Confidence is built

Bart Shirm is the RTPI Young Planner of the Year and Senior Planning Policy Officer at Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council. 

The sobering statistics

The RTPI’s latest State of the Profession report should make every planner sit up straight. More than one in five planners in England are considering leaving the profession within the next three years. Local Planning Authorities are already stretched thin, with mid‑to‑senior roles proving the hardest to fill and planning policy teams facing some of the toughest recruitment battles. In 6% of authorities, vacant posts account for a third or more of their entire planning workforce.

The causes of this are well rehearsed. Workloads continue to climb, development management teams in particular lack enough capacity, and local councils face unrelenting financial pressure. Together, these forces place an unsustainable burden on frontline planners. The result is predictable. Burnout, frustration, and talented professionals quietly stepping away.

Do not fear. There is hope.

Despite the pressures, a determined wave of new talent is entering the profession, even in the face of funding changes to the Level 7 apprenticeship. Entry level roles remain the easiest to recruit to within LPAs, and a quarter of LPAs report no recruitment difficulties at all.

If we want a confident, fearless next generation of planners—people who aspire to lead, innovate, and stay in the profession—we must invest in their growth.

Confidence is the catalyst, but it is fragile in a post‑Covid workplace, especially for those starting out in the profession. Yet it is confidence that transforms a young planner into a future leader.

My own journey at Sandwell Council has been shaped by opportunities that stretched me beyond my comfort zone: meeting the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove; giving evidence as an expert witness at a planning inquiry; and defending the Sandwell Local Plan at examination hearings. These career defining moments have helped me build confidence at fearlessly and impartially exercising my independent professional judgement, something the RTPI code of conduct requires of every member.

My call to action

If you’re a young planner, ask yourself:

• What opportunities exist that will push me beyond my comfort zone and help built my career?
• How can I use change such as local government reorganisation and staffing challenges as a springboard rather than a setback?
• How can I learn from colleagues and support those who are also starting out in the profession?

If you’re a manager or senior leader, reflect on:

• What meaningful opportunities can you offer young planners, such as introducing an application at planning committee, leading a client meeting, or taking ownership of a project?
• How can you build a culture where professional judgement is exercised with confidence, impartiality, and without fear within your team?

The State of the Profession report includes some sobering statistics. The future of the planning profession depends on how we support, empower, and inspire those entering it today.