And finally… delivering on a promise
As my year as President of the Royal Town Planning Institute comes to a close, I reflect on a deeply fulfilling year of service.
It has been a privilege to serve as the RTPI’s 111th President, and I am grateful to members for the trust placed in me. I would also like to acknowledge my predecessor, Lindsey Richards, for her inspiring leadership, and to thank the RTPI staff and volunteers, particularly Network and Regional Chairs and Coordinators, whose commitment and professionalism made this year possible. I am very conscious of the time this work requires alongside professional responsibilities and am sincerely grateful for the dedication shown throughout my presidency.
When I stood for election, I set out a clear manifesto built around collaboration, investment and inclusivity, priorities rooted in my belief that a resilient planning profession must be confident in its value, properly supported and representative of the communities it serves. I am proud of the progress made during my presidency.
A defining focus of my year has been launching the It Takes Planners & You
campaign to challenge negative perceptions of planners. Launched to mark World Town Planning Day, the campaign reinforces the message that planning succeeds through partnership between planners, communities and decision-makers, and that the profession’s contribution to everyday life must be better understood and valued. Projecting the campaign video at the Baltic Centre in Newcastle provided a powerful moment to celebrate planners publicly, challenge outdated perceptions, and inspire the next generation.
Investment in people and the future of planning has been another central theme. Building on Lindsey Richards’s legacy of engagement with universities, I followed up on visits to higher education institutions to strengthen pathways into the profession and encourage early-career participation. I also made a deliberate effort to promote membership and professional progression, and I am pleased that 2025 saw a significant increase in the number of planners becoming Chartered, reflecting growing confidence in the profession and in the value of RTPI membership.
At a national level, the £48 million commitment in the Autumn Budget to boost planning capacity and skills represented an important recognition that investment in planners is essential to delivery, resilience and long-term outcomes.
Engagement across the Nations and Regions has been a highlight of my presidency. I was warmly welcomed across the UK and Ireland and valued the opportunity to see first-hand the diverse contexts in which planners work. I was also honoured to represent the Institute internationally, including a visit to Riyadh, where I collected a prestigious award on behalf of the RTPI at the 61st ISOCARP World Planning Congress, recognising the Institute’s contribution and standing within the global planning community.
Inclusivity has underpinned my leadership throughout the year. I am grateful to members, particularly those with physical and non-physical disabilities, who shared their experiences with me and whom I was able to support. Their openness reinforced the importance of ensuring that the RTPI continues to be a place of belonging, fairness and opportunity.
As part of my election manifesto, I committed to strengthening democratic participation within the Institute. I therefore put forward proposals to broaden eligibility to vote in presidential elections, and I am pleased that, under the leadership of Meeta Kaur as Chair of the Board of Trustees, the Board agreed that recommendations should be developed and taken forward for consideration by members and the Privy Council. I also proposed that members be permitted to host non-members in the Members’ Lounge, and I welcomed the Board’s decision to trial a six-month period allowing members to bring one non-member guest, helping ensure our spaces better reflect modern professional practice and networks.
This year has also marked a leadership transition for the Institute. I thank Dr Victoria Hills for her service as Chief Executive and warmly welcome Rachel Fisher as the incoming CEO. I look forward to working with her as part of the Presidential team as the Institute continues to evolve and strengthen its impact.
Now, the Chain of Office passes to our new President, Jan Bessell, and I wish her every success for the year ahead. I also warmly welcome Professor Samer Bagaeen as Vice President. I have every confidence that they will continue to champion the profession with clarity, energy and purpose.
It has been a privilege to serve as your President. I remain committed to advocating for planning and planners, and to supporting a profession that is collaborative, inclusive and confident in its value.