Helen Fadipe MBE was inaugurated as the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) President for 2025, unveiling three core themes for her tenure: collaboration, investment, and inclusivity.
Fadipe, Managing Director of planning consultancy firm FPP Associates Ltd, is the Founder and Chair of the BAME Planners Network. Fadipe founded the network in August 2020 in response to the issues faced by Black Asian and Minority Ethnic groups within the planning profession.
In her inaugural speech, Fadipe made three key announcements, which she will launch to support her core themes:
- The RTPI will launch a major awareness campaign in 2025: As part of her presidential agenda 2025, Helen will spearhead an ambitious public awareness campaign to shift the narrative surrounding the planning profession.
- RTPI’s pilot mentoring platform NURTURE is evolving: After a successful period with the initial NURTURE cohorts, the Institute will expand its mentoring scheme to be available to all members, anywhere in the world.
- 23 planning schools are joining the British Chamber of Commerce Planning Scholarship scheme: The scheme, designed by the RTPI, will provide full-fee offers for students enrolling in Masters in Planning courses at RTPI-accredited universities.
In her inaugural address, Helen Fadipe, said: “Serving as President is both a profound privilege and a significant responsibility. It is not one that I take lightly. I am truly grateful to RTPI members for placing their trust and confidence in me. Your belief in my ability to represent you all inspires me every day.
“I want to ensure that planning is seen as an attractive, rewarding career path for young people. This means advocating for better pay, recognition, and support for planners at all stages of their careers.
“When we invest in our planners, we are not just investing in individuals, we are investing in the future of communities across the country and internationally. We need to make planning a career that draws the brightest minds and the most passionate hearts, knowing they will be valued and rewarded for their contributions.”
