The main objective was to strengthen the skills of staff working in Development Planning and those working in support of these functions, since a reinforced symbiotic relationship between all sections is imperative in the success of the Planning Authority's operations. With respect to Development Planning, focus was required on the areas of planning applications but also in forward planning, including the protection of heritage assets. For the supporting functions, exposure is required on the administration front, human resources, EU affairs, which may include EU funding, financing, IT, mapping and land surveying. Additionally, through these mobility experience, the Planning Authority wanted its employees to gain exposure and work within foreign organisations. Participating candidates would then have experienced different work practices to those currently used in Malta, thus bringing with them fresh and new ideas which could be applied at the workplace. This knowledge would then be shared among their colleagues and peers for better coordination and facilitation of tasks.
The main objective was to enable employees develop a deeper understanding of their areas of responsibility, through direct hands-on training and the sharing of experiences and good practice approaches. As emphasized in the European Internationalisation Strategy, the Authority believes in the benefit of providing opportunities for training and lifelong learning to its staff. It aims to continuously provide the dynamics of a professional environment whereby staff can integrate good practices and new methods into their daily tasks. The goals of such projects, include: i) Reinforcing partnerships with EU Countries, ii) Identifying and meeting training needs, iii) Disseminating knowledge to the other Authority employees. Additionally, PA's intention was also to motivate its employees and help them gain and improve their soft skills. Through this application, the Authority wanted to provide its employees with an opportunity through which they could observe, discuss and participate in tasks related to their daily duties at the Authority. The opportunity for job mobility placements therefore aligns with the Authority’s goals and objectives to invest in its human capital through continuous employee development opportunities to staff.