Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Recognition List
The BAME Planners Network, in collaboration with the Royal Town Planning Institute, proudly unveiled the inaugural Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Recognition List 2023 and the Rhema Dapaah Award at the BAME Planners Network End of Year Social on 7th December 2023. Nominations were open to planners working in the UK and Ireland, and a panel of judges diligently assessed the submissions.
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
Here's the 'at-a-glance' list - click on a category to read the entries in that section. Being non-ranked, the list is in alphabetical order by name.
Winner: Planning Inspectorate
Special Mention: ICENI
EDI Champions
Charlotte Morphet MRTPI
Senior Lecturer
Leeds Beckett University
Citation: As co-founder of the Women in Planning network which celebrated its 10 year anniversary last year, Charlotte has played a key role in promoting a diverse, equitable and inclusive planning industry. She has made countless women feel empowered when working in the planning industry by creating a network of 15 committees across the UK that have a shared vision in delivering inclusive topical and networking events. Working together with other diversity groups, she has also helped strengthen the wider conversations about equality in the planning industry. She has also engaged in research to further understand the experiences of and issues for women in the industry and subsequently provide suggestions for solutions. I am personally grateful to her for taking the time to be my mentor and coach me through the early stages of my planning career in order for me to make professional progress based on lessons learned from her own experience.
Helen Fadipe MRTPI
Director
FPP Associates
Citation: "Helen, founder of the BAME Planners Network, has been a driving force for equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in planning since 2020. The Network has thrived as a platform for engagement, support, and capacity building. Helen collaborates with industry partners, enhancing their EDI strategies and practices. A notable advocate, she delivers speeches at high-profile industry events, fostering awareness. Furthermore, she is instrumental to the success of the first Network's Pathway to Planning documentary in 2022 and Diversity and Inclusion Survey and Conference in 2023. Helen mentors BAME planners, supporting their growth, and her recent election as Vice President of the RTPI has inspired many others. In her multifaceted role, from founding a network to leadership positions, Helen significantly advances EDI in planning, leaving an indelible mark on the profession."
Hong Chen MRTPI
Associate Planner
LUC
Citation: "Hong is an inspirational leader. She is able to share personal insights in a relatable way but also to provide professional guidance to peers. She gives 100% and is distinguished by her integrity and commitment to EDI and ensuring planning is inclusive."
Jeanie Russell MRTPI
Inspector
The Planning Inspectorate
Citation: "For many years Jeanie has been championing EDI within PINS. She established an EDI network in PINS circa 2018 so that draft policy could be scrutinised and amended where necessary to better reflect the Organisation and its 'customers' in terms of EDI. This has evolved into a braided multi-faceted network of many groups that come together to represent and support inclusivity in PINS. Jeanie has in particular promoted the benefits of EDI in the workplace and this ethos has travelled beyond PINS into other Civil Service departments. There is now a network of champions to share best practices and support one another. Jeanie is chair of the 'Rainbow' network in PINS and part of this has promoted PINS as an EDI-positive organisation at PRIDE Bristol. Following these events and social media campaigns, there has been an increase in job applications at PINS from minority ethnic and diverse groups."
Jim Jaulim MRTPI
Director
Iceni Projects
Citation: "James has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to promoting diversity, fostering inclusivity, and championing equality through:
regularly speaking up at company-wide meetings and events to promote EDI initiatives;
arranging and co-ordinating diversity training; and
applying an EDI lens across all company operations.
He has played a central role in Iceni's EDI Panel which identifies bias, lack of diversity and inequalities in the workplace. These measures have been immeasurably beneficial, and his influence has been instrumental in attracting and retaining diverse staff which shapes a more inclusive planning environment that values and appreciates individuals from different backgrounds. He is a model for others in the planning community to emulate. Despite his achievements, he is a very humble and modest individual."
