Management responses landscapes the results to inform sites and landscapes to visitor pressure (e.g. • Contribute to the effective management • Advocate for the erosion control/ signage) production of visitor / • Produce and implement principles of sustainable • Visitor management user management plans comprehensive and tourism and visitor tools and management • Contribute to inclusive visitor/ user management for places documents implementing management plans and and landscapes strategies • Understands the management responses • Research innovative TECHNICIAN • • Influence place tools and methods for PYRAMID legislative requirements Contribute to the with respect to monitoring of visitor branding, marketing and visitor management and CHARTERED accessibility and numbers, experience and interpretation activities train others MEMBER PYRAMID inclusion for visitors visitor impact to manage pressures
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 20 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Management of To plan for and Demonstrates an Contributes to the planning Provides advice and An authority on sustainable landscapes manage places, land understanding of the and implementation of guidance on landscape landscape management, and landscapes to social, environmental and landscape management, management and guiding relevant policy and provide multiple social, economic pressures on involving stakeholders. implements land legislative frameworks. environmental and landscape and appropriate management initiatives in economic benefits that management responses. partnership with others. meet present and future needs and aspirations. Manage and mitigate pressures on urban, rural and peri-urban landscapes across a range of scales, in collaboration with landowners, land managers and land users. To be competent you will Understand: Can:: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate • A range of potential land • Interpret landscape • Plan, produce and • Advise on strategic that in relation to your management objectives management plans and implement detailed landscape management landscape specialism you: • The pressures and forces strategies at a range of management plans at a national or for change on rural and scales. E.g. catchments and strategies for international level peri urban landscapes • Support the the conservation, • Provide expert advice enhancement and • Potential land communication of on the effectiveness of restoration of management responses management plans landscape management landscapes and places to address forces for and initiatives to strategies change (for example delivery partners and • Produce land • Produce expert technical invasive species) and stakeholders management input for national level deliver landscape • Assists in the production prescriptions, policy, legislation and objectives and implementation of specifications and guidance plans with respect • The principles of landscape management • Train/mentor others to projects/ and or landscape conservation, specifications and plans. (including CPD initiatives) schemes. E.g. Landscape enhancement and • Identify opportunities for and Environmental restoration landscape conservation, Management Plans. enhancement and restoration, using data • Involve partners, and spatial mapping landowners and local communities • Work with others to in establishing and support the delivery of implementing land landscape management management objectives initiatives at a range of scales • Contribute to projects • Communicate land and initiatives that management objectives conserve, enhance and and initiatives effectively restore landscapes and advise others on implementation • Monitor landscapes to ensure landscape management objectives are being met • Collaborate with others to conserve, enhance and restore landscapes • Develop appropriate business cases and TECHNICIAN PYRAMID funding applications in order to secure CHARTERED resources for landscape MEMBER PYRAMID management
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 21 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Master Planning Determines the future Demonstrates Contributes to setting Leads Master Planning Is a recognised authority development of an area understanding of the out a clear analysis of projects either as lead on Master Plannng with a (urban and/or rural) context, local character the Master Plan area: professional or in support track record of delivering by setting a vision, and functions of the context, functions, of another professional. high profile projects or in framework and design Master Plan. Supports a issues and opportunities. Advises on commission of special situations. guidance showing how more senior colleague in Understands the role of appropriate consultants it will be achieved. communicating analysis, other professions in the and surveys. Works collaboratively design development and Master Plan, where a in a multidisciplinary proposals. landscape professional has team to provide responsibility and where integrated solutions that they should seek advice. meet operational and Designs basic Master Plans commercial objectives with the support of a more whilst being responsive to senior colleague. the environment and the needs of local people and communities. To be competent you will Understand: Can: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate • The important aspects of • Run a simple Master • Lead Master Plan • Provide expert advice that in relation to your context which influence Planning project under projects to others on Master landscape specialism you: the Master Plan the