Volunteer FAQs

Who can volunteer?
Not all of our volunteer activities require you to be a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). However, if you are a corporate member we may ask you to support our professional and independent advice service. This means you may be asked to provide professional advice to eligible clients. Corporate members who volunteer may also be asked to mentor a volunteer who is less experienced or provide support to other corporate members.

However, anyone who has an interest in planning, enjoys working with people and communities, is from a planning or planning related profession or academic background is encouraged to register their interest with Planning Aid England and may be able to get involved in our programme of community planning.

If you are a student member of the RTPI or student and not a member and looking for an opportunity to gain some planning experience you may be able to do this through our non-advisory volunteering opportunities and helping out at community planning events.

What types of activities can I get involved in if I volunteer?
If you are a Corporate Member of the Institute you may be invited to take on cases. This will involve advising and supporting individuals and community groups across a wide spectrum of planning issues.

Volunteers can also:-

  • lead and support community planning events for target communities
  • provide training to target communities on planning and other specialist topics
  • act as mentors to less experienced volunteers
  • provide training to other volunteers
  • help prepare material for the web and undertake planning research

Does Planning Aid count as CPD (Continued Professional Development)?
Yes. Volunteering for Planning Aid England can help town planners to develop their skills and experience, and therefore can be an opportunity to gain CPD.

What about training?
Planning Aid through its staff, volunteers and contacts will offer relevant training for volunteers. Planning Aid does not expect volunteers to undertake activities beyond their training or experience.

How much time will I need to give?
Voluntary assignments vary from one to several hours, depending on their nature. We are looking for commitment, enthusiasm and flexibility.

Giving advice to eligible clients can vary from a quick telephone call, email or brief letter to being more complex and perhaps requiring a site visit and assistance with appeal work. The variety and unpredictable nature of advice work means it is not always easy to estimate a set amount of time. Always let us know how much time you can give to volunteer. We understand that this may change throughout the year so try to keep us as informed as possible of any major changes that may affect your availability to volunteer.

Community and neighbourhood planning events can require attendance at the weekend or during the evening. In most cases staff will be able to give you an estimate of how much time is required. As with advice work activities if you have other pressures on your time that may affect your availability to volunteer please discuss this directly with us.

In what areas am I not permitted to advise?
You cannot advise clients on matters outside your professional area of expertise.

The RTPI professional indemnity arrangement covers volunteers who are corporate members for most of the professional advice you give whilst prohibiting you from undertaking the following activities:

  • Drawing and detailed design work for anything other than the negotiation of planning permission (e.g. not to be used for construction)
  • Valuation work
  • Structural survey and site investigation work (e.g. suitability of soil and availability of drainage and other utility services)
  • Giving legal opinions

What about conflicts of interest?
You should not accept advice work or get involved in community or neighbourhood planning activity where there is a conflict of interest. We will never issue a case or ask you to be involved in a community planning activity that is taking place in the area in which you work.

All volunteers should avoid situations that could give rise to a conflict between their personal or financial interests and their professional duty between one client and another. Situations must be avoided that could give rise to the appearance or reasonable suspicion of conflict. Volunteers should always make it clear that they are acting as a volunteer when speaking and writing to clients.

What about Eligibility Issues?
By the time a case is passed to you, issues around eligibility will have been considered. However, after a site visit or more detailed conversation you may consider the client not to be eligible for our assistance. If this is the case then discuss this with the Planning Advisor who will explain the situation to the client.

Volunteers are not allowed to act as a paid consultant for clients who have been initially referred to them as a Planning Aid volunteer.

Does Professional Indemnity Insurance cover voluntary work?
The RTPI indemnifies Corporate and Legal members, provided they have completed an insurance indemnity form, for the professional advice they give to clients. Indemnity forms are available from RTPI and must be signed by the volunteer and countersigned by the Director at the Institute to be effective. All corporate members volunteering for Planning Aid England must be indemnified by the RTPI prior to giving professional advice to clients.

The Institute carries Professional Indemnity Insurance against any claims of negligence against the volunteer or Planning Aid service. Volunteers must adhere to the guidelines set out in this document and report any matter initially to the Volunteer and Outreach Manager that may affect the Institute’s Indemnity Insurance. Failure to comply with guidelines or notify the Institute may render this insurance cover invalid. Every professional person owes a legal duty to his or her client to exercise a reasonable degree of skill and care. Where this duty is breached and the client suffers loss, legal action may ensue. The duty applies even where planning advice is provided free of charge, and irrespective of any disclaimer. Planning Aid volunteers are thus required to take the same degree of professional care and competence in their voluntary work as in any other work.

Should I inform my vehicle insurers of my voluntary work?
Yes. If you use your own vehicle you should inform your insurer of your voluntary activities. To avoid confusion with a commercial use of the vehicle, you should make it clear that you will receive out-of-pocket expenses only. A sample letter developed by Planning Aid is available for you to use. The Volunteer and Outreach Manager can be contacted for a copy.

Will I be out of pocket?
No. Expenses can be claimed for transport costs, telephone calls and postage. An expenses claim form should be completed and returned to the Volunteer and Outreach Manager, who will arrange for authorisation and approval.
Any donations received should be forwarded to RTPI.