Four members of the Royal Town Planning Institute joined the likes of Tom Daley, Daniel Craig, and Joanna Lumley in the Queen's 2022 New Year Honours list on Friday 31 December.
Among those named by The Queen were Sue Manns, President of the RTPI in 2020 and Director of Sue Manns Associates, named for services to Planning; Laura Manning Shoaf, Lately Managing Director of Transport for the West Midlands, for services to Economic Regeneration in the West Midlands; Ransford George Stewart, Director of Stewart Management and Planning Solutions, for services to Planning; and Karime Hassan, Chief Executive and Growth Director for Exeter City Council for services to Local Government.
Manns, who focused on raising awareness of the importance of equality, diversity, inclusivity throughout her time as President of the RTPI, said that receiving the MBE was an enormous pleasure and a recognition of the importance and of equality, diversity and inclusivity both within the planning profession and in the way that it engages with communities.
“We all use spaces and places differently and it is vitally important that diverse views are heard around the decision making table and that decisions are not only technically well informed but also informed by the outcomes of meaningful and inclusive engagement,” said Manns.
At the RTPI, we too understand the important role our members have within the community, that’s why we personally nominated Stewart and Manns for the Honours list.
As former President of the RTPI in 2020, Manns was an obvious candidate, having shown such dedicated commitment to engaging and providing advice to individuals and communities involved in planning in their local area. As RTPI President, Manns was responsible for launching the ‘CHANGE’ action plan and raising awareness of the issues faced by the profession, going on to become the RTPI’s board champion for equality, diversity and inclusion.
Manns explained that, as President of the RTPI 2020, she had the opportunity to share her message and showcase the work of the profession both in the UK and on the global stage, where people and organisations listened.
Such formal recognition of the industry is welcome. At the RTPI, we will continue to work together with Manns, Shoaf, Stewart, Hassan and the rest of our members going forward. “The future is bright and together we will make a difference,” said Manns.