supervision of a • Lead project meetings Planning senior colleague • Inclusive design issues • Produce best practice • Train and develop others • Methods for surveying, • Coordinate input from inclusive designs in Master Planning mapping and other professionals understanding how • Advise on best practice communicating context, when leading a simple different people’s issues and opportunities project or Input to a team journeys will be affected supporting on a more • How to produce drawings by different options complex project to communicate analysis, • Commission or advise on design development and • Produce Inclusive the commission of sub- proposals Designs that conform to consultants and surveys design guidance • Vision, strategic • Devise engagement framework, • Undertake baseline strategies surveys neighbourhood character, • Set out layouts for various uses and how • Attend and contribute to masterplans they mix or neighbour project meetings • Understand timescale one another, land • Attend and contribute to and produce programmes ownership, open space stakeholder workshops • Set out strategies, taking and the public realm, and public consultations biodiversity, green advice where appropriate • Apply understanding of infrastructure, integrated issues relating to: vision, water management, strategic framework, utilities, movement and neighbourhood character, transport various uses and how • Which baseline surveys they mix or neighbour are required for which a one another, land landscape professional is ownership, open space responsible and the public realm, biodiversity, green infrastructure, integrated water management, TECHNICIAN utilities, movement and PYRAMID transport CHARTERED • Advise on and produce MEMBER PYRAMID layouts
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 22 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Natural Integrates natural Demonstrates an Contributes to the mapping Undertakes natural Is an authority on natural Resources and resource management understanding of the of natural resources resources studies on a resources and ecosystem approaches into landscape principles of natural and the production of landscape scale, producing services accounting, has Ecosystems management, landscape resources and ecosystem ecosystem accounts and ecosystem accounts. inputted into national/ Services planning and/or the design services and capital contributes to landscape Embeds natural resources international studies and of green infrastructure accounting. practice that seeks to approaches within accounts and provides to conserve and enhance enhance ecosystem goods landscape plans, polices advice and guidance on ecosystem services and and services. and projects. strategic level policy and build resilience. E.g. to legislation. climate effects. Recognises natural resource types and the range and value of ecosystem services that flow from them at different scales. To be competent you will Understand: Can: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate • The basic methods of • Take advice and guidance • Map and describe natural • Advise on strategic that in relation to your natural resources and to map and describe resources information policy and legislation landscape specialism you: ecosystem services natural resource types (over a range of scales), for the management of mapping and accounting using spatial data. interpreting ecosystem landscapes and places using valuing tools and • Produce basic ecosystem services flows and for ecosystem services. techniques. flow information for valuing information to • To advise nationally and • Different natural different natural capital produce ecosystem internationally on natural resource types and how types. services accounts. resources accounting for these relate to different • Understand the • Plan for the management, landscapes. landscapes. principles behind enhancement and • Provide expert • The range of regulating, managing landscapes restoration of ecosystem contribution to provisioning, cultural and to increase flows of services within a understanding and supporting ecosystem ecosystem services. sphere of landscape monitoring the goods and services that practice. E.g. landscape strategic ‘state’ of flow from nature. management or natural resources and landscape design. ecosystems services on a • Use available natural national level. capital tools to take • Train/mentor others landscape management including CPD intiatives decisions. • Manage landscapes TECHNICIAN PYRAMID to increase the flow of ecosystem services and CHARTERED build resilience e.g. to MEMBER PYRAMID climate change effects.
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 23 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Parks Recognises the importance Demonstrates a broad With guidance and Provides a strategic A recognised authority manageent of urban green spaces understanding of the support is able to apply the overview across a wide in urban green spaces (to include parks, playing importance of urban green principles at a site specific variety of urban green management who is called fields, natural / semi- spaces and of green space level across a variety of space types typically upon to provide advice at a natural green spaces, strategies, operational and urban green space types across a whole authority regional or national scale playing fields, allotments, management planning Applies appropriate area Expert in a particular field play space, including their management standards for Will be the advocate for such as strategic planning, ecological, economic, differing green space types urban parks