We understand that public sector planners operate in complex, high-pressure environments. Our focus is on providing targeted support that helps you deliver for communities while progressing professionally.
Over the past year, we’ve supported public sector planners by:
- Connecting professionals across regions and networks to share knowledge and good practice
- Influencing policy and advocating for the resources local planning authorities need
- Providing insight through research, including the 2025 State of the Profession report
- Supporting development with accessible training, events, and mentoring opportunities
- Building capacity through initiatives like the Planning Skills Fund
A member’s perspective
Amelia Mistry is a Principal Planning Officer at Leicestershire County Council and is also an RTPI Assessor. RTPI membership has played a vital role throughout her career in local government planning.
“As a local authority planning professional, it’s safe to say that RTPI membership has been critical to my development. Over the years I’ve undoubtedly benefitted from access to a wide range of advice and support services which have helped me endlessly with my career development right from being a student member.
"There are free technical webinars, free online digital e-learning modules, and opportunities to attend discounted high quality training events (with excellent catering!) and to network with the best of the profession in specialist areas.
"Over recent years, I’ve learned an exceptional amount from the sharing of good practice and information with my co-assessors through the L-APC and Apprenticeship route to chartership and even more so from the talented applicants coming through the assessment process from a wide range of varied backgrounds. Overall, it’s an organisation there to support you, and each other."
Why Chartered status matters in the public sector
While these benefits are important, chartered membership (MRTPI) is what truly sets public sector planners apart.
In roles where decisions shape communities and require public trust, chartered status provides:
- Credibility and authority in decision-making
- Confidence to navigate complex planning challenges
- Recognition of professional standards and ethics
- Stronger career progression opportunities
For many public sector organisations, increasing the number of chartered planners is not just beneficial, it’s essential to strengthening the profession as a whole.
A Chartered perspective: Gabriela’s story
We spoke with Gabriela Wydrzynska, a planner at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) who has successfully become chartered. Her experience offers valuable insight into the benefits of professional accreditation and why others in similar roles might consider pursuing it.
For Gabriela, gaining chartered membership was always a clear goal from the beginning of her planning career.
“Becoming chartered represents the recognised professional standard within planning. It demonstrates a commitment to the profession and shows that you are willing to invest time in developing your knowledge, skills and experience,” she explains.
But beyond the qualification itself, Gabriela highlights the value of the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) process. Reflecting on her early career helped her better understand her growth, build confidence, and identify areas for continued development.
“The process encouraged me to think more carefully about my long-term future within the profession and to set clear goals for the next stage of my career,” she says. “Establishing tangible objectives and realistic timescales has been especially useful and continues to guide my professional development beyond the APC process.”
Why achieving Chartered status should be your priority
Gabriela strongly recommends that early-career planners work towards becoming chartered, despite initial concerns about balancing it with day-to-day responsibilities.
“At the beginning the process can feel quite daunting, particularly alongside the demands of the day job, but there is a lot of support available through colleagues, mentors and online resources which makes it much more manageable,” she notes.
Chartered status is widely recognised as the professional standard in planning. It signals commitment, credibility, and a dedication to continuous improvement, qualities that build trust with colleagues, employers, and stakeholders alike.
And, as Gabriela adds: “Being able to add MRTPI after your name in emails is certainly a bonus in making your signature look just a little bit fancier!”
Looking ahead
For public sector planners, particularly those in organisations like the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, chartered status is more than a qualification, it’s a way to build trust, raise standards, and strengthen the impact of planning.
As Gabriela’s experience shows, it’s an investment not just in your own career, but in the quality and credibility of planning across the public sector.
