Why assessors matter

Behind every successful planner, there’s someone who helped guide them along the way. That’s where our RTPI Assessors come in. They are the members who support one of the most important stages in a planner’s career, making sure our profession continues to uphold the highest standards. 

Our assessors give their time, dedication, and expertise to help shape the future of planning, and that’s something truly worth celebrating. 

At the RTPI, we love shining a light on their achievements. It’s so important for us to recognise their hard work and loyalty to the institute and profession.

Meet our assessors

Today we’re shining a spotlight on two of our assessors: Sophie Hardy, a professional discussion (PD) assessor at Hybrid Planning and Development, and Eimear McKeever, a Licentiate Assessment of Professional Competence (L-APC) and Degree Apprenticeship Assessment of Professional Competence (DA-APC) assessor at the Department for Infrastructure, Northern Ireland. 

Both bring passion, expertise and a real sense of purpose to their role. Here’s a look into their journeys.

What is a professional discussion (PD) assessor?

PD assessors are responsible for conducting professional discussions as part of the End Point Assessment (EPA) process for the chartered town planner degree apprenticeship.  Assessors conduct a 50-minute interview with apprentices discussing their professional experience.

Sophie first became an L-APC assessor two years ago and jumped at the opportunity of the PD assessor role.

“With professional discussions, you get to meet apprentices and discuss their experience to date. The virtual PD’s allow you to see the apprentice’s enthusiasm towards the profession and talk about the varying backgrounds and how these can be applied to the key skills and behaviours.”

For Sophie, assessing isn’t just about supporting apprentices, it’s also helped her grow professionally.

“It requires you to listen to the apprentices and apply their responses to the relevant criteria. As part of this I find myself reflecting on my own projects and experience and how these apply to the skills and behaviours too. It is really rewarding to know I am assisting in contributing to the future cohort(s) of chartered planners.”

She also values the strong sense of community among assessors.

“It is also great to work alongside a group of such supportive and friendly co-assessors. Whilst I am new to the assessor pool, I have already worked alongside a few different assessors, who have a breadth of experience across both the public and private sector. All assessors come from different backgrounds, and you get to build a relationship with them as you have calls.”

 Would she recommend becoming a PD assessor? Without hesitation.

“Whilst it does require your time to review the Reflective Journal detailing the apprentice's experience, engage with your co-assessors, prepare for the PD, and write up the outcome, it is a thoroughly fulfilling and enjoyable experience.” 

For Eimear, the decision to become an assessor was driven by a desire to give back.

“Helping others gain chartered status and achieve their career ambition was a big motivator. Gaining chartership is the pinnacle of any professional planner’s career and it felt appropriate to get involved in that process. 

It’s also important to me to try and add value to my profession in some way and to help junior planners coming through. With the current shortage of professional planners across the UK it is a vital role in assisting with the delivery of chartered planners and increasing this sector of the UK's workforce.”

 Eimear particularly values the collaborative and development aspects of the role.

“You are paired with a co-assessor to review allocated submissions, exchange feedback and collaborate throughout each round. It can be a great way to network with professionals from your field across the UK. 

It also gives members first-hand experience of the RTPI professional standards and the chance to help refine the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) process, ensuring fairness and consistency.”

The impact on her own career has been significant.

“Assessing has really strengthened my professional skills such as objectivity, communication, and analysis when carrying out day to day tasks within my jobs and in terms of my critical thinking. Since becoming an assessor, I have become more conscious of the feedback I provide to other colleagues ensuring it is always effective, constructive and well-justified.”

 Would she recommend it? Without doubt.

“It’s very fulfilling to see a candidate’s growth and know that you’ve played a role in their journey into chartered membership.” 

Thank you 

To all our assessors, thank you for everything you do. Your commitment ensures the profession continues to thrive, and your contribution makes a lasting difference.

We welcome applications for new assessors in October every year. You can email the membership team with any questions.