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. The regeneration sector is growing and employers are seeking skilled and experienced people from long standing professions. Town planners are particularly well qualified to deliver integrated regeneration.

The Regeneration Network evolved from the work of the Regeneration Panel and is open to all RTPI members 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. Non-RTPI members are welcome based on the extent to which they, as regeneration practitioners, can exchange and share information, expertise and good practice with other members of the Network and RTPI members by association.

The Network now has more than 500 members with a membership profile that covers all English regions, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and 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.

Existing members of the Network have expressed their support for the Network and its activities. This is what some of them have to say:

"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 organized, 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".

Current issues

The RTPI Regeneration Network is at the forefront of comment and analysis on current and emerging issues facing those involved in regeneration.  Through consultation with its members, stimulating debate through the regular publication of an electronic bulletin and the mounting of events, the network ensures that its members have the opportunity for regular virtual and face to face exchange of expertise and good practice. The network actively seeks from its members examples of the positive roles and contributions of planning to regeneration.

The Network engages with key decision-makers in regeneration, developing relationships that both influence policy and enhance the role and status of planners. Since its inception the Regeneration Network has engaged in dialogue with Rob Pearson (Head of National Programmes, English Partnerships), Carol Hayden (then Head of Research and Development, Neighbourhood Renewal Unit); David Lunts (former Director, Urban Policy Unit, ODPM); Joe Montgomery (then Director General of the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit, ODPM); Jon Rouse (when Chief Executive of CABE); Richard Garlick (Editor of Regeneration & Renewal magazine); Julie Cowans (then Policy & Practice Development Manager, JRF), George Ferguson (then President of RIBA); and Paul Hudson (when Chief Planner at the DCLG).

Go back to the Network's homepage

Author:

Catherine Middleton

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

18-Apr-07

Categories:

Networks & Associations 

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