and green management planning, socio-cultural and heritage Contributes to wider spaces in their local resource management, roles. strategic thinking about and regional political heritage restoration and Considers the wider green space systems and environment innovation strategic and functional green infrastructure Deals with complex Provides training or support roles as well as site issues on a larger spatial, to others outside of their specific management resource and financial organisation issues. scale Understands the balancing of political, societal and environmental needs with the resources available. To be competent you will Understand: Can: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate • The existence of national • Apply the principles • Manage a wide variety of • Provide expert advice to that in relation to your policy, research and to solve issues at green space types regional groups, national landscape specialism you: guidance and where to a site specific or • Lead small to large panels, steering groups / source it small spatial scale multi-disciplinary teams working groups • The various stakeholders e.g. through production often at an authority • Prepare author guidance, at an authority wide and of a management plan, wide scale or outsourced publications and site-specific levels specification, Service services, to include contribute to policy at Level agreements or • How to manage site contract management, regional / national levels similar specific resources monitoring where • Lead the development of • Recognise how to appropriate • Community and green space strategies improve a site to stakeholder engagement • Lead on complex large- • Speak and advocate at appropriate quality scale projects regional and national • Resource planning standards (e.g. Green • Lead on organisational level – conferences, • Green Flag and its role Flag Award) change seminars and/or offer within the sector • Lead on small to medium • Involve a wide range of guidance nationally • The benefits that quality scale projects stakeholders, partners, spaces can bring • Managing site specific or politicians, consultants, area based budgets and contractors and local resources communities TECHNICIAN • Engage communities • PYRAMID Influence and advise on and stakeholders in the formal protection CHARTERED managing, maintaining of green spaces by MEMBER PYRAMID and developing sites appropriate bodies
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 24 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Place Taking an integrated, Demonstrates an Contributes to the Works in partnership and An authority on place management local approach to the understanding of the development of place- with local place based shaping, advising at co-ordinated development principles of place based planning and networks/partnerships national/ international of unique and inspirational management, place- delivery involving local including communities, level, advocating place places, harnessing the making, place marketing/ place based networks/ local government and other management as an skills, experience and branding, place shaping partnerships. place-based stakeholders/ effective approach to the resources of the private, and visiting places anchors to develop and long-term, sustainable public and voluntary including approaches to deliver place-based development of places. sectors. Improving places involving communities and strategies, plans and to provide economic other stakeholders. programmes and policy and prosperity, social cohesion, research. cultural identity and health and well-being, whilst making space for nature and building climate resilience. Incorporating activities such as town centre management, urban revitalisation, activity centre management, regeneration, management, marketing, economic development, neighbourhood management, neighbourhood renewal, socio-economic revitalisation, community development and business improvement district management To be competent you will Understand: Can: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate • The theory, principles • Contribute to the • Design and run place • Lead on the strategic that in relation to your and processes behind development of vision based stakeholder development and landscape specialism you: place management. and long terms aims for involvement processes improvement of places. • Different aspects of places as part of a team that build consensus • Develop innovative tools, place management or partnership around the ambition and techniques and policy e.g. regeneration/ town • Contribute to place based future direction of places. frameworks. centre management. stakeholder involvement • Work with others to • Provide expert input to • The importance of taking including stakeholder and produce community processes, plans and place-based approaches. community engagement and stakeholder owned policies. processes. place- based plans and • The tools and techniques • Research effective ways strategies. of community and • Support effective of achieving place-based stakeholder engagement. place management • Lead effective delivery. partnerships and community and • The principles of • Train and mentor promote joint working. stakeholder partnerships integrated service those involved in in the local level delivery and collaborative • Support the co-ordinated place management delivery of place-based working. implementation of partnerships and others places-based initiatives. initiatives. • Promote integrated TECHNICIAN PYRAMID approaches to place- based development CHARTERED including landscape MEMBER PYRAMID approaches.
