Zoe MacGregor is the RTPI’s Volunteering Project Co-ordinator, leading on the implementation of the volunteering strategy.
Volunteers' Week is here! It's a time to celebrate the amazing contributions volunteers make across the UK and inspire others to get involved. We've been chatting with some of our RTPI volunteers to find out what they enjoy about volunteering and get their top tips.
What do you enjoy?
Tom Molyneux-Wright is Associate Director at DPP Planning, Cardiff and volunteers as a member of the Cymru Executive Committee. “It’s been a good way of stepping back from day-to-day work and engaging with other planners and people in the industry in different roles. I enjoy sharing ideas, discussing challenges and continually looking for ways to improve. It’s been really rewarding in that respect and provided me with a space to think a bit differently.”
Eleanor Rawsthorne is a Development Planner at Harworth Group and volunteers with Planning Aid England on the Northwest task group. “What I enjoy most is that you’re working with a variety of people and the work we’re doing is really starting to make a difference. It feels like that engagement and getting local communities involved with planning is very beneficial. Speaking to those people and hearing their points of view and what they want to see in their area is really helpful to understand.”
Top tips from active volunteers
Gillian Dick is Manager of the Spatial Planning - Research and Development team within the Development Plan Group, at Glasgow City Council. Gillian currently volunteers on the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee, Scottish Executive Committee and the Volunteer Advisory Group. “My top tip for somebody considering volunteering is just do it. It’s something that you won’t regret, you can do it for as little or as long as you want. It will improve your career and make you a better, more rounded planner. … And you will get much more out of it than you ever have to put in.”
Olivia Stapleford, is Enforcement Team leader at Buckinghamshire Council and volunteers in the role of Chair of the National Association of Planning Enforcement. “If an opportunity to volunteer with the RTPI in an area of planning which really interests you comes up, go for it. Volunteering with the RTPI has been a really engaging and supportive process for me and I feel it has real value in my substantive role too.”
Andrew Taylor, is Group Planning Director of Vistry Group. Andrew is a Trustee on the RTPI Board. As part of this role, Andrew is also a member of the General Assembly and Chairs the English Policy Committee. His top tips are, “If you are considering volunteering at the RTPI just think carefully about what time you can give. … And ask other people, find people who may have been involved in other settings for the RTPI and find out what’s involved from them…so you can go into things with your eyes wide open.”
How do you fit volunteering into your day?
Are you worried about time? Our volunteers understand.
Vicky Payne is Director of Planning and Urban Design at Jas Bhalla Works and volunteers in the role of co-chair of the Urban Design Network. “I think the time commitment was something that I was mindful of when I first got involved and I did ask that question. The response that I got was that because it is a voluntary role it can be very self-directed and what you’re able to do is really welcomed. I’ve found it’s integrated really well into my day-to-day work and I’m lucky that my employer and my colleagues are really supportive of it. They see it as a value that’s added to what I do rather than something that’s taking me away from my role.”.
Sepi Hajisoltani is a Planner and Conservation Officer at Aberdeen City Council. Sepi is a member of the Scottish Executive Committee and International Committee. “When I was a member of the Grampian Chapter I learned quickly that this wasn’t an onerous task. When you are a member of a professional institute like the RTPI, there is a significant level of support available. And chatting with other members will answer many of your questions about time commitment.”
Want to know more?
- Join an online information session in June and September, which are perfect if you’ve never volunteered before. There’s even one this Friday at 12pm during Volunteers’ Week!
- Visit our volunteer pages to explore opportunities that match your interests and availability.
- Reach out to current volunteers to learn more about their experiences.
- Drop in to a committee in your region or nation to find out what’s going on in your area.
Your expertise can make a real difference, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
