Committees and volunteering

I am passionate about supporting and developing both the current and next generation of planners, and advocating the impact and of planning within society. As the Director of a Town Planner Apprenticeship programme my work positions me at the forefront of planning education and professional development and, importantly, the critical interface of this with professional planning practice - as a former Development Management practitioner, I am particularly dedicated to curating applied and competence-based learning and development. This focus in my work extends into CPD in practice, and inspiring the next generation into planning education and widening knowledge and understanding of planning in society through outreach.

The incredible impact of planning and planners is challenged by misinformation, aspects of politics, abuse, and resource/financial/legislative limitations. I genuinely believe that planners join the profession, and stay in the profession despite all of the challenges we face, because we want to make the world a better place. I believe the RTPI Regions are the most potent space of opportunity to provide support for current Members, to influence society and inform on the power of planning, grow the profession, and to positively reposition planning within our communities. In addition to continuing the excellent CPD and support activities of the Region, I would like to work towards a year of influence; an emphasis upon outreach and engagement, supporting and enabling Members to advocate for the profession, engage in outreach and influence activities, and work with schools, colleges, and communities to reposition and reframe planning and planners.

I welcome your support for my nomination for RTPI South West JVC for 2025.

I am passionate about the planning profession and committed to its advancement. With a 30-year career that began in administration, progressed through a master’s degree, and led to roles ranging from Planning Officer to Head of Planning and now Planning Consultant, I would bring a well-rounded skill set to the role.

My somewhat unusual career path means I have an interest in encouraging others to pursue planning as a profession and I am dedicated to supporting aspiring professionals in reaching their full potential, advocating for initiatives that enhance learning opportunities and foster professional growth. In recognition of my contribution to the planning profession, I was named as a "Women of Influence 2023" by RTPI Planner Magazine, an award that celebrates women who have made a significant impact in planning.

I am a strong advocate for sustainable planning that balances environmental, economic, and social factors and while I am also realistic about the challenges that the profession faces, I maintain a strong belief that planning can and will continue to meet the needs of both current and future generations.

Having worked in multidisciplinary teams, I excel at fostering collaboration and building consensus. I currently apply these skills as a member of the RAC Committee and as a judge for the SW RTPI Planning Awards for Excellence.

I am confident in my ability to represent the RTPI and its members effectively and am committed to upholding the ethical standards of the profession and aim to ensure the RTPI remains a trusted voice in shaping policy and practice.

I welcome your support for my nomination for RTPI South West JVC for 2025.

Why volunteer to be nominated to Junior Vice Chair (JVC)? In fact why become a member of the Regional Managemetn Board? Good question. You have to be in it to take part in our Institute affairs. I have along and varied career in planning and having enjoyed the myriad of activities and volunteer work undertaken by the RMB and RAC committees and working groups ….It is now time to step up.

I have good people skills and have strong leadership skills to take on this important role. I am confident in building relationships as you progress from Junior Vice Chair to Chair over several years. Ample time to fine tune any areas for my improvement. I have some recent RMB experience and as a long term member of the South West Branch I did actually play an active role previously for many years as an early Editor for Branchout.

However looking more now to the future I believe my knowledge and experience and tenacity are such that I can help guide the committee in its current priorities, delivering our Business Plan and actively supporting the Vice Chair and Chair . Importantly also skills to engage with but also challenge where necessary the wider agenda set by the Government promoting the Growth Agenda and importantly the role of planning and specifically the key role planners have in shaping our future.
Who knows, the RTPI General Assembly could be next, but let's walk before we run . I welcome your support for my nomination for RTPI South West JVC for 2025.