PAS is an educational charity that was established in 1993 to provide people across Scotland with information and support to engage in the planning system. Its mission states:"PAS works with you to shape Scotland's future, providing support and information when you need it."
The charity's aim is to provide independent advice, information, training and support on planning and related environmental matters for citizens and community groups across Scotland. Most information and training is delivered free of charge to the public.
The organisation has three main strands of activity.
At the heart of PAS are more than 400 volunteers, most of whom are professionally qualified planners. The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, and is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by Peter Marshall. Each Director is also a volunteer. The organisation has a core of paid staff led by Petra Biberbach, Chief Executive.
Funding comes from the Scottish Government, local authorities and a mixture of other grants and donations.