We are delighted to announce that applications are now open for the Chief Planners of Tomorrow initiative.
This is a work-shadowing scheme offering RTPI Young Planners the chance to step into the shoes of a Chief Planning Officer for the day.
The aim is to give participants an opportunity to:
👉 Learn from the best - those who currently hold senior leadership roles in Local Authorities
👉 Understand what it's like to be 'at the top table' – the challenges and opportunities
👉 See how strategic decision-making processes are made at top level
Find out more: .uk/chiefplannersoftomorrow
#ChiefPlanners #YoungPlanners #InspireNextGeneration #SeniorLeaders
We are delighted to welcome Rachel Fisher as RTPI's new Chief Executive today, marking the start of an important new chapter for the institute.
She said: “Planning is at a pivotal moment. In the past two years, the work of professional planners has moved from the sidelines to the centre of the Government’s housing and economic ambitions.
“I step into this role as England’s planning reforms shifts from consultation to implementation, when we will begin to see the real impact of these policies on housing and infrastructure delivery, on communities at ground level, and on economic growth.
“It is, in short, an exciting time to lead the UK’s largest body of professional planners. My focus now is on working closely with members, the Board, our Presidential Team and RTPI staff to build on the strong foundations already in place and deliver the ambitions set out in our 2030 strategy.”
Rachel brings a wealth of experience from across government and the built environment sector. Most recently, she served as Deputy Director for Food Strategy and Security at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
An associate member of the institute for 15 years, Rachel brings deep insight into the planning profession and a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges we face - both from within and outside government.
It's nearly time for the UK Real Estate, Investment and Infrastructure Forum, otherwise known as #UKREiiF.
Robbie Calvert, RTPI's Head of Policy and Public Affairs will be joined in Leeds by the Chief Executive Rachel Fisher, President Jan Bessell and Head of Research and Practice Dr Daniel Slade.
We have an exciting programme planned.
⏰Tuesday 19 May: evening networking drinks 'Planning for prosperity' with Joanna Averley, Chief Planner for England
⏰Wednesday 20 May: morning private roundtable with public and private sector members to discuss the key challenges and opportunities in the sector.
⏰Wednesday 20 May, 12pm: The future of development plans
RTPI panel chaired by Jan Bessell with Robbie Calvert, Louise Sloan, Assistant Director of Planning at Newcastle City Council and Tom Venables, Director at Prior + Partners.
Wednesday 20 May: evening networking drinks in partnership with RICS and RIBA, discussing skills and workforce in the built environment.
Across the three days, we'll be speaking at a number of different panels and roundtables covering a wide variety of topics, all under the theme of delivering better outcomes with planning.
Check the UKREiiF programme for full details:
reiif.com/programme
We look forward to seeing you in Leeds.
#ukreiif #builtenvironment #leeds#
RTPI Chief Executive Rachel Fisher is excited to be joining more than 16,000 built environment professionals at the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds this month.
We have an exciting week of roundtables, networking events, drinks receptions, and panel discussions focusing on positive outcomes for planning.
Rachel will be accompanied by RTPI President Jan Bessell and our public affairs team headed up by Robbie Calvert, Head of Policy and Public Affairs.
We look forward to engaging with you and tackling the issues that matter most.
#UKREiiF #Leeds
This year's theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is “Action: for yourself, for someone else, for all of us.”
The Mental Health Foundation says, "Raising awareness is vital, but real change comes when we take action too”.
This mental health awareness week, choose one positive action that works for you and find your one thing to boost your mental health.
Together we can turn awareness into action.
What can you do to help build mentally healthy communities, workplaces and schools?
Leave your comments below 👇
Chartered membership is more than a professional qualification, it is recognition of your expertise, commitment, and potential as a planner.
Whether your goal is career progression, greater confidence, or professional recognition, the experiences of recently chartered planners show that pursuing MRTPI status is an investment well worth making.
