BAME Planners Network

📢 The BAME Planners Network, in partnership with the Royal Town Planning Institute has launched the nominations process for its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Recognition List 2024. There are four categories: ⭐ EDI Champions This list recognises individuals who have made substantial or outstanding contributions to EDI for the planning profession. ⭐ Rising Stars  This list recognises planners from ethnic minority communities in the first 10 years of their careers who have made contributions to the planning profession. Their contributions can be a specific planning project(s) or work done advancing EDI in the profession or a combination of both. ⭐ Excellence in Mentoring and Role Models  This list recognises individuals, particularly members of the BAME Planners Network, who have made substantial contributions to mentoring and being role models for other planners ⭐The Rhema Dapaah Award The award is a special recognition of the organisation that has demonstrated progress towards achieving diverse and inclusive work practices and a diverse workforce or has contributed immensely to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Planning. Submissions can be from the organisations or individuals working with the organisation. Submissions can be from the organisations or individuals working with the organisation Your nominee can be from anywhere in the UK and Ireland. You can make more than one nomination.   Your nominees' contributions must be tangible. Please give us examples of their impacts. We recommend that you supply no more than 150 words for your nomination. The deadline for all nominations is 15 November 2024   To make a nomination, please fill in the form: https://lnkd.in/euXW9bcZ Nominations will be assessed by a panel of judges. We’ll announce the final lists and celebrate with all the winners in early December 2024 at our End of Year Social Event. --------------- The BAME Planners Network is an initiative founded in August 2020 which seeks to promote diversity and inclusion in the planning profession in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Website: https://lnkd.in/eQ2BgDF5 LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/d_M6_rd Twitter: https://lnkd.in/gWy4xG2 Facebook: https://lnkd.in/g3r2HqE Instagram: https://lnkd.in/giajPeV Youtube: https://lnkd.in/gQdX9Za #diversity #inclusion #townplanning #EDIRecognitionList2024 Helen Fadipe MBE, FRTPI  Ransford Stewart MBE Abraham Laker FRTPI FRSA  Judith Dapaah MRTPI   Helen (Hong) C. Artemis Ansell AoU  Karen Daye Ganesh Gnanamoorthy MRTPI Pan Chong MRTPI Sue Manns MBE Wei Yang Deirdra Armsby Dumiso Moyo PhD, MRTPI, SFHEA, FRSA, MZIRUP Tola Amodu Zack Simons Prof. (Dr.) Samer Bagaeen FRICS MRTPI FRGS Nancy Scott Shahid Ali Machel Bogues Morgan Cheung Edith Ho-Ying Leung  Tsz Lam (Annice) Lui  Kwan Yee (Queenie) Lam Yvonne Sampoh  Ayoola ALONGE Kathy Lui Sabelle Astrid Adjagboni

Abraham Laker FRTPI FRSA also won the Excellence in Mentoring and Role Models in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Recognition List last year. Citation: "Abraham, an Associate Partner at Rapleys LLP and co-founder of the BAME Planners Network, stands as a stalwart advocate for diversity and inclusivity. Beyond his formal role, he actively mentors young planners, making significant contributions to the profession. His recent election as a Chartered Fellow at RTPI is a testament to his outstanding achievements. Achieving Fellow status at the age of 36, coupled with his BAME background, positions Abraham as a notable role model for aspiring planners and young professionals alike. His success underscores the importance of representation and opens doors for greater diversity in the planning profession." --------------- Nominations for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Recognition List 2024 are open. Nominate industry colleagues and organisations now: https://lnkd.in/euXW9bcZ ⭐ EDI Champions This list recognises individuals who have made substantial or outstanding contributions to EDI for the planning profession ⭐ Rising Stars This list recognises planners from ethnic minority communities in the first 10 years of their careers who have made contributions to the planning profession. Their contributions can be a specific planning project(s) or work done advancing EDI in the profession or a combination of both ⭐ Excellence in Mentoring and Role Models This list recognises individuals, particularly members of the BAME Planners Network, who have made substantial contributions to mentoring and being role models for other planners ⭐The Rhema Dapaah Award The award is a special recognition of the organisation that has demonstrated progress towards achieving diverse and inclusive work practices and a diverse workforce or has contributed immensely to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Planning Winners will be announced at the End of Year Social Event on 13 Dec 2024. It will be a wonderful opportunity to connect, reflect, and recognise achievements in equality, diversity, and inclusion. RSVP to join this festive celebration: https://lnkd.in/eieaFyEP

