RTPI Inclusive Framework

The RTPI Inclusive Employer Framework aims to work with employers to transform Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) across the planning profession. It specifically supports and recognises organisations commitment to developing and maintaining inclusive works spaces for our members, planners and their colleagues

The Inclusive Employer Framework:

Helps institutions achieve their inclusion objectives.
Assists institutions to meet equality legislation requirement and push towards best practice and continuous professional development (CPD).
Supports the promotion of inclusive working practices and learning that can increase the retention of staff.

The RTPI has a vision of the planning profession to be, as diverse as the communities it represents, to act inclusively, treating everyone fairly and seeking to provide a culture which delivers the best outcomes for the diverse society in which and for whom we work. Through the framework we aim is to work with employers on the design and delivery of a tailored and realistic EDI strategy and support them as they undertake a journey of continuous improvement. The Framework will recognise and promote actions taken by employers to help create a truly inclusive planning profession.

Introducing the Framework

The Framework aims to drive forward the changes needed if companies are to remain competitive and attract and retain talented diverse staff in an increasingly global market. The framework is an outcome-focused programme that is tailored to unique constraints of each organisation.

The Framework explained

By signing up to the framework you will be committing to working towards core principles of:

Fostering inclusive workplace(s) and cultures that eliminate discrimination, bullying harassment and encourages and empowers staff to express themselves and their identity at work including:
Developing and implementing an inclusive recruitment process
Embed EDI into your procurement strategy and CPD

In return for clear commitment and demonstration of action by your organisation against one of the three levels within the Framework, you will have access to:

Expertise through the Institute's EDI manager and wider EDI network.
Guidance and templates for an EDI strategy and staff groups and data collection including EDI categories.
Access to the RTPI Inclusive Writing Guide and CPD.
Guidance on inclusive recruitment.

The framework operates on the principle of cumulative knowledge and practice where each level builds upon the preceding one. Being an Inclusive Champions encompass all the responsibilities of Inclusive Practitioners and further extend their role. Inclusive Leaders, in turn, expand upon the requirements set for Champions. You can join the framework at any stage.

Participation is based on a methodology of external review and continuous progression as follows:

We will review agreed actions annually with the framework participants and check in on any gaps.
Reviews will also be conducted at the point where participants want to move onto the next stage of their journey.
We will encourage participants to work through the three levels from Inclusive Practitioner to Inclusive Champion to Inclusive Leader.
We recognise that the speed of progression will be dependent on how quickly any agreed actions and outcomes have been completed.

Who can take part

The Framework is open to any organisation whether they are private consultancies, public bodies, multidisciplinary agencies, or local planning authority planning department that employs chartered planners.

Becki Hinchcliffe, Director Eden Planning

As a small practice, we are wholly committed to creating an inclusive company ethos. Having direct access to EDI expertise, we would otherwise not have been able to access, through the RTPI Inclusive Network has been invaluable and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the RTPI to ensure we play a vital role in striving to raise the bar for inclusivity in our profession.

How to get involved

Signing up to take part could not be simpler you only need to download the template sign, scan and send back to the RTPI at [email protected]. Receipt of your application will be acknowledged within 5 working days and a welcome pack will be issued. We will then arrange a meeting with you to agree any actions.

The Framework is part of the Institute's own ongoing long-term commitment to building an inclusive culture within organizations and by extension by the wider profession as part of its CHANGE action plan.