Organisations lack diversity, say two thirds of planners

A survey conducted by the BAME Planners Network has found that two-thirds of employee respondents felt that they did not have a diverse workforce and that the level of diversity in their workforce did not reflect the community in which the organisation is based.

The findings of the nationwide The State of Diversity and Inclusion within the Planning Profession survey were set out at an invitation-only round table conference in London.

Industry leaders from across the built environment, civil service, local authorities and private practice attended the event, which marked the network’s third anniversary.

The BAME Planners Network, Women in Planning, Planning Out and Neurodiversity in Planning presented the findings from their respective perspectives.

The survey, conducted in 2021, was intended to comprise an evidence base of the state of diversity and inclusion within the planning profession and consisted of employee and employer parts.

Alongside the lack of a diverse workforce, respondents reported “significant” income gaps among ethnic groups with a postgraduate degree and more than 10 years of experience.

The average reported salaries of Black/African/Caribbean/Black British respondents and Asian and Asian British respondents were £3,900 and £9,000 less, respectively, than those of White respondents with the same level of education qualification and experience.

According to the survey, 24 per cent of BAME respondents felt undervalued and underpaid, with 39.8 per cent of BAME respondents in entry/mid-level positions intending to leave their current jobs. This is higher than those of the White respondents in the same position.

Helen Fadipe, founder of the BAME Planners Network, commented: “The findings paint an alarming picture, especially considering the shortage of planning professionals. We are hopeful that this evidence base would serve as a wake-up call for the industry and accelerate the collective effort to advance diversity and inclusion in the planning profession.

“We are dedicated to working with partners across the industry to foster an environment where every planner, regardless of their background, can thrive and serve the community their organisation is based.”

Councillor Geoff Barraclough, Westminster City Council cabinet member for planning and economic development, welcomed participants to the event, and RTPI president Susan Bridge and Sue Manns (past RTPI President) gave goodwill messages. Panel participants included RTPI chief executive Victoria Hills MRTPI and Rob Krzyszowski MRTPI, assistant director of planning, building standards and sustainability at Haringey Council.

16 Aug 2023

Laura Edgar, The Planner

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