There has been much to celebrate over the past few days and weeks, and there has been much anticipation over the final 'score'. I have witnessed mutual support and camaraderie and the recognition of excellence and I've travelled far and wide in order to offer my support and to be part of those celebrations.
I'm obviously talking about the Awards for Planning Excellence in the Nations and Regions, and the Awards for Research Excellence.
The finalists for the Research Excellence Awards have just been announced and these awards recognise and celebrate leading spatial planning research from RTPI accredited planning schools and RTPI members. This year there has been a massive 226 entries across the five award categories, clearly demonstrating the huge amount of valuable research being undertaken in our planning schools and by our members.
Equally it has been fantastic to see so many submissions which have demonstrated planning excellence in Places, People and Projects as part of the National and Regional Awards. It has been a great opportunity for me to meet the many individuals and project teams who have championed and driven those projects and demonstrated the value of planning.
It is right that teams and individuals are recognised for their contribution, commitment and positive ways of working. To be nominated and shortlisted is a real achievement and is to be celebrated. The judging process to identify a final winner for each category, I know, has been tough given the high standard of submissions.
The Young Planner of the Year is always hotly contested and demonstrates the calibre of our young professionals. Those nominated represent a wider cohort of young professionals, who work in a range of roles, both in public and private sector and who are committed to their profession and are making positive contributions.
The winners of the Research Excellence Awards will be announced during the UK- Ireland Planning Research Conference on 2 September at the Museum of Rural Life at the University of Reading and the National Awards for Planning Excellence will take place in November and I hope to see many of you there and I wish all those going forward the very best of luck.
Those of you who have attended the Regional Award Ceremonies will know that my ask is that while we are great at celebrating planning excellence within our own networks and within the profession we need to take it further. We, as Planners, need to promote planning excellence and the work we do and the contributions we make, to those outside our profession. We don't shout out enough about our achievements and the value we add.
This month a report by Public First, commissioned by the RTPI was published and which reveals some big figures around the monetary value of planning. The Planning Premium: The Value of Well-made Places report highlights that £70 billion in additional value could be lost without investments in planning. I urge you to read and share its content.
Finally this month had further cause for celebration. It is 50 years since Sylvia Law was inaugurated as the first female president of the RTPI so that's a timely reminder that nominations are open until Monday 29 July for Board of Trustees, General Assembly and RTPI Vice President. Elections will open Monday 19 August and I urge you to engage in the process and vote.
Lindsey at an RTPI event celebrating 50 years since Sylvia Law was inaugurated alongside past
presidents Sue Manns, Sue Bridge, and Wei Yang
You didn't expect me to mention the football did you? But I think we can all look forward to major success and celebration in the Paris Olympics.