In celebration of the Black History Month, Ransford Stewart MBE, co-chair of the Network, reflects how his cultural heritage and experiences shape his planning practice: My parents were part of the Windrush generation.  They came to this country in the late 1950s.  Young, bright and energetic, they came because they wanted a brighter future, and they worked tirelessly to support their families back home and to make a better place for their children. Their hard work, resilience and care for the future transformed individual lives as well as the country generally. As a child of the Windrush generation, I’ve always felt a responsibility to carry their legacy forward and I try to reflect their values in my planning practice. For me this means: ▶ Being prepared to work hard for little or no reward ▶ Asking questions and seeking advice from anyone and everyone prepared to give it but, always, making up your own mind ▶ When choosing employers, doing your own research and not following what other people say.  Also, not being put off by organisations that have problems. They often provide the best opportunities for learning ▶ Taking advantage of support from mentors, sponsors and other forms of patronage when offered ▶ Maximising opportunities for growth by getting exposure to as many areas of planning as possible ▶ Recognising your value and not relying on others to do it for you. If you’re in a position to help others, make sure that you do But, above all, recognising that change is a constant in planning so, keep scanning the horizon, anticipate change, adapt or move on. Share your thoughts in the comments! #reclaimingnarratives #blackhistory #diversity #inclusion #townplanning --------------- Nominations for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Recognition List 2024 are open. Nominate industry colleagues and organisations by 15 Nov: https://lnkd.in/euXW9bcZ ⭐ EDI Champions This list recognises individuals who have made substantial or outstanding contributions to EDI for the planning profession ⭐ Rising Stars This list recognises planners from ethnic minority communities in the first 10 years of their careers who have made contributions to the planning profession. Their contributions can be a specific planning project(s) or work done advancing EDI in the profession or a combination of both ⭐ Excellence in Mentoring and Role Models This list recognises individuals, particularly members of the BAME Planners Network, who have made substantial contributions to mentoring and being role models for other planners ⭐The Rhema Dapaah Award The award is a special recognition of the organisation that has demonstrated progress towards achieving diverse and inclusive work practices and a diverse workforce or has contributed immensely to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Planning Helen Fadipe MBE, FRTPI Abraham Laker FRTPI FRSA Judith Dapaah MRTPI Helen (Hong) C. Artemis Ansell AoU  Karen Daye Ganesh Gnanamoorthy MRTPI Pan Chong MRTPI

RTPI Vice President Helen Fadipe MBE, FRTPI was on an expert panel at the Local Government Conference in Harrogate today about how local authorities will play a pivotal role in planning for and delivering the homes we need. #housingcrisis Helen addressed the shortfall in planners and how the lack of resourcing impacts local authorities' ability to deliver sustainable communities. She highlighted the #Planifesto asks that should allow planning services to set fees at a level to recover the full cost of determining applications, the requirement for all councils to have a Chief Planning Officer and the need to encourage more council-led housing development. If local authorities were tooled up to directly deliver new socially rented homes and exert more control over the rate that new homes are sold, they could ensure more homes are delivered faster. Finally, she stated that RTPI's interim strategic planning route map, published today, should give local authorities certainty to deliver housing and establish a shadow strategic plan. Helen was on a panel chaired by Cllr Adam Hug (LGA LINZ Board and Leader, Westminster City Council) with Cllr Kieron Williams (Leader, Southwark Council) and @Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government). The two-day conference is for senior representatives from local authorities and the business and voluntary and community sectors. #LGAConf24 #LocalGovernment #Housing

