Employer Benefits

RTPI volunteers get involved with a variety of activities and gain experience not necessarily available to them in the workplace. Volunteers chair meetings, attend committees and take on tasks and roles outside their day to day responsibilities. These roles help volunteers develop key “soft skills” including communication, negotiating and leadership which are identified as CPD priorities for planners.

Providing staff with time out to gain experience of different areas of interest and learn new skills through volunteering is a way of demonstrating your commitment to their development at no extra cost to your organisation.

This has a knock on effect within your organisation. Alongside skills gained, volunteers stand to gain confidence and a sense of achievement. This can lead to improved staff morale, retention and make your organisation more attractive to high calibre candidates, an important benefit given the current shortage of planners and the challenges this presents for recruitment.

Your organisation will be seen as a key player within the sector, making an active contribution to the planning community and influencing the future of the industry. This will enhance your reputation within the industry as a dynamic, forward thinking, responsible organisation and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders and enable the development of partnerships and possible new ways of working.

Many employers have a published commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR). CSR is often seen as an important way to increase competitive advantage, protect and raise brand awareness and build trust with customers and employees.

Supporting employees to take up volunteering opportunities that are consistent with the values of your organisation can help contribute to CSR whilst also helping your employees develop new skills.