Introduction

The planning process provides the opportunity to enhance the role and capacity of communities; balance community, business, environmental and individual needs; achieve sustainable regeneration; and approach the total spectrum of regeneration issues. Town planners are particularly well qualified to deliver integrated regeneration.

The RTPI Regeneration Network evolved from the work of the RTPI's Regeneration Panel and is open to all who want to improve their level of professional competence in the regeneration field, share their regeneration expertise with fellow planners, and help promote the interests of planners and planning in regeneration. 

The Network now has more than 800 members with a membership profile that covers all English regions, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It also has members from overseas. 

Members positions' range from planning assistant to chief executive, and include representatives from government offices, regional development agencies, urban regeneration companies, local authorities, academia, students, and consultancies, as well as retired planners.

Benefits of joining

One of the successes of the Network has been the introduction of a weekly bulletin, sent to members by email, which covers events, websites, news items, publications, research and requests for help from fellow members. 

Members are invited to contribute to the bulletin to share their wealth of knowledge and expertise with fellow planners in regeneration.

Some of the other opportunities open to members of the Regeneration Network are:

• discussing and finding solutions to regeneration problems and opportunities;
• provision of support and encouragement in your professional regeneration activities through the provision of a source of advice and examples of good practice and the means of exchanging news, information and knowledge;
• campaigning and policy consultation on issues related to regeneration;
• raising the profile and status of the Institute, its members, and the planning agenda within regeneration through the provision of a voice at the national /regional/ local level on its area of expertise within regeneration;
• developing a programme of research within regeneration;
• speaking at conferences and representing the RTPI in the media.

Members of the Network have expressed their support for the Network and its activities:

"It is excellent; one of the best things the RTPI does".

"The weekly bulletin is extremely useful and provides enough information without 'overload' - invaluable for busy members. Further information can then be sought if required, through the effective sign-posting".

"The Network Lunches that I have attended have been well organised, relevant and interesting. They also provide an excellent way to meet other members and regeneration experts and practitioners".

"As a planner who has moved into regeneration, it is useful to still feel part of the RTPI and that work activity is still relevant".

"The newsletters are a very useful addition to regeneration information".

Go back to the Network's homepage

Author:

Catherine Middleton

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

21-Mar-11

Categories:

 

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