We are excited to invite you to join the BAME Planners Network for our Annual End-of-Year Social Event held in collaboration with the Royal Town Planning Institute! This festive celebration will be a wonderful opportunity to connect, reflect, and recognise achievements in equality, diversity, and inclusion. What to Expect: ▶ Awards Ceremony: Announcing the winners of the 2024 Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Recognition List. ▶ Networking: Enjoy drinks and a buffet in a relaxed and festive atmosphere. A DJ will be playing music for entertainment Event Details: Date:  13 December 2024 (Friday) Time:  5:30 – 10:00 pm   Location:   Insurance Hall, 20-21 Aldermanbury, London, EC3V 7HY Spaces are limited for this special event, so we encourage you to secure your spot as soon as possible. Friends and family are welcome to join in the celebration! Please RSVP  now to secure your spot: https://lnkd.in/gh3-NFPB To get a glimpse of last year’s celebration, check out the photos here: https://lnkd.in/ecFWbkxx Nominations: Help us recognise the outstanding contributions of your colleagues or organisations by nominating them for the EDI Recognition List in the following categories:   1) EDI Champions 2) Rising Stars 3) Excellence in Mentoring / Role Model 4) The Rhema Dapaah Award Nominations are open until 15 November. Please fill out this form to submit your nominations: https://lnkd.in/euXW9bcZ The event is kindly sponsored by the Stonehouse Recruitment Group Interested in becoming a sponsor?  Explore the full range of sponsorship opportunities available on our website. --------------- The BAME Planners Network is an initiative founded in August 2020 which seeks to promote diversity and inclusion in the planning profession in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Website: https://lnkd.in/eQ2BgDF5 LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/d_M6_rd Twitter: https://lnkd.in/gWy4xG2 Facebook: https://lnkd.in/g3r2HqE Instagram: https://lnkd.in/giajPeV Youtube: https://lnkd.in/gQdX9Za Helen Fadipe MBE, FRTPI  Ransford Stewart MBE Abraham Laker FRTPI FRSA  Judith Dapaah MRTPI   Helen (Hong) C. Artemis Ansell AoU  Karen Daye Ganesh Gnanamoorthy MRTPI Pan Chong MRTPI Sue Manns MBE Wei Yang Deirdra Armsby Dumiso Moyo PhD, MRTPI, SFHEA, FRSA, MZIRUP Tola Amodu Zack Simons Prof. (Dr.) Samer Bagaeen FRICS MRTPI FRGS Nancy Scott Shahid Ali Machel Bogues Morgan Cheung Edith Ho-Ying Leung  Tsz Lam (Annice) Lui  Kwan Yee (Queenie) Lam Yvonne Sampoh  Ayoola ALONGE Kathy Lui Sabelle Astrid Adjagboni

Black History Month 2024 has the theme 'Reclaiming narratives'. How does your cultural heritage and experience impact your planning career? We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments below. #reclaimingnarratives #blackhistory #diversity #inclusion #townplanning --------------- Nominations for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Recognition List 2024 are open now. Nominate industry colleagues and organisations before 15 Nov: https://lnkd.in/euXW9bcZ ⭐ EDI Champions This list recognises individuals who have made substantial or outstanding contributions to EDI for the planning profession. ⭐ Rising Stars This list recognises planners from ethnic minority communities in the first 10 years of their careers who have made contributions to the planning profession. Their contributions can be a specific planning project(s) or work done advancing EDI in the profession or a combination of both. ⭐ Excellence in Mentoring and Role Models This list recognises individuals, particularly members of the BAME Planners Network, who have made substantial contributions to mentoring and being role models for other planners ⭐The Rhema Dapaah Award The award is a special recognition of the organisation that has demonstrated progress towards achieving diverse and inclusive work practices and a diverse workforce or has contributed immensely to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Planning. Winners will be announced at the End of Year Social Event on 13 Dec 2024. It will be a wonderful opportunity to connect, reflect, and recognise achievements in equality, diversity, and inclusion. RSVP to join this festive celebration: https://lnkd.in/eieaFyEP --------------- The BAME Planners Network is an initiative founded in August 2020 which seeks to promote diversity and inclusion in the planning profession in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Website: https://lnkd.in/eQ2BgDF5 LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/d_M6_rd Twitter: https://lnkd.in/gWy4xG2 Facebook: https://lnkd.in/g3r2HqE Instagram: https://lnkd.in/giajPeV Youtube: https://lnkd.in/gQdX9Za Helen Fadipe MBE, FRTPI  Ransford Stewart MBE Abraham Laker FRTPI FRSA  Judith Dapaah MRTPI   Helen (Hong) C. Artemis Ansell AoU  Karen Daye Ganesh Gnanamoorthy MRTPI Pan Chong MRTPI Sue Manns MBE Wei Yang Deirdra Armsby Dumiso Moyo PhD, MRTPI, SFHEA, FRSA, MZIRUP Tola Amodu Zack Simons Prof. (Dr.) Samer Bagaeen FRICS MRTPI FRGS Nancy Scott Shahid Ali Machel Bogues Morgan Cheung Edith Ho-Ying Leung  Tsz Lam (Annice) Lui  Kwan Yee (Queenie) Lam Yvonne Sampoh  Ayoola ALONGE Kathy Lui Sabelle Astrid Adjagboni

