Aspirations for the profession
For many of us January is about setting new directions, and new challenges.
However, for over a hundred years the incoming RTPI president has had to think long and hard about their aspirations for the profession that they hold dear.
It is a rare thing indeed to take to a stage in front of your peers and outline your ambitions for the following year. But that is exactly the challenge I responded to this month as I took on the chain of office for the presidency.
It is no less intimidating looking back at the line of presidents before me, starting with Helen Fadipe, then Lindsey Richards and on, knowing the profile they have raised and work they have done for the profession and planners throughout the country and beyond.
By design, this year’s inauguration ceremony was held in Kings Cross in London, which in many ways illustrates exactly what I want to use my year to promote.
My theme for 2026 is ‘planning with purpose’; a focus on the outcomes of what planning and planners enable and deliver. It is about communicating the essential value of planning and tangible positive community, economic and environmental outcomes it achieves.
In a building overlooking the old industrial canals of North London I laid this out in my inaugural address. I Highlighted that not so long ago the area we were enjoying today was struggling with decline and for many was simply a place to avoid.
However, through the dedication of planners, the collaboration of a wide team of professionals, developers, investors, political leaders and the community, it is now a thriving hub for culture, the arts, and businesses. The outcome of all those decisions and interactions taken together collectively has delivered a strategic connected transport hub, new vibrant active connected spaces, bustling centre of community activity where films can be watched on the canals, art bought in the markets and coffee shared with friends while children play in the fountains.
That is a true outcome.
And it is something that I fear gets lost in the debate around planning. Throughout my year I will be making this point loud and clear. When all of us come together with respect and bridging the divide, be it public and private, planner and politician, developers and communities we can truly deliver something amazing for all of us to benefit and enjoy.
I would encourage anyone who wasn’t with us this month to watch or read my speech and think about the purpose behind their planning.
As part of my year RTPI will be working with ‘Content With Purpose’ to produce a digital series that will shine a spotlight on this issue and help communicate that planning is not something that works against people, investment or environment, but rather something that works with all of these interests helping to deliver the places people need to thrive.
I am very much looking forward to seeing examples of this throughout the country when I embark on my visits to regions and nations later this year, because I know there will be examples of excellence wherever I go.