Nancy Scott
Partner
GatenbySanderson
Citation: "Nancy Scott, a Partner at GatenbySanderson, Corporate Director for Hoptroff, and trustee for P3, is a fervent advocate for diversity and inclusion. Serving on the advisory board of the BAME Planners Network, she actively addresses the glass ceiling encountered by planners from ethnic minority backgrounds. Leveraging her recruitment expertise, Nancy provides free coaching programs, supporting the career progression of individuals facing barriers in the planning profession. Her multifaceted roles across sectors showcase a commitment to breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity in the professional landscape."
Nathan Spencer
Director
UKREiiF
Citation: "Representation at industry events is crucial. For too long the discussions about the future of towns, cities and regions which impact real people in real communities have been dominated by people who do not fully represent the society. Nathan has truly led from the forefront to ensure this is not the case at UKREiiF, and we are seeing an impact from other providers of events starting to take this more seriously. Under his oversight, UKREiiF achieved 14.5% representation of Black, Asian, or minority ethnic speakers, with 48% being female. Attendance also saw substantial diversity with 9% Black, Asian, and minority ethnic participants and 32% female attendees. This is huge in comparison to the industry we work in. His work supported by our team is giving voices which are otherwise unheard a platform."
Prof. Samer Bagaeen FRICS MRTPI FRGS FRSA
Technical Director
Arcadis
Citation: "Samer, a Technical Director in the Environmental Planning team, holds impressive credentials as a Chartered Town Planner, Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, InfraChallenge Mentor at the Global Infrastructure Hub of the G20, and a Design Council Expert. Serving as an advisory board member of the BAME Planners Network, he actively champions Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Samer consistently challenges the industry status quo, advocating for a more diverse and inclusive representation of panel speakers at industry events and at senior management level. His commitment to reshaping norms and fostering inclusivity underscores his impactful role in promoting diversity within the planning profession."
Sarah Hayford
Founder & CEO
The Land Collective
Citation: "Sarah has been running The Land Collective for over six years and has been responsible for showcasing not just the planning sector but other sub-sectors of the built environment to youth from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, she and her team have connected these young people to others in the industry and have supported them throughout their career journeys. Sarah's impact in the sector has been vast and it is quite hard to put it into only 150 words but she is a respected, formidable and inspirational young leader that many already look up to."
Rising Stars
Amon Yiu
Graduate Planner
Carter Jonas LLP
Citation: "Amon, a member of the BAME Planners Network, is an absolute rising star! He joined Carter Jonas a year ago following his university studies and has impressed us within his work ethics, knowledge and love for all things planning! He's taken it upon himself to be our Headquarter's Social Value rep and has organised charity events and runs raising money for Land Aid. He is with us on a 3 year visa but has made us realised that we need to offer people like him the opportunity to stay in the country and in the industry. As such, Carter Jonas has successfully gone through the process of obtaining a Sponsorship Licence and we hope Amon will choose to have a long and successful career with us."
Anjuli Schiele MRTPI
Associate
Quod Ltd
Citation: "Anjuli's contributions over the first 9 years of her career include: 1) dedication to her projects and clients in the public and private sector; and 2) the value she adds to Quod. Anjuli is working with EW+S and LLDC on two new communities in the Olympic Park, East Wick and Sweetwater. She is supporting the planning delivery of EW+S commitment to maximising social value. Her impact on this project means a lot to her, especially as she was born and raised in East London. Her work with TfL on projects across their portfolio, from railway arches to the redevelopment of stations and car parks, has helped to provide new homes for London and meaningful benefits to local communities.
Since Quod became an Employee Ownership Trust in 2021, Anjuli has been the driving force of the EDI Team, establishing initiatives and affiliations to improve EDI at Quod and the communities we work in. Anjuli is central to putting forward ideas and making them happen. She challenges our Management Board to ensure that Quod not only follows best practices but is a leader in the industry. Anjuli's impact can be seen, with Quod becoming a more inclusive, diverse and enjoyable place to work for all. This is recognised in the planning profession, with Quod winning RTPI Planning Consultancy of the Year, where judges were impressed by our proactive approach to EDI."