Personal reflections from the 2025 commended candidates.
Shaun Knights said:
“Professionally and personally, achieving chartership represents a milestone moment in my career and a clear commitment to the planning profession.”
Gabriela Wydrzynska said:
“Taking the time to review my work and progression helped me to recognise how much I had learned since starting my career, which in turn strengthened my confidence in my professional abilities.”
Chartered membership can play a major role in unlocking career advancement, as Aaran Sangha explained:
“For most managerial and senior job roles, it is a mandatory requirement to have at least a couple years of post MRTPI accreditation experience.”
Ready to start your journey?
Explore the different APC routes:
.uk/membership/routes-to-chartered-membership/
#RTPI #CharteredTownPlanner #APC #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalRecognition
Many congratulations to the APC commended candidates judged to be the best submissions for RTPI Chartered membership in 2025 🙌
🌟 Shaun Knights MRTPI
🌟 Aaran Sangha
🌟 Gabriela Wydrzynska
The candidates were chosen out of hundreds of candidates for the high quality of their #APC submission by the Membership Assessment Advisory Panel.
We want to share these impressive young planners' tips with the next generation of Chartered members:
.uk/membership/assessment-of-professional-competence/apc-commended-candidates/
Wishing all our staff and members a happy Easter 🐣
As spring arrives, we’re reminded that growth often begins when we pause, reset and make room for fresh ideas.
We hope the long weekend gives you a moment to reflect, recharge and return refreshed for the season ahead.
Enjoy a well-deserved break, time with loved ones and, hopefully, a little spring sunshine! 🌞
Wishing those who celebrate and their loved ones a happy Passover, a quiet holiday, and meaningful time with the people who matter most.
This year Passover begins on the evening of Wednesday, April 1 and concludes at nightfall on Thursday, April 9. It is the holiday that celebrates the Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
#Passover
Are you a planning consultant conducting analysis, or delivering in-house LPA research? Have you recently finished a sabbatical to conduct research?
If you’re a planning practitioner and have completed a research project between 1 April 2025 and 1 April 2026, why not submit it for the chance to win the RTPI Practitioner Research Award - our annual award celebrating high quality research by planning practitioners, part of the RTPI Awards for Research Excellence.
View eligibility details and how to enter:
.uk/researchawards
The deadline for applications is Sunday, 10 May.
Hurry, applications for our Chief Planners of Tomorrow initiative close on Thursday 2 April.
The initiative is open to young planners working in the UK who would like to be considered for the unique opportunity to follow a Chief Planner for the day. You must be a member of the RTPI Young Planners Network and have no more than 10 years’ experience post-qualification.
Matthew Harmsworth spent a day at East Suffolk Council and valued the insight from his host Ben Woolnough:
“The Chief Planners of Tomorrow Scheme is an initiative where you can get planning experience and exposure to discussions that you are unlikely to get any other way early on in your career.
Ben had clearly planned the day very well to maximise value. He was very keen to answer questions and talk through his thinking on all sorts of planning issues and to get to know me as a person. I doubt I could ever get an opportunity for this level of insight any other way.”
Apply today at:
.uk/membership/member-benefits/networks/rtpi-young-planners/chief-planners-of-tomorrow/
#RTPI #YoungPlanners #ChiefPlannersofTomorrow #NextGeneration #CareerDevelopment #WorkPlacement
There's still time to get your application in for the RTPI Chief Planners of Tomorrow initiative.
For RTPI Young Planners, this is a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of a chief planning officer for the day.
⭐ Be inspired
⭐ See leadership styles in action
⭐ Gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted role of a Chief Planner
⭐ Gain confidence
There are placements available across the UK and we welcome applicants from all regions and nations.
Applications close on 2 April
Hurry, don't miss out on this valuable opportunity. Apply now:
.uk/membership/member-benefits/networks/rtpi-young-planners/chief-planners-of-tomorrow/
