The field of urban planning plays a crucial role in shaping the cities and communities we live in. Every year, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) recognises and celebrates the outstanding contributions of the role of planning and planners across the United Kingdom through its Awards for Planning Excellence. We’re excited to be able to share that from EP both Jo Rogers and Sophie Stanton have been named RTPI Young Planner of the Year 2023 for the North West and North East regions respectively. Their achievements are not only a testament to their dedication and talent but also a glimpse into the future of urban planning.
Jo Rogers:
Jo is a chartered planner with a passion for combining academia, equity in planning and specialist knowledge to create better outcomes for all of society. Her natural flair for communications enables better participation in planning through demystifying jargon and processes. She is committed to peer mentoring within her team and to inspiring emerging planners through her visiting lecturer role. She has shadowed the Office of Health Improvement and Disparities and was a 2022 Planner Woman of Influence. She juggles all of this while participating fully in her local community, hosting two Homes for Ukraine scheme guests and being a mum.
“The judges were impressed by Jo’s presentation and she stood out as a fantastic role model and an exceptional advocate in planning.”
Judge’s Comments
Sophie Stanton:
Sophie has a passion for combining her role as a planner with EDI-focused planning research to deliver schemes for increased social and societal benefits. Despite being at an early stage in her planning career, through her published research Sophie is setting herself up as a thought leader working at the intersection of planning, society, and EDI. Alongside delivering schemes and projects in her day job, Sophie guest lecturers at Newcastle University and she regularly volunteers her time to provide planning support for numerous community groups across the northeast region and to help provide a voice for under-represented and overlooked groups.
“Sophie has a solid knowledge and understanding of planning within the areas she has had experience in. Sophie’s approach is enthusiastic and original (demonstrated through voluntary work and identifying areas in which the profession could improve). A good skill set has been demonstrated through the varied workstreams – working with clients (across sectors), communities and local authorities.”
Judge’s Comments
The RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence have once again brought to the forefront the talents and contributions of planning professionals across the United Kingdom. Jo’s recognition as the RTPI Young Planner of the Year for the North West and Sophie’s well-deserved title as the RTPI Young Planner of the Year for the North East highlight their outstanding achievements and dedication to creating sustainable, inclusive, and thriving communities.
The next step now for both Sophie and Jo is the RTPI National Awards – shortlisted finalists will be announced in October and the National Finals will take place in November.
Congratulations again Jo and Sophie!
To find out more about the work that we do you can look at our services here, as well as a selection of the projects we have worked on in our portfolio here. You can also keep to date with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.