Building connections among planners

How RTPI membership supports public sector professionals

The article has been written by the RTPI Membership team

At the RTPI, we recognise that planners working in the public sector face unique challenges and require tailored support compared to those in private practice. With the Institute’s focus on member value, through work such as the Member Value Project, we are constantly looking to evaluate how we are supporting every member within our community, as well as understanding their individual needs.

As we approach the final quarter of the year, we’re excited to share highlights of the work we’ve accomplished so far to support public sector planners:

The RTPI builds connections between planners enabling peer-to-peer learning in our regions, networks and committees
The RTPI helps the public to see the difference you make and inspire the next generation of planners through campaigns like Planning for Tomorrow’s Environment and Planning Your World
The RTPI engages directly with governments and chief planners across the UK & Ireland on your behalf to guide the progress of planning reforms and unlocking resources for local planning authorities
The RTPI shares the latest intel professionals need to understand changes in the policy landscape through research, blogs from our staff and The Planner magazine
The RTPI engages politicians regularly to help them understand your work and challenges better, securing key amendments to important planning legislation, serving on working groups in Westminster and the devolved nations and in our Politicians in Planning Network
The RTPI engages planners across the world through our ‘Planning is Global’ programme and international visits
The RTPI offer many free and discounted for members. There are additional discounts for local authority members on many of our events.
The RTPI have been piloting a mentoring programme to connect members and support the development of their career. This has been aimed specifically at mid-career members, but we are broadening the programme for 2025 to support more of our members, in particular local authority members who may find it harder to connect with a mentor in their workplace.
The RTPI launched The IT Takes Panner & campaign last year to combat misinformation online and increase public understanding of the vital work of planners, this was developed in response to our alarming research into planner welfare. We’re continuing to tackle this by championing our profession and highlighting the part that planners play in creating communities, to ensure they feel supported and valued in their roles.

The RTPI has been selected as a preferred delivery partner for the Planning Skills Fund, a new five-year industry programme aimed at increasing skills and capacity in Local Planning Authorities across the UK. The programme fund is being led and managed by the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC), with the training bursary process delivered by the RTPI.

Being an RTPI member is essential for my role as Chief Planning Officer, as I need to be a Member of the Institute to fulfil my paid role. However, this is not the only reason why I am a member. The membership status provides me and my employer with the confidence that I work in line with the values and expectations of the institute. It also reflects a level of professional standards that provides confidence to those I work for and with. Beyond the high standards of membership, it also opens doors for members to be part of beneficial activities such as sitting on the General Assembly or working Committees.

Ashley Baldwin, Chief Planning Officer, Thurrock Council and part of the RTPI Membership and Ethics Committee.

You belong to a community of over 27,000 planners worldwide. We exist to support you, your career, and the wider planning profession. Our work wouldn’t be possible without you. We will continue to advocate for resourcing of the sector, and for the respect and recognition you deserve.

If you are an RTPI member working in the public sector why not get ready for renewals by spreading the cost of your membership by setting up your monthly direct debit today.