Earlier this year we shared news of the Landscape Institute (LI) feasibility study into a UK LVIA Accreditation Scheme (see here). Here’s what the study found and what comes next.

The LI is responding to a growing concern regarding inconsistent standards in Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) and Landscape Visual Appraisal (LVA). The feasibility study formed part of a broader package of work spanning guidance, training, and potential certification for individuals and organisations.

The study drew on a desk-based review, stakeholder engagement, focus groups, a webinar and a questionnaire. The findings were brought together in a report setting out a range of options and recommendations, which were then evaluated by a specialist task & finish group and LI Standing Committees.

It was concluded that before a potential accreditation scheme can be developed preparatory steps must take place to strengthen member training and support in delivery of high quality LVIA, and any future scheme will require further scoping to assess demand, effectiveness, design, and process. The LI is committed to raising standards, and this approach ensures that any scheme, should it proceed in future, will be beneficial, well designed and supported.

The LI Senior Leadership Team (SLT) will now begin the process of working with relevant Standing Committees on the prioritised actions identified following the recommendations, incorporating long-term strategic goals.

During 2026 the LI will outline a plan for actions to follow up the study which will be delivered over the next 3-5 years. The report and evaluation provided valuable insight, processes and templates to build from, outlining risks and opportunities, benefits and drawbacks. They will support the work being conducted on improvements and inform thinking on how an Accreditation Scheme might operate should it be found worthwhile.

The actions the LI is working on are summarised below. More detail will be given in future as the plan is developed. They will look to address the needs of both those who produce LVIAs and those who review and assess them.

Essential actions include developing a realistic timeline for all measures, factoring in changes such as the introduction of Environmental Outcome Reports (EORs).

Immediate/Critical actions include:

• Reviewing the LI Competency Framework.
• Improving quality and skills development in LVIA/LVA through a targeted training programme, including CPD and the LI Academy.
• Focusing on embedding LVIA as a design tool, to shape and improve proposals,
• Increasing the clarity, accessibility, and profile of guidance to improve standards.
• Addressing concerns about professional behaviour through the LI’s Code of Practice.

Significant actions include:

• Working with universities on training pathways.
• Supporting curricula with additional LI guidance.

The report identified potential for an Organisational Accreditation Scheme, but before this is considered the recommended actions will be delivered and evaluated for effectiveness. Further investigation is also needed into demand from decision-makers, and whether a scheme could address issues relating to both LI members and non-members.