The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has launched Empower 2030, its strategic plan for 2025–2030, setting a route to strengthen the planning profession, enhance member value, and grow its membership.
Building on the corporate strategy initiated in 2020, Empower 2030 is underpinned by five core elements and organised around three future-priority pillars, Purpose, Practice, and People.
The Strategic Plan puts combating the climate and nature emergencies and improving diversity and inclusion with the planning profession at the heart of the plan. The RTPI seeks to lead by example, to be the world’s leading professional planning body.
The plan reflects the RTPI’s role as the voice of over 27,000 planning professionals across the UK, Ireland, and internationally, and charts how the institute will further support planners, planning systems, and the communities they serve.
Developed by members, for members, Empower 2030 is the outcome of extensive consultation and engagement across all four nations, the institute’s regions, and international networks. It has been reviewed by RTPI officers, the general assembly, and the board of trustees, and is informed by member feedback.
As national and local governments intensify efforts to address housing need, infrastructure delivery, climate resilience, and place quality, Empower 2030 positions the RTPI to champion planning’s essential contribution and to equip planners with the skills, standards, and recognition they deserve.
Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “Our strategic plan enables our institute to elevate the profile of planning, support planners, grow our membership, and deliver exceptional value. It also empowers our members to enhance their skills and advance their careers.
"The strategic plan puts combatting the climate and nature emergencies and improving diversity and inclusion with the planning profession at the heart of the plan. The RTPI seeks to lead by example, to be the world’s leading professional planning body.”
Meeta Kaur, RTPI Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: “In a rapidly changing world where the role of planners is more critical than ever, the RTPI must continue to evolve and improve in support of our profession and our members.
“This plan sets out an ambitious route map for the five years ahead. We thank everyone who contributed their time and ideas, and we very much welcome your support in delivering our plan.”