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 25 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Planting and Identifies and selects Demonstrates an Contributes to the good Actively promotes good Is a recognised authority horticulture appropriate plant palettes understanding of the design and specification practice in planting on planting and with consideration of principles of appropriate of appropriate and design and horticulture horticultural issues and climate conditions, plant selection, good aesthetically pleasing to create aesthetically is called upon for expert microclimate influences, design and specification, planting schemes. Advises pleasing planting advice on such. soil, sun, moisture and cultivation and on good horticultural schemes appropriate to wind. Evaluates and management. practice in cultivation and climate and location with selects appropriate management. appropriate cultivation and plants to perform management. environmental, functional and aesthetic roles for outdoor spaces and built environments. Applies the principles of creative planting design to form an artistic composition. Understands the principles of horticulture: cultivation, plant health and management of planting. To be competent you will Understand: Can: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate • The importance of • Analyse locational and • Evaluate complex • Be a recognised authority that in relation to your consideration of climatic climatic conditions to climatic and locational on planting design and landscape specialism you: conditions, locational ensure appropriate plant conditions to ensure specification constraints and soils in selection. appropriate plant • Provide in depth plant selection • Select plant palette selection. knowledge of green • Seasonal changes and design to create • Advise on correct engineering solutions in plant species and aesthetically pleasing, specification • Advise on best importance of timing in health and biodiverse requirements in complex practice in planting and plant installation planting schemes situations to ensure horticulture good plant health and • Difference between • Specify correct planting • Train others to develop establishment and good native and non-native specification to ensure knowledge plants. plant health and management techniques • Specialist knowledge establishment through • Apply considerable plant • Basic plant species and experience of to maturity. species knowledge knowledge plant species, planting, • Principles of plant • Good plant species • Contribute to the design plant health issues and installation, cultivation knowledge of green engineering management techniques and management and • Identify opportunities solutions the importance of for green engineering • Apply in depth correct specifications solutions experience of nursery in contributing to • Advise on plant plant growing techniques plant health and good cultivation and • Advise on suitability of establishment management to ensure programme and timings • The use of plants in good health for planting green engineering • Apply knowledge of • Apply in depth schemes (green walls, nursery and growing knowledge of plant roofs, slope stabilisation techniques health issues in supply etc) • Apply broad knowledge and management of • The need to understand of plant health issues in plants client expectations and supply and management likely management of plants • Contribution of planting to healthy and biodiverse TECHNICIAN landscapes PYRAMID • Plant health issues CHARTERED in both supply and MEMBER PYRAMID management
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 26 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Procurement Develops and implements Understands the Procures small to medium Leads development of Leads and delivers complex and tendering procurement strategies procurement process, scale projects and commodity or less- procurement, category or and selects appropriate the relevant regulations manages the procurement complex category portfolio strategies at a procurement routes for of their organisation and cycle for lower value/risk strategy development and local, sector or national specific projects. Applies a when to take advice. projects implementation at local level. range of tender processes sector or national level. Develops innovative from compilation of the Leads development solutions tender through evaluation of commodity related Responsible for managing of tenders to selection contracts at local, sector or multiple teams or projects. and appointment of the national level. contractor adopting Involved in achieving Responsible for achieving appropriate procedures national, sector-led or procurement or commercial and requirements. organisational procurement outcomes. and commercial outcomes. To be competent you will Understand: Can: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate • Relevant procurement • Procure and tender small • Undertake strategic • Take commercial lead on that in relation to your processes, wider projects in public and/or procurement and complex procurement. landscape specialism you: procurement and private sector. tendering • Lead and manage commercial context • Undertake routine, lower • Are commercially astute complex, higher value • Types of tender process value and/or lower risk and use effective project or risk projects and/or relevant to your procurements. management techniques. teams. organisation • Manage entire • Develop best practice • The benefits and procurement process guidance risks of good and for higher value/risk • Provide industry bad procurement/ projects. expertise commercial practice and • Share senior expertise the importance of early with others consideration in strategy or policy development. • Has sufficient awareness to recognise when and where to engage procurement or commercial expertise. • The role of a procurement manager • How to coordinate customer and stakeholder communications. The TECHNICIAN PYRAMID process for receiving or raising requisitions CHARTERED and arranging purchase MEMBER PYRAMID orders
