Ann Skippers and Richard Summers explain why you should vote for them to be the RTPI Junior Vice-President 2008

Ann Skippers

The RTPI is changing and so it should. It needs to be stronger and bolder if it is to be the leading organisation on spatial planning in the future.

Planning is amazing. There are so many great examples of positive planning and innovative practice. And yet planning and planners remain undervalued.

The Institute needs to continue to reform so that it plays a pivotal role in developing a planning system that delivers sustainable places that people are really proud to live in.

I have worked in local government at the ‘coalface’ of planning in development control and policy and more recently in the private sector. Throughout my career I have been involved with the RTPI at regional or national level.

I am passionate about planning. The RTPI can be the leading influence and voice of planning. It can promote planning positively, take a stance on policy issues, influence research agendas, attract young talent into the profession and support its members – its most important asset. It can raise our profile and enhance our reputation by making sure planning and planners are valued. Let’s stand up for planning!

Richard Summers

I offer to serve the profession as Junior Vice President and subsequently as President to promote planning and to lead the further growth of the RTPI. Vote for me if you want to share in developing the leadership role of the profession in spatial planning and in helping to shape tomorrow’s places.

My background is in planning and economic development in both public and private sectors in the UK and abroad. I have served the RTPI at the regional and national levels and will lead further “culture change” in planning to implement the New Vision and respond to the Barker Review and the Planning White Paper.

We must develop the role of the General Assembly as a forum for policy debate about spatial planning, development management and other topical issues. Relationships between the Executive Board, the General Assembly, RTPI Committees, Networks, Associations, Regions and Nations need to be streamlined.

The RTPI has come a long way in recent years and we are now approaching a period of consolidation and review. Beyond that, we must look ahead to renewing the vision for planning, engaging members regionally, nationally and internationally, developing member services and extending the influence of the RTPI.

The election for Junior Vice-President will take place during the month of November. All corporate members are entitled to vote, and ballot papers will be delivered in late October.

Author:

James Taylor

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

25-Oct-07

Categories:

Governance 

Sections:

The RTPI

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