One institute, many opportunities

As part of Volunteers’ Week, we want to celebrate the members who get involved in volunteering with the RTPI. There are so many different roles, and what links all these opportunities is the people — volunteers from different backgrounds, career stages and parts of the country, all bringing their own perspectives.

RTPI volunteering reflects the diversity of the planning profession itself. With many ways to get involved, volunteering offers the chance to meet new people, develop skills and make a positive contribution — whatever your background or career stage.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the wide range of volunteering roles across the RTPI, and what volunteers value most about getting involved.

Helping shape the institute through governance

Institute governance roles give volunteers the chance to influence the direction of the RTPI while working with people from across the profession.

Andrew Taylor, Trustee, summed up what makes these roles so rewarding:

“The best thing about volunteering for the RTPI is meeting people from all sorts of different backgrounds. I can meet people from across the country, different nations, sectors and backgrounds. And that’s great in terms of broadening my knowledge and horizons and being able to work with people on the common goal of delivering great planning for the people that we serve.”

By bringing together different perspectives, governance volunteers help ensure the Institute reflects the profession it represents.

Making local connections through regions and nations

Regional and national committees play an important role in bringing members together. Volunteers help organise events, share learning and connect people locally.

For Nicole Norman, a member of the East of England Regional Activities Committee, the networking has been especially valuable:

“Volunteering has helped me expand my network. And it’s not just a network within planning, but I have also been invited to different events. And with those I’ve further expanded my network. It’s nice when you see a familiar face and you can spark a conversation.”

These roles help create welcoming spaces where members feel part of a wider community.

Supporting early careers through Young Planners

Young Planners groups provide friendly, supportive spaces for early-career professionals to learn, build confidence and make connections.

Simeon Shtebunaev, Trustee for Young Planners said,

"Volunteering for the RTPI has been incredibly rewarding personally and professionally. I have managed to understand places and meet people who otherwise I wouldn't have had the opportunity to … and most importantly had the opportunity to change in small ways the direction of the profession."

Sharing experience through mentoring

Mentoring is a flexible way to give back while continuing to learn from others.

William Sparling, an RTPI mentor, described the mutual benefits of volunteering as a mentor:

“Mentoring is so worthwhile for both mentors and mentees, and the RTPI platform makes this easy to deliver. I found real value early in my career from understanding different perspectives and gaining confidence in my abilities. Now I try to pass this on to others — supported by the RTPI framework — while continuing to learn from mentees and their new ideas. An all-round valuable initiative from the RTPI.”

There’s lots available for early career planners, from mentoring to APC support and chief planners of tomorrow.

Bringing members together through networks

RTPI networks connect members with shared interests, helping to spark discussion and learning.

Vicky Payne, Urban Design Network Chair in 2025, enjoyed seeing members engage:

“I enjoyed getting feedback from members who attended the Urban Design conference and hearing what they found valuable about it. …. I was motivated by wanting to give value to people who are interested in the intersection of planning and urban design and those are the moments I feel that we’re achieving that.”

Making a difference through Planning Aid England

Planning Aid England (PAE) volunteers work directly with communities, helping people understand planning and get involved in shaping their local areas.

Eleanor Rawsthorne, leads the NW PAE task group and enjoys both the variety and the impact of the role:

“What I enjoy most is that you’re working with a variety of people from different sectors and backgrounds. And we’re making a difference with the work we’re doing. Getting local communities involved with planning feels really beneficial.”

PAE volunteering is a clear example of planning making a positive difference at a local level.