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Student / Licentiate member of the General Assembly

Role description 2026

 

The role and its impact

The General Assembly is the forum for debate of the Institute and is chaired by the RTPI President. The General Assembly has six Student or Licentiate member who are elected by the RTPI’s Members.

As a member of the General Assembly, you will have the opportunity to hear first hand about developments at the RTPI from the Trustees and Senior Executive Team, contribute 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.

The General Assembly plays a vital role in the governance of the RTPI. The GA elects members to the Board of Trustees and is responsible for holding the board to account for the delivery of the strategic plan.

What’s involved

Members of the General Assembly are expected to:

  • prepare for and attend four General Assembly meetings a year
  • participate in debates at General Assembly meetings about the development of planning policy and practice
  • elect Trustees to the RTPI Board of Trustees and hold the Board to account
  • respond to consultations or surveys issued by the RTPI
  • consider Board of Trustees proposals for member subscription rates for the following year
  • apply for membership of one of the RTPI’s Standing Committees
  • participate and vote at the RTPI’s Annual General Meeting of members, which is normally held on the same day as a General Assembly meeting.

This list is indicative and other appropriate matters may arise.

Eligibility criteria

Candidates must be a current Student or Licentiate Member of the RTPI.

Minimum time commitment

This role is for a two-year term from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2028.

The role will require approximately 10 days a year in preparing for and attending meetings related to your role:

  • General Assembly meetings are usually held four times a year, one in each quarter in venues across the UK. Members are expected to attend all meetings in person where possible. Ongoing membership of the General Assembly is at risk if members do not consistently attend meetings.
  • Meetings are held within normal held between 10:30 and 16:00.
  • Members should allow about half a day to prepare for each meeting and another day to attend the meeting. Papers for each meeting are sent out a week in advance.
  • General Assembly members are asked to apply to join one of the RTPI’s standing committees each year. If appointed, members will be required to prepare for and attend at least four half day meetings a year.
  • Other duties, such as responding to consultations and participating in elections, are likely to require a time commitment of approximately one day in total.

About you

We are looking for individuals with the following experience and attributes:

  • A strong commitment to planning and the RTPI’s strategic objectives and vision
  • Active involvement within the Institute.
  • Availability to prepare for and attend meetings as scheduled.

How we will support you

  • Members will be invited to attend a welcome session hosted by the President at the start of their two-year term.
  • All new volunteers are invited to an Induction to the RTPI and volunteering.
  • You will have a key contact for the role.
  • The RTPI will reimburse reasonable expenses incurred by volunteers carrying out Institute business, in line with the expenses policy.
  • Volunteer involvement is supported by relevant organisational policies, procedures and insurance. Find out more in the Volunteer Handbook.

Benefits of getting involved

The chance to be part of an enthusiastic body of professionals and make a real difference to the planning profession and communities in which we live and work.

The opportunity to:

  • help shape the future development of the RTPI
  • participate in the delivery of the objectives set in the RTPI’s Strategic Plan
  • network with other planning professionals
  • expand your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) portfolio
  • gain an understanding of the role of governance in a membership organisation
  • learn about areas of planning outside of your expertise

How to get involved

Elections for new General Assembly members are held annually. Student and licentiate representatives on General Assembly are elected by all the Student and Licentiate Members of the Institute. For more information and frequently asked questions visit our Elections 2026 page.

RTPI members will be emailed in August inviting them to apply for roles starting in 2027 with a link to a nomination form.

Candidates who wish to nominate themselves should complete the nomination form by the Wednesday 16 September 2026. Nominations form must include a candidate statement, a headshot and the names and details of four other Student or Licentiate members who support their application.

Voting will open on 28 September 2026. If there is more than one candidate for these vacant roles, the details of all eligible candidates will be published on the RTPI website and on the independent election scrutineer’s voting page and student and licentiate members of the RTPI will be notified that voting has opened.

The election uses a single transferable vote system (voters rank the candidates in order of preference: 1 for their first preference, 2 for their second preference, and so forth).

Election results will be announced in October 2026.

Key contact for the role

For more information about the role of chartered member of the General Assembly please contact the Governance Team at governance@rtpi.org.uk

 

This is a voluntary role. The duties outlined above reflect our shared hopes and expectations, but do not create any contractual obligations.