Chairs award for unsung planning heroes

Let’s celebrate the great work that the people behind planning do for our region

Each year the RTPI South West Chair presents their own special award* during the annual RTPI South West Awards for Planning Excellence celebration.

Originally launched in 2024, this annual award will celebrate the 'unsung heroes of planning'.

*Please note that this is a separate regional only award to the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence and this category will judged by the current Regional Chair together with the South West Regional Management Board. Winners of this award do not go through the to the National Awards. 

This special award is dedicated to recognising planners who make a real difference, whether through:

🏆 Outstanding initiative in getting the job done
💡 Innovative approaches to planning challenges
🤝 Collaboration & leadership in successful projects
🌟 Inspiring mentorship and team motivation

If you work with an exceptional planner - whether it is your own team or another organisation - this award is a way to recognise their contribution!

Nominations are now closed for 2026 and will re-open in January 2027

When this award opens again, you can nominate someone by sending your 300 word nomination of why they should be recognised to South.West@rtpi.org.uk The nominee must be a member of the RTPI in any grade. 

Judging and winners announcement

The nominees are judged by the Chairs of the Region. In 2026 this was Harry Quartermain (Regional Chair),  Rachel Tadman (Senior Vice Chair) and Tim Burton (Junior Vice Chair).

 All nominees are invited to attend the annual RTPI South West Summer Members Reception and Awards ceremony.  Read more about this event here (opens new window).