Meet the RTPI’s Policy, Research, Practice and International team.

Richard Blyth FRTPI
Head of Policy, Practice Research and International

Richard Blyth FRTPI
Head of Policy, Practice Research and International
Head of Policy, Practice Research and International and responsible for Policy, Practice and Research Committee.

Prof. Aude Bicquelet-Lock
Deputy Head of Policy and Research

Prof. Aude Bicquelet-Lock
Deputy Head of Policy and Research
Aude is Deputy Head of Policy and Research at the Royal Town Planning Institute where she leads projects on Health and Inclusive Planning. She is also Visiting Professor at the WHO Collaborating Centre for Healthy Urban Environments at the University of the West of England; Co-Investigator for the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing evidence and Chair of the High Streets Task Force Professional, Research and Data Group (PRDG).

Harry Steele
Infrastructure Specialist

Harry Steele
Infrastructure Specialist
Harry is the RTPI’s Infrastructure Specialist. He holds an MA in International Political Economy and a BA in Politics, Policy and Economics from the University of Birmingham. Harry has previously worked in strategy and communications consultancy with a specialisation in nationally significant infrastructure projects and transport planning. At the RTPI, Harry manages the Transport Planning Network and will be leading on research ranging from digital engagement to Green Growth Boards.

Jenny Divine
Research Officer

Jenny Divine
Research Officer
Jenny is the RTPI’s Research Officer. She has undertaken RTPI research into the impacts of the planning profession on women and is coordinating the RTPI's rural planning research project. She is a Master of Urban Planning graduate from the University of Melbourne in Victoria Australia, where she was the recipient of the Dean’s Honours Award and Ledgar Prize in Urban Planning. Jenny has previously worked as a planning consultant in Australia and has a particular interest in international knowledge and policy transfer.

Max Tolley MRTPI
England Policy Officer

Max Tolley MRTPI
England Policy Officer
Max leads on England policy for the RTPI managing the Institute’s England Policy Panel and in collaboration with the panel and the broader membership, he prepares RTPI policy responses to UK Government consultations relating to England. He also manages the RTPI Urban Design Network, Large Consultancies Group and the Heads Of Planning Everywhere Network

Sam Spencer
Policy and Data Analyst

Sam Spencer
Policy and Data Analyst
Sam Spencer is a Policy and Data Analyst within the RTPI. He holds a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Tech where he also worked as a Research Associate at the Virginia Center for Housing Research. Sam's primary area of focus is on housing and Northern planning issues.

Sarah Lewis MRTPI
Planning Practice Officer

Sarah Lewis MRTPI
Planning Practice Officer

Madeleine Bauer
Policy and Networks Adviser

Madeleine Bauer
Policy and Networks Adviser
Madeleine is the RTPI’s Policy and Networks Adviser. She holds an MSc in Public Policy from the University of Bristol and a BA in History and Politics from the School of Oriental and African Studies. Madeleine previously spent two years working in executive recruitment as a researcher in the transport, infrastructure and built environment sectors. At the RTPI, Madeleine manages the NAPE and Independent Consultant Networks as well as contributing to research projects.