Results of elections for the role of RTPI Vice-President, the Board of Trustees and the General Assembly are now in, showing that Jan Bessell will be the Institute’s next Vice President.
Bessell, a Strategic Planning Adviser at multinational law firm Pinsent Masons, is a Chartered Fellow of the RTPI, and currently volunteers within the Institute as Vice Chair of the English Policy Committee, North East Regional representative on General Assembly and Planning Aid, and serves on the North East regional committees.
With more than 30 years of experience in both the public and private sides of the profession, Bessel campaigned on her deep commitment to the planning profession and RTPI, hoping to ignite interest in and understanding of the natural and built environment.
Jan will spend one year as Vice President of the RTPI under Helen Fadipe, who will be inaugurated as RTPI President in January 2025, before progressing to the role of President of the RTPI.
The full election results can be found here.
Jan Bessell, Vice President of the RTPI in 2025, said: “I am excited (and delighted) to have been elected Vice President for 2025. I will bring my commitment to and energy for the planning profession and RTPI to make a difference.
“This is at a time when planning has never been so high on the public and political agenda given climate change, continuing inequalities, nature recovery and sustainability considerations, and given the need to secure economic resilience and growth. Yet despite its essential strategic, environmental, societal and economic role, planning remains undervalued and misunderstood.
“I look forward to delivering as part of the RTPI team on my commitment to promote planning with a purpose for communities and the profession, making planning more accessible and engaging for all.
“I want to ignite interest in and understanding of the natural and built environment and a renewed progressive, proactive, positive planning agenda, as the profession succeeds when we invest in and promote real informed understanding and positive outcomes.
“A core message will be the continuing call for greater investment in planning skills and resources, to strengthen and grow the positive profile and role of planning working collaboratively with others.”
Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI said: “I want to extend my sincere thanks to all those who took part in the elections by running for office and voting. Your participation has played a crucial role in shaping the future of our profession. I am thrilled to welcome Jan and our newly elected Trustees and General Assembly members.
"Active involvement from our members is vital for us to stay connected and impactful. I urge all members to engage in the future. Together, we can strive to create a brighter future for the communities we serve."