At our recent September event celebrating East and Southeast Asian Heritage Month, May Lam, Michael Chang and David Nip shared how their cultural and ethnic heritage has influenced their work in urban planning alongside with the changes they would like to see in the planning profession. We are excited to share their inspiring interviews with you. Watch the video and take a moment to reflect on how your own heritage has shaped your planning career. https://lnkd.in/ejUg6txy We look forward to hearing your stories as we celebrate Black History Month in October! --------------- Nominations for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Recognition List 2024 are open now. Nominate industry colleagues and organisations before 15 Nov: https://lnkd.in/euXW9bcZ ⭐ EDI Champions This list recognises individuals who have made substantial or outstanding contributions to EDI for the planning profession. ⭐ Rising Stars This list recognises planners from ethnic minority communities in the first 10 years of their careers who have made contributions to the planning profession. Their contributions can be a specific planning project(s) or work done advancing EDI in the profession or a combination of both. ⭐ Excellence in Mentoring and Role Models This list recognises individuals, particularly members of the BAME Planners Network, who have made substantial contributions to mentoring and being role models for other planners ⭐The Rhema Dapaah Award The award is a special recognition of the organisation that has demonstrated progress towards achieving diverse and inclusive work practices and a diverse workforce or has contributed immensely to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Planning. Winners will be announced at the End of Year Social Event on 13 Dec 2024. It will be a wonderful opportunity to connect, reflect, and recognise achievements in equality, diversity, and inclusion. RSVP to join this festive celebration: https://lnkd.in/eieaFyEP --------------- The BAME Planners Network is an initiative founded in August 2020 which seeks to promote diversity and inclusion in the planning profession in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Website: https://lnkd.in/eQ2BgDF5 LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/d_M6_rd Twitter: https://lnkd.in/gWy4xG2 Facebook: https://lnkd.in/g3r2HqE Instagram: https://lnkd.in/giajPeV Youtube: https://lnkd.in/gQdX9Za #diversity #inclusion #townplanning Helen Fadipe MBE, FRTPI  Ransford Stewart MBE Abraham Laker FRTPI FRSA  Judith Dapaah MRTPI   Helen (Hong) C. Artemis Ansell AoU  Karen Daye Ganesh Gnanamoorthy MRTPI Pan Chong MRTPI Sue Manns MBE Wei Yang Deirdra Armsby Dumiso Moyo PhD, MRTPI, SFHEA, FRSA, MZIRUP Tola Amodu Zack Simons Prof. (Dr.) Samer Bagaeen FRICS MRTPI FRGS Nancy Scott Shahid Ali Machel Bogues Morgan Cheung Edith Ho-Ying Leung  Tsz Lam (Annice) Lui  Kwan Yee (Queenie) Lam Yvonne Sampoh  Ayoola ALONGE Kathy Lui Sabelle Astrid Adjagboni

