All change at the top of the RTPI

This was an extraordinary week for the RTPI. It ended with Robert Upton’s announcement that he was leaving to become the Deputy Chairman of the Infrastructure Planning Commission. This is a huge feather in his cap and also a comment on his stewardship of the RTPI and the position it holds.


Robert, an honorary planner, has extraordinary expertise and knowledge in planning and is respected throughout the world. He has served us with great intelligence and drive for 13 years and is much loved and respected by staff and member alike. However he is an obvious candidate for a senior position in the IPC seeking to improve the efficiency of dealing with major infrastructure decisions and will bring his considerable expertise to this important work. He leaves a large gap, but filling it will I suspect generate considerable competition to reflect the reputation that Robert has created for the RTPI.
We have a great Team in place with Sara, Sue and Rynd and wonderful staff. The Board is looking forward to appointing someone who will build on the exceptional track record of an always modest Robert.
However, the week started with the RTPI Board Awayday here in Wells, Somerset, where chair Ann Skippers led the discussions about our future.
More will follow as we will be publishing a Corporate and Business Plan in the autumn that will provide a framework for our future.
It was especially nice for Philly and me to share the jewel, that is Wells Cathedral and City Centre, with the Board and Executive Team. It was also nice to see so many attending one of the wonderful Cathedral services.
The next few weeks will see considerable activity both to capture Robert’s knowledge before his departure in September and plan for his replacement.
It is an exciting time to be on the Board of the RTPI.

Martin Willey