Building a strong pipeline of young professionals into the planning sector was a central theme of Lindsey Richards' year as RTPI President in 2024. At that time, she launched her presidential initiative designed to strengthen the Institute’s outreach efforts and expand the reach of RTPI volunteers and ambassadors to more schools and colleges.

The ambassadors initiative aims to attract talented young individuals into the profession, create accessible pathways for professional education and development, and promote greater understanding of planning among students. By doing so, it seeks to build a diverse and robust pipeline of future planners ready to lead their communities forward.

Today, the RTPI unveiled new materials for the ambassadors, alongside a renewed call for members to volunteer in schools and introduce young people to the value and impact of planning in their communities.

Through a new partnership between the RTPI and Inspiring the Future, RTPI members can help shape the future by inspiring young people to see the world through a planner’s eyes.

Lindsey Richards, President of the RTPI in 2024, said: “The refresh and rebranding of the Ambassador Toolkit and links to the Inspiring the Future platform, are essential tools for our volunteers who seeking to promote planning in schools as an early career choice. If we want to grow our pipeline of planners, this is a great starting point.”

Members can find out more about getting involved at the upcoming Lunch and Learn: Volunteering with Inspiring the Future session on Tuesday 5 November.

Members can access the full ambassador’s toolkit here.

Schools interested in hosting an RTPI Ambassador can make a request by emailing education@rtpi.org.uk.