Self-nominations for General Assembly membership from 2027 : 19 August to 16 September 2026

Elections of General Assembly members in 2027 : 28 September to 16 October 2026

 

The General Assembly is chaired by the RTPI President. The General Assembly hear firsthand about developments across the RTPI from the Trustees and Senior Executive Team, participate in discussions about planning policy and practice and research relating to planning and provide input into other issues relevant to the objectives of the Institute.

RTPI members from all membership categories elect representatives to form the RTPI's General Assembly. The General Assembly has around 60 members and reflects the membership of the RTPI. As such there are positions for chartered members, associate members, student and licentiate members, and  legal associate members.

• Chartered Member role description
• Associate Member role description
• Legal Member of Legal Associate Member role description
• Student or Licentiate Member role description
• Region and Nation General Assembly Representative (1 per region or nation)

Outline of roles

The RTPI’s byelaws provide for a General Assembly (GA). This is the main forum for debate by members about  developments in planning policy and practice and the activities and corporate strategy of the Institute.

The General Assembly meets four times a year. It receive updates on the RTPI’s work and discusses key topics relating to the RTPI and the planning profession.

Members of the General Assembly also elect the Board of Trustees, hold the Board to account and advise the Board on any matters referred to it from the Board.

Impact of the role

As the voice of members, the General Assembly helps shape the future development and strategies of the RTPI. Members participate in General Assembly meetings alongside other planners from different sectors, geographical locations and stages of their career. The General Assembly hears about the activities of the RTPI and inputs into its future activities.  

Eligibility criteria

Position	Eligibility
GA Chartered Member	A Chartered Member
GA Associate Member	An Associate Member
GA Legal Member or Legal Associate	A Legal Associate or Legal Member
GA Student/Licentiate	A Student or Licentiate Member
GA representative of a nation or English region	A member (any class). Elected reps will also become a member of the relevant National Executive Committee or Regional Management Board.

Minimum commitment

• 4 full day meetings a year (in London or major cities around the UK)
• 4 half day Standing Committee meetings a year if appointed to a committee. (All GA members are asked to apply to become a member of one of the Board’s five standing committees/panels.
• Reading papers in preparation for meetings
• Induction sessions in your first year

Length of term

2 years. 1 January to 31 December the following year.

How to nominate yourself

In August, you will be sent a link to a self-nomination form, which includes a candidate statement and the names and details of the RTPI members who support your nomination.

Candidate statements are published on the RTPI website and on the voting pages managed by the independent election scrutineer Mi-Voice in September.

Start date

1 January 2027.

Find out more

For any enquiries about the General Assembly roles please contact governance@rtpi.org.uk

For information on who can vote for General Assembly candidates and when voting will take place, visit our RTPI Elections homepage.