Working groups

Aims of the Working Group include, but not limited to:

• Providing local CPD opportunities which add value to the wider lifelong learning offer of the RTPI
• Ensuring CPD is reflective and reactive to the current needs of RTPI Members
• Leading the conversation on important and emerging issues, including Climate Change
• Organising and delivering a mix of webinars and physical CPD events which may include site visits
• Ensuring physical events are accessible and take place in a variety of locations in the South West
• Consider running in-person events as hybrid to be inclusive and offer flexibility
• Drawing on regional and national case studies to enhance the learning offer and shared experiences
• Includes the current South West Chair's theme for the year - Design
• Maintains the conversation on Climate Change
• Includes speakers from other built environment professional bodies
• Is diverse and representative of its members

The CPD WG meets virtually and plans events at least 3 months ahead. We welcome new members to the WG at any time who can actively help us deliver events and reach out to the right speakers. 

If you are interested in getting involved please contact our Regional Coordinator

Aims of the Working Group include, but not limited to:

• Discussing opportunities for new informal networking events
• Organising new cycling and walking events
• Supporting the planning of the Annual Dinner in Bristol
• Organising networking and social events for those that are outside of the Young Planner criteria.

The WG meet virtually and plan events at least 3 months ahead. We welcome new members to the WG at any time who can actively help us deliver events.

If you are interested in getting involved please contact our Regional Coordinator

Aims of the Working Group include, but not limited to:

• Continue with the South West Mentoring Pilot into 2023 with considerations of other resources to support mentors and mentees

More information on the pilot is here 

The WG meet virtually. We welcome new members to the WG at any time who can actively help us deliver the mentoring programme.

If you are interested in getting involved please contact our Regional Coordinator

The Editor for Branchout is the Junior Vice Chair and is supported by a working group of volunteer members.

Aims of the Working Group include, but not limited to:

• Discussing and sourcing relevant and interesting articles for the 3 editions of Branchout for 2023
• Ensuring Branchout updates members on the activities of the RMB and RAC including key outcomes and discussions from its recent meetings.
• Spotlights on members of the RMB and RAC - getting to know you pieces
• Gives opportunities for its Regional Planning Schools to celebrate recent student achievement, including  dissertation research
• Showcases the shortlist and winners for the Annual South West Awards
• Includes articles on the Chair's theme for the year
• Provides updates on recent and forthcoming activity from our four South West Young Planner Groups including case studies from a YP perspective and APC advice.
• Celebrates newly qualified members
• Includes case studies and legal updates linked to the South West CPD programme for the year.
• Provides Local Authority Spotlights
• Updates from Planning Aid England and its activities in the South West
• A platform for local member news and obituaries

The WG meets virtually and plan articles at least 3 months before the next edition. We welcome new members to the WG at any time who can actively help us source relevant articles. 

If you are interested in getting involved please contact our Regional Coordinator

Aims of the Working Group include, but not limited to:

• Developing the South West Engagement Network (SWEN)  to ensure we have key contacts in all the South West LPAs and Consultancies
• Talk to key contacts and Heads of Planning about opportunities to engage as well as gain feedback and intel to use in developing our local activities and member support
• Look at opportunities to support members through additional activities in the region which could include skill based workshops, soapboxes etc. 

The WG meet virtually. We welcome new members to the WG at any time.

If you are interested in getting involved please contact our Regional Coordinator

Aims of the Working Group include, but not limited to:

• Raising the profile of planning with schools, higher education and university students across the region
• Promoting career opportunities in planning through outreach and engagement and alongside RTPI Ambassadors
• Supporting the delivery of resources and engagement with local schools alongside the RTPI Education Network / Future Planners
• Engaging with student research and supporting celebrating student achievement in the local planning schools, alongside the other Working Groups
• Coordinating local school and student planning activities/competitions, in coordination with the RTPI Education Network and RTPI Ambassadors

The WG meet virtually. We welcome new members to the WG at any time who can actively help us deliver opportunities to raise the profile of planning as a career. 

If you are interested in getting involved please contact our Regional Coordinator

Content to follow

Aims of the Working Group include, but not limited to:

• Delivery of outreach projects in the South West. This could include support to neighbourhood groups, community groups, or Local Authorities
• Work to raise the profile of Planning Aid England, including Branchout articles
• Deliver CPD to PAE volunteers and/or community groups
• Attendance and contributing to PAE meetings
• Supporting PAE projects such as PAE Support, webinars and producing podcasts and videos

The informal South West International Group (SWIG) was established in October 2019. The Group encompasses an amazing array of talent and knowledge available in the region.

The group is lead by a working group of RTPI Members, but outreaches and networks with a wider group of members and non members.  These include our RTPI Planning Schools at UWE and Plymouth University, the British Council, Central Government, local authorities, private practice, the voluntary sector and a number of other organisations.

SWIG aims to:

• Work with the RTPI's International Committee; including promoting work undertaken within the South West region to a wider international audience, and provide a regional context for international case studies.

• Provide a South West forum for the beneficial exchange of international experiences, knowledge and opportunities in the field of planning policy and practice (eg. better place making; carbon reduction; health and well-being improvements). 

• Build an understanding of planning’s role in tackling some of the biggest global challenges - urbanisation in the developing world; climate change; tackling poverty.
  
  
• Highlight some opportunities open to practicing planning overseas - through multi-laterals (eg. UN, World Bank); bi-laterals (eg. UK Government); charities plus not-for profit organisations; and the private sector.
  
  
• Learn about, disseminate and contribute to RTPI International work - particularly helping delivery of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (eg. SDG 11 - make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable); including through the RTPI International Development Network (IDN); the Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP); the European Council of Spatial Planners (ECTP); and the UK Built Environment Advisory Group (UKBEAG).
  
  
• Provide a two way link with and for RTPI International students studying planning in the South West; both now and when they return home (enhancing opportunities for mutual benefit).

For more information on SWIG, including how to contribute inspirational information and ideas please contact our Regional Coordinator

South West Young Planners is formed of 3 sub regional steering groups of volunteer members.

The groups organise a range of events and opportunities for Young Planners across the South West Region.

Young Planners aims for 2023 are, but not limited to:

• Organising a range of virtual and physical CPD, Social and Networking events for local young planners
• Supporting Licentiates through the APC
• Connecting with local planning schools and talking to students

There are three active steering groups in the South West:

• Dorset
• Bristol region (Bristol, Bath, South Glos, North Somerset)
• Devon, Cornwall & Somerset

Find out more about South West Young Planners

If you are interested in getting involved please contact our Regional Coordinator

The Awards for Planning Excellence are assessed supported by a panel of volunteer judges and it is open for any RTPI member, student or licentiate to be considered for membership of the panel.

The Awards Panel is usually appointed by February each year. Meetings are a mixture of virtual and site visits. 

The Awards are a great way to be a part of celebrating what is great about planning and showcasing excellent examples of planning excellence.

Find out more about the Awards

If you are interested in getting involved please contact our Regional Coordinator

Image: Judges and guests on a walkabout tour of Somerdale (Overall Winner in 2019)