RTPI is looking to update its State of the Profession report, and has issued a survey for planners to have their say
The RTPI State of Profession survey seeks to gain more up-to-date insights into current challenges, such as climate change and the housing shortage.
The new report will build on the findings of prior research from 2023, which found that half of planners were employed in the private sector, and public sector planners fell by a quarter between 2009-2020.
The research will acquire a more current view
The survey has been sent to all eligible planners under RTPI, and will ask about their employment, background, career plans, skills, and wellbeing. The institute is particularly seeking insight from senior planning officials in local planning authorities.
Further insight will be gained on team size, demographics, skills, and resourcing needs.
The previous report reads: “Two decades into the 21st century, societies around the world face enormous challenges – climate change, pandemics, changing patterns of work, biodiversity collapse, infrastructure planning – that in one way or another have implications for the built environment. In the United Kingdom, national planning systems are intended as tools to sustainably mediate between the state, civil society and the built environment sector as they tackle these challenges. Running an effective and efficient planning system requires a healthy, diverse and vibrant planning profession.”
A final hurrah for Level 7 apprenticeships
Late last month, RTPI published an update showing that, in the face of the government cutting funding for Level 7 apprenticeships (including planning apprentices), the number of planning apprenticeship applications rose sharply by 40%.
Furthermore, the number of apprentices that reached End-Point Assessment in Q1 2025 rose by 66%.
This comes after RTPI warned of the last chance to apply for these courses with government funding, as they redirect the money to lower apprenticeships.
Simon Creer, director of communications and external affairs at the RTPI, said: “This apprenticeship was designed to provide an alternative route into an under-resourced profession and has delivered a strong pipeline of talent for employers.
“Today’s figures show that it is working, with more apprentices reaching Gateway and 226 apprentices achieving Chartered status. Cutting off funding for the vast majority of candidates at the point the programme is accelerating will be counterproductive to the government’s growth strategy.”
“Given the severe resourcing issues in local authority planning departments, capacity must be strengthened if the government is to meet its economic growth agenda and housing delivery targets.”
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