The Royal Town Planning Institute has announced that it has selected Grayling to lead its campaign to battle misinformation around planners and their role in the planning system. The RTPI put out its campaign RFP following a members survey that pointed to a worrying increase in planners being negatively impacted – and in cases personally targeted – as a result of planning misinformation online.
Following the announcement of the RFP in PRWeek, 17 agencies submitted proposals to the RTPI. Of these, three were taken to pitch in July, with Grayling ultimately being selected.
Simon Creer, Director of Communications at the RTPI, said:
“We were overwhelmed by the number of responses to our brief, which was certainly the most I have ever received from an RFP. We were really pleased that so many agencies wanted to work on this vital campaign to support our members and champion the work of planners across the UK.”
“We selected Grayling as they presented a unique perspective, knowledge of the planning system and the challenges our members face, a strong creative drive rooted in strategy and a brand team to activate the campaign cross-channel. It was an approach that really excited us and we now look forward to working with Grayling to deliver this campaign for our members.”
Joe Cawley, Head of Grayling Engage, said:
“This is a campaign we feel passionately about, having first-hand knowledge of the challenges planners face, especially as a result of misinformation. We are delighted that our creative ideas and campaign plan have been selected by the RTPI and we are already getting to work to deliver on the faith that the RTPI has put in us.”
The campaign will launch on World Town Planning Day, 8th November, and will combat misinformation both online and in person around the role of planners.