RTPI undertaking update of State of the Profession report, asking for fresh input from planners
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has launched a survey aimed at updating its State of the Profession report to provide an up-to-date picture of its UK members, as the sector tackles 21st-century challenges from climate adaptation to the housing crisis.
The refresh builds on RTPI research published in 2023, which showed a shift toward the private sector, where around half of planners (50%) were reportedly employed, and a decline in planners working for the public sector, which fell by roughly a quarter between 2009 and 2020. The findings have underpinned the Institute’s policy work on resourcing over the past two years.
Building on that work, the new report will talk directly to planners currently in employment across the profession, asking about their background, career plans, skills and wellbeing. The members’ survey has been sent to all those eligible to take part.
The Institute has commissioned independent research agency Research by Design to administer the survey. Invitations have been issued from email@boxsurveys.com – recipients who have not yet spotted their email are advised to check their junk folders.
In particular, the RTPI is aiming to encourage senior planning officials in local authorities to participate, given the value of their insights. The survey gathers information on team size, demographics, skills, and resourcing needs. If someone else within a local planning authority (LPA) is better placed to respond, the RTPI asks that the request be forwarded or that the Institute be contacted at publicaffairs@rtpi.org.uk.