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 27 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Protected Manages protected Demonstrates an Supports governance Manages a protected Is an authority on landscapes/ landscapes, providing understanding of protected structures for the landscape, planning and protected landscape and for the social and areas legislative and policy protected landscape facilitating collaborative advises nationally and/ places economic needs of local framework, their purposes and contributes to management activity, or internationally on the communities in ways that and governance, historical management plan working in partnership with legislative and policy conserve and enhance development, geography production. Contributes a range of organisations frameworks to further sensitive landscapes, and management. to the management of and individuals. Facilitates the conservation and working in partnership a protected landscape, governance structures enhancement of protected with stakeholders and supporting the delivery of producing governance landscapes. communities. Promoting the relevant management documents and strategic opportunities for the plan and/ or management plans. celebration and enjoyment initiatives of protected landscapes by the public and working to find solutions to the climate and ecological emergencies. To be competent you will Understand: Cano: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate • Policy and legislation • Support protected • Lead on the development • Lead and advise on that in relation to your underpinning protected landscape management of Management Plans for strategic approaches landscape specialism you: landscapes. planning processes. a protected landscape. to protected landscape • The range of protected • Support initiatives to • Lead and co-ordinates management. landscapes and their implement protected policy responses to • Influence and advocate purposes. E.g. To landscape Management local and national for protected landscape conserve and enhance Plans. consultations and calls management legislation, natural beauty. • Support governance for evidence. policy, guidance and • The number and location processes and • Monitor landscape governance. of protected landscapes procedures within a condition and change, • Support the work of and their management protected landscape. identifying external protected landscapes at strategies and processes. • Deliver local level pressures and forces for a national level providing • Protected landscape projects and initiatives change. strategic advice and governance within and protected • Advise others on guidance. and associated landscape, working with their duties and • Train/mentor others board structures local communities. responsibilities e.g.Partnership or Board. • Produce basic advice and towards a protected • The depth and range guidance for different landscape and support of management aspects of protected implementation. considerations for a landscape management. • Advise on the protected landscape conservation and including: enhancement of a • Access and Recreation, protected landscape biodiversity, catchment across a broad range of and water, coastal complex management management, economy, issues. heritage and culture, • Advise on strategic land management and planning and farming, health and development well-being, landscape management to conserve character and local and enhance a protected distinctiveness, planning landscape. and development, • Manage effective inclusion and cohesion, governance structures community facilities and for a protected services, tourism and landscape and to work transport in partnership to co- ordinate and enhance delivery. • Steer effective communications to raises awareness and promote the benefits of protected landscapes. • Build effective relationships and TECHNICIAN PYRAMID influences the work of others to further CHARTERED the objectives of the MEMBER PYRAMID protected landscape.
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 28 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Soil Understands and applies Demonstrates an Contributes to advice, Leads on the management Is an authority on soils management, the principles of soil understanding of initiatives and projects of soils at a strategic and soil science. Engages pedology, chemistry, soil science and the to conserve and restore landscape scale. Advises in soil research and the conservation physics, biology and importance of soils to soils within own sphere others and works in development of innovative and mineralogy. Works to ecology, economy and of practice, e.g. design partnership with a range tools and techniques to improvement achieve soil conservation society. Understands and construction, forestry, of organisations to conserve soils and restore and restoration, including the threats faced by horticulture, agricultural promote good practice soils where they have protecting agricultural soils soils and principles of land management and and incentivise improved been degraded and/ or and those on development soil conservation and farming, water quality and management of our soils contaminated. sites, storing carbon, restoration. flood management. building climate resilience, preventing pollution and restoring contaminated land. Identifies and implements appropriate management strategy, research and monitoring. To be competent you will Understands: Can: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate • Soil types, soil structure • Understand more • Manage soils to minimise • Advise in the that in relation to your and soil pH. Understands complex issues with erosion and increase development of national landscape specialism you: basic soil ecology, respect to soils such organic matter. policy and strategy for hydrology and the as pollution and • Manage soils to build soils protection. principles behind soil contaminated land. resilience to climate • Assist in the conservation. • Understand tools and change and contribute establishment of soil • The main threats to techniques for restoring to carbon storage, flood health monitoring soil health e.g. organic degraded soils. attenuation and water indicators at national matter loss, compaction • With appropriate quality. level. and erosion, particularly support, advise others • Advise others on soil • Engage and advise in agricultural on best practice soil management and on reviews into soil landscapes. management e.g. restoration tools, protection and the • The principles of developers, farmers and techniques and practice. development of new restoration of degraded land managers. • Develop and lead on codes of practice. soils. • Undertake soil survey the implementation • Advise and mentor • The role of soils in and monitoring. of strategic soil others on soil health and ecosystem services • Design simple soil management initiatives the tools and techniques provision including conservation actions and projects. of soils management and carbon storage and plans for sites. • Develop complex soil restoration. capture, water flow and • Contribute to the restoration management quality and biodiversity: development of soil plans. management plans and • Monitor soil condition action plans. and initiate management TECHNICIAN • responses. PYRAMID Support the development of soil conservation and CHARTERED restoration projects and MEMBER PYRAMID initiatives.
