Associate Member of the General Assembly
Role Description
Term and expected time commitment
Required qualities and experience
The role
The General Assembly is the forum for debate of the Institute and is chaired by the RTPI President. The General Assembly has two Associate Members who are elected by the RTPI’s Members.
As an Associate Member of the General Assembly, you will have the opportunity to contribute in debates about the development of planning policy and practice, the corporate policy of the Institute and other issues relevant to the objectives of the Institute.
What’s involved?
Members of the General Assembly are expected to:
- prepare for and attend four General Assembly meetings a year
- participate in debates at General Assembly meetings about the development of planning policy and practice
- elect Trustees to the RTPI Board of Trustees and hold the Board to account
- respond to consultations or surveys issued by the RTPI
- consider Board of Trustees proposals for member subscription rates for the following year
- apply for membership of one of the RTPI’s Standing Committees
- participate and vote at the RTPI’s Annual General Meeting of members, which is normally held on the same day as a General Assembly meeting
This list is indicative and other appropriate matters may arise.
Term of Office and expected time commitment
- This role is for a two-year term from 1st January 2026 until 31st December 2027
- General Assembly meetings are usually held four times a year in January, March June and October at venues around the UK.
- Meetings are held within normal working hours and normally start at 10:30/11:00 am
- Members are expected to attend all meetings of the General Assembly and are expected to join in person where possible.
- Members should allow about half a day to prepare for each meeting and another day to attend the meeting. Papers for each meeting are sent out a week in advance.
- Members will be invited to attend a welcome session hosted by the President at the start of their two year term.
- Other duties, such as responding to consultations and participating in elections, are likely to require a time commitment of approximately one day in total.
- This role is not remunerated, but members may claim for reasonable expenses incurred when attending meetings in line with the RTPI Expenses Policy.
The General Assembly Member role is a voluntary role. All RTPI volunteers:
- Act in the interests of the RTPI, irrespective of any commitments to other organisations or groups or any personal
- Declare any potential conflicts of interest and seek advice from the Governance Team if necessary.
- Adhere to relevant RTPI policies, procedures, and behaviours
Required qualities and experience
As a General Assembly member, you will have the following attributes:
- A strong commitment to planning and the RTPI’s strategic objectives and vision
- Active involvement within the Institute.
- Availability to attend meetings as scheduled.
Eligibility
Candidate must be an Associated Member of the RTPI.
Every candidate for election shall send a statement of his/her willingness to accept and hold office if elected.
What support can you expect?
- Support from RTPI
- Briefings or guidance documents on relevant
- Expenses covered in line with our
- Welcome session for incoming General Assembly Members
What’s in it for you?
The chance to be part of an enthusiastic body of professionals and make a real difference to the planning profession and communities in which we live and work.
The opportunity to:
- help shape the future development of the RTPI
- participate in the delivery of the objectives set in the RTPI’s Strategic Plan
- network with other planning professionals
- expand your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) portfolio
- gain an understanding of the role of governance in a membership organisation
- learn about areas of planning outside of your expertise
How to get involved
These roles on General Assembly are elected by Associate Members of the Institute.
Elections for new General Assembly members are held annually.
Invitations for self-nominations are sent to all eligible chartered members in June for terms starting the following year.
Eligible members can put themselves forward for election by completing an application form on the nominations website and a statement of willingness to accept and hold office if elected.
All applications must be supported by four current Associate Members or Chartered Members.
Elections take place in August/September and are on the basis of a single transferable vote (voters rank the candidates in order of preference: 1 for their first preference, 2 for their second preference, and so forth).
Contact
For more information please contact the Governance Team at [email protected]
This is a voluntary role. The duties outlined above reflect our shared hopes and expectations, but do not create any contractual obligations.