📢 The BAME Planners Network, in partnership with the Royal Town Planning Institute has launched the nominations process for its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Recognition List 2024. There are four categories: ⭐ EDI Champions This list recognises individuals who have made substantial or outstanding contributions to EDI for the planning profession. ⭐ Rising Stars  This list recognises planners from ethnic minority communities in the first 10 years of their careers who have made contributions to the planning profession. Their contributions can be a specific planning project(s) or work done advancing EDI in the profession or a combination of both. ⭐ Excellence in Mentoring and Role Models  This list recognises individuals, particularly members of the BAME Planners Network, who have made substantial contributions to mentoring and being role models for other planners ⭐The Rhema Dapaah Award The award is a special recognition of the organisation that has demonstrated progress towards achieving diverse and inclusive work practices and a diverse workforce or has contributed immensely to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Planning. Submissions can be from the organisations or individuals working with the organisation. Submissions can be from the organisations or individuals working with the organisation Your nominee can be from anywhere in the UK and Ireland. You can make more than one nomination.   Your nominees' contributions must be tangible. Please give us examples of their impacts. We recommend that you supply no more than 150 words for your nomination. The deadline for all nominations is 15 November 2024   To make a nomination, please fill in the form: https://lnkd.in/euXW9bcZ Nominations will be assessed by a panel of judges. We’ll announce the final lists and celebrate with all the winners in early December 2024 at our End of Year Social Event. --------------- The BAME Planners Network is an initiative founded in August 2020 which seeks to promote diversity and inclusion in the planning profession in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Website: https://lnkd.in/eQ2BgDF5 LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/d_M6_rd Twitter: https://lnkd.in/gWy4xG2 Facebook: https://lnkd.in/g3r2HqE Instagram: https://lnkd.in/giajPeV Youtube: https://lnkd.in/gQdX9Za #diversity #inclusion #townplanning #EDIRecognitionList2024 Helen Fadipe MBE, FRTPI  Ransford Stewart MBE Abraham Laker FRTPI FRSA  Judith Dapaah MRTPI   Helen (Hong) C. Artemis Ansell AoU  Karen Daye Ganesh Gnanamoorthy MRTPI Pan Chong MRTPI Sue Manns MBE Wei Yang Deirdra Armsby Dumiso Moyo PhD, MRTPI, SFHEA, FRSA, MZIRUP Tola Amodu Zack Simons Prof. (Dr.) Samer Bagaeen FRICS MRTPI FRGS Nancy Scott Shahid Ali Machel Bogues Morgan Cheung Edith Ho-Ying Leung  Tsz Lam (Annice) Lui  Kwan Yee (Queenie) Lam Yvonne Sampoh  Ayoola ALONGE Kathy Lui Sabelle Astrid Adjagboni

Last night, the BAME Planners Network had the privilege of hosting our first in-person event in celebration of East and Southeast Asian Heritage Month. This special evening brought together planning professionals from all backgrounds to celebrate diversity, exchange insights, and learn from one another. We were delighted to have industry leaders Wei Yang, May Lam and Michael Chang take the stage, and generously share their professional journeys and personal reflections. The speakers shared their early inspirations and paths to planning, reflecting on how their cultural heritage has shaped their careers and approaches to planning. Wei Yang, who grew up in a diverse neighbourhood in Beijing, embraced diversity from a young age. She shared how Buddism’s concept of compassion has influenced her to care about other people’s lives and help others. As the first Asian president of Royal Town Planning Institute, she has always been determined to serve the communities as a planner. May Lam spoke about how her Chinese heritage has shaped her approach to inclusive planning and generational living. May encouraged planners to seek diverse experiences and “say yes” to opportunities even outside their initial area of interest, believing that passion in one’s work does shine through.   Michael Chang has been an advocate for integrating public health into spatial planning. Michael reflected on how being an Asian has affected his perfectionist approach to work and commitment to going the extra mile. He encouraged planners to explore the third sector as a fulfilling career path, highlighting its often-overlooked potential alongside the public and private sectors. The evening ended on a high note with networking over drinks and canapés. A heartfelt thank you to all who attended, and to Elise Baudon's welcoming speech and Prior + Partners for the generous sponsorship. We look forward to continuing to build bridges and create spaces for meaningful connections in the planning profession. --------------- The BAME Planners Network is an initiative founded in August 2020 which seeks to promote diversity and inclusion in the planning profession in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Website: https://lnkd.in/eQ2BgDF5 LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/d_M6_rd Twitter: https://lnkd.in/gWy4xG2 Facebook: https://lnkd.in/g3r2HqE Instagram: https://lnkd.in/giajPeV Youtube: https://lnkd.in/gQdX9Za #diversity  #inclusion  #townplanning Helen Fadipe MBE, FRTPI Ransford Stewart MBE Abraham Laker FRTPI FRSA Judith Dapaah MRTPI Helen (Hong) C. Artemis Ansell AoU Karen Daye Ganesh Gnanamoorthy MRTPI Pan Chong MRTPI Sue Manns MBE Wei Yang Deirdra Armsby Dumiso Moyo PhD, MRTPI, SFHEA, FRSA, MZIRUP Tola Amodu Zack Simons Prof. (Dr.) Samer Bagaeen FRICS MRTPI FRGS Nancy Scott Nissa Shahid MRTPI Morgan Cheung Edith Ho-Ying Leung MRTPI Tsz Lam (Annice) Lui Kwan Yee (Queenie) Lam Yvonne Sampoh Ayoola ALONGE Kathy Lui Sabelle Astrid Adjagboni

Congratulations to Helen Fadipe MBE, FRTPI , the founder and co-chair of the Network.