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 29 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Visualisation Selection and use of Demonstrates an Contributes to the Employs appropriate Is an authority on and photography camera equipment understanding of the delivery of visualisation camera equipment, camera equipment, for the generation of need to the full range projects through use survey knowledge and survey knowledge and visualisations. of camera equipment of camera equipment, visualisation software. Is visualisation software. that can be used by survey knowledge and able to identify the most Provides expert advice and landscape professionals. visualisation software. Is appropriate techniques for evidence. Demonstrates an able to identify the most the delivery of a project understanding of what appropriate techniques for and understand the different visualisation tools the delivery of a project. consequences of not using are available, in terms of the correct equipment. computer software and the ability to undertake camera image model render mapping accurately. To be competent you will Understand: Can: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate • Principles of camera • Write a specification • Use camera equipment • Run CPD activities on that in relation to your equipment, including for a photographer to for gathering technical photography landscape specialism you: manual settings, lenses, undertake technical photography • Develop technical the use of levelled tripod photography for a project • Apply detailed technical guidance within • Geographic projection or contribute towards understanding of the and outside of own systems and survey using camera equipment equipment organisation to take photographs equipment. • Use camera equipment • Provide expert advice • The range of software • Identify what survey to take technical and evidence information is required appropriate for photography suitable for • Advise industry bodies to generate accurate generating visualisations matching with 3D model or similar visualisations and • Scope of what is required renders prepare a brief for the • Train / mentor others • Generate visualisation • Different pieces of surveyors camera equipment which correctly remap • Deliver visualisation 3D model views to • The hardware services in accordance photographic images in requirements and relevant technical and support of LVAs, LVIAs accuracy issues for professional guidance and for Public Inquiries/ capturing accurate and standards Appeals locational data • Use appropriate • The importance of software to construct locational accuracy accurate 3D models of • The range of software development proposals options available for generation of accurate TECHNICIAN visualisations PYRAMID • Relevant technical and CHARTERED professional guidance MEMBER PYRAMID and standards
Landscape Institute entry standards competency framework – Additional landscape competencies December 2020 30 Level A – Level B – Level C – Level D – Competency Description Understanding Able Accomplished Expert Water Prioritises all elements Demonstrates Contribute to analysis of Leads projects Is a recognised authority management of the water cycle understanding of the the landscape and drainage incorporating SuDS either on WSuD and SuDS with a using the principles of concept of the natural issues and opportunities. as design lead or in support track record of delivering Water Sensitive Urban water cycle and the issues Understand the role of another professional. high profile projects or in Design (WSUD). Plans, of urbanisation that of other professions Advises on commission of special situations. designs and/or manages effect it. in the WSuD, where a appropriate consultants landscapes that integrate landscape professional has and surveys. Sustainable Urban responsibility and where Drainage Systems (SuDS) they should seek advice. and reduce the risk of Design basic SuDS with flooding. Uses principles of the support of a more natural drainage to absorb senior colleague. or attenuate water into permeable and vegetated surfaces to better manage the flows of water. To be competent you will Understand: Can: Can: Are called upon to: need to demonstrate • The roles and • Design a simple SuDS • Lead projects • Provide expert advice that in relation to your responsibilities of the project under the incorporating SuDS to others on WSuD and landscape specialism you: different professionals supervision of a senior • Lead project meetings SUDS in WSUD colleague ensuring • Produce best practice • Train and develop others management and • The role of the landscape SuDS Designs in WSuD and SUDS professional in WSUD maintenance processes • Commission or advise on • Advise industry bodies and when they need are understood and the commission of sub- (or similar) to ask for advice from accommodated in the consultants and surveys others design • Devise engagement • The water cycle and the • Coordinate input from strategies impact of urbanisation other professionals on it when leading a simple • Produce programmes project or input to a team • Benefits of WSUD • Set out management supporting on a more and maintenance • The concept of rainfall complex project plans including clear return periods • Undertake relevant responsibilities and • Concepts of attenuation baseline surveys funding proposals • Implications of ground • Attend and contribute to permeability, risks for project meetings ground pollution and • Attend and contribute to Groundwater Source stakeholder workshops Protection Zones and public consultations • Legislation and • Advise on and produce governance framework layouts • Adoption and maintenance issues • Difference between storm, combined and foul sewers. • Delivering multiple benefits, based on the ‘four pillars of SuDS’: water quantity; water quality; amenity; biodiversity • Retrofitting opportunities • SUDS Management Train • Catchment management effects and opportunities • Implications of restricting SUDS to ‘end of pipe solutions’ on landscape • The main components of a SuDs • Relevant guidance and standards TECHNICIAN • PYRAMID Which baseline surveys are required for which a CHARTERED landscape professional MEMBER PYRAMID is responsible
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