The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has announced the appointment of Robbie Calvert MRTPI as Head of Public Affairs and Policy.
He currently works as a Planning Policy Officer at Scottish Borders Council, and has extensive experience working across development management and planning policy in local government and on national policy matters and will be taking on the role within the Institute from January 2025.
Robbie has authored a number of research and briefing papers for the RTPI on renewable energy, 20-minute neighbourhoods, financial implications of legislation, chief planning officers, and rural planning.
He brings with him a strong experience of political campaigning and lobbying, having worked closely on the parliamentary passage of the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 and the development of National Planning Framework 4.
Robbie has served the Institute in various voluntary capacities over the years including as a Corporate Member of the Board of Trustees and as a member of the Scottish Executive Committee. He has previously held various positions at the RTPI and RTPI Scotland, including Intern Project Officer, Acting Policy and Practice Officer, Policy Practice and Research Officer and Policy and Networks Advisor.
Speaking on his appointment, Robbie Calvert said: “I am delighted to be appointed to the newly formed role as RTPI Head if Policy and Public Affairs, building on the rich and sustained work of Richard Blyth.
“I believe that an empowered and well-resourced planning system is fundamental to a successful society. This is an important moment for planning with a renewed political focus. We have to grasp this opportunity and champion for our profession and the better future it can bring.
“The merging of policy and public affairs functions gives the Institute a new steer in direction, one which I hope will strengthen the impact of the RTPI’s policy work. However for me, the fundamental purpose of ensuring that the carefully articulated views of our membership are reached by the people who need them, when they need them.
“I look forward to closely working together with the membership, professionals across the built environment and politicians.”
Simon Creer, Communications Director at the RTPI, said: “The RTPI has listened to the membership and their clear desire for the institute to be advocating and lobbying on their behalf. That is why the policy and public affairs functions have been brought into one team; making policy generation the engine for our engagement with governments across the UK.
“Robbie’s knowledge of the profession, the policy landscape across the UK and his experience delivering impact at a national level will be a strong addition to the RTPI’s arsenal. As the Labour government prioritise planning reform I am really pleased to have such a strong individual joining the team.”
