Planning has become an increasingly salient policy area in the UK in recent years. The profession is vital to addressing key policy challenges, including the housing crisis, ageing infrastructure, the transition to net-zero, and encouraging the development that will underpin economic growth.

Ambitious targets have been set to address these challenges. However, with an unfavourable economic position, global instability and multiple domestic crises competing for the government’s attention, it is unclear if the level of funding, resourcing and training promised by the government for the planning sector will measure up to this.

Against this backdrop, understanding the capacity, skills, plans and well-being of planners themselves is crucial. The RTPI’s State of the Profession 2025 report explores how planners across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are experiencing this period of transition, and highlights the challenges, opportunities, and priorities that will shape the future of the profession.