Edith Leung
Planning Officer
London Borough of Croydon
Citation: "Edith in her role as planner within Croydon’s DM team strives for excellence, consistently being one of the highest performers. She combines her hard work and commitment, with a caring and positive persona, facilitating the creation of an effective team dynamic. The supportive environment she creates, welcome new planners often from range of ethnicities into the team, making everyone feel valued. She has taken active role in recruiting, not only in terms of interviewing, but also advising on how to improve diversity of candidates. "
"Edith is a multi-talented young planner. As a former journalist, she has combined her unique professional journalism expertise and planning experience in her volunteer work at BAME Planners Network. In 2022, she initiated, directed and produced the first ‘Pathway to Planning’ documentary. Through extensive research work and in-depth interviews with participants of ‘Tomorrows Planners’ PATH Programme (a Government initiative in 2003), she unravels the experiences of BAME planners that have never been told and offers valuable and critical insights about how the planning profession can be more diverse and inclusive. Her pioneering documentary has been screened at high-profile planning events and widely viewed online. It is highly commended by planning practitioners and has been followed with an extensive discussion in the industry. Edith also leads the editorial work of the Network’s newsletter, which is instrumental to the fast growth of the Network.
Edith has an enormous passion for planning. She always champions the power of planning and presents the latest planning matters in a digestible way for the general public on her bilingual social media page ‘Urban Broadcaster’."
"Edith is a passionate planner and dedicated to promoting EDI through the BAME Planner Network's communication team and her social media platform. By making use of her experience in journalism, Edith makes BAME planners more visible. She is a rising star in the industry."
Gabrielle Appiah
Senior Stakeholder Engagement Consultant
AECOM
Citation: "Gabrielle is a Senior Stakeholder Engagement Consultant at AECOM. She has five years of experience delivering inclusive consultation and engagement programmes with political stakeholders and diverse communities across the UK for major regeneration and nationally significant infrastructure schemes. Gabrielle has demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership in empowering women and promoting diversity within the industry, serving as the co-chair of Women in Planning London. In 2023, she has hosted over 10 inclusive and topical events in a wide variety of creative formats including walking tours, which played a pivotal role in facilitating women at all stages of their careers or lives to participate. This provided a key platform for women and allies to connect, learn, and inspire in a safe and diverse setting, fostering longer-term relationships. Within the workplace, Gabrielle presented as part of the RTPI Explore Programme and wider CPD on Regeneration Plans for the Olympic Park from her previous perspectives on the Board and Planning Decisions Committee for LLDC and the Legacy Youth Board. Her journey has been inspirational for many young people in underrepresented groups and those within the planning industry."
Kathryn McAllister MRTPI
Senior Development Management Officer
Be First
Citation: "Kathryn has had a meteoric rise since joining Be First as a Graduate Planner in 2019, having been promoted twice to become a chartered Senior Planner. She has handled a significant number of strategic developments in the borough and is currently the lead planner for the Gascoigne Neighbourhood redevelopment - one of London's largest estate regeneration schemes where Kathryn has had responsibility for securing consent for over 1,200 homes. Kathryn was also responsible for almost single-handedly clearing a large backlog of overdue applications when she first joined Be First and was therefore instrumental in stopping the LPA from falling into special measures. Kathryn is a role model to other planners in the organisation, not least those she has line-managed and mentored. Her professionalism, skill and astute problem-solving help to ensure the needs of Barking and Dagenham residents are met and that opportunities for investment and regeneration in the borough are maximised."
Morgan Cheung
Planning Officer
Westminster City Council
Citation: "Morgan, a young and multidisciplinary planner, is a passionate advocate for urbanism and the transformative power of planning. He founded the bilingual social media platform Urbanplanet.city, showcasing photographs, videos, and articles on cities, planning, and architecture to the general public. In 2022, his platform was recognised as Cities Forum's 'Urban Action Avenue,' a global platform for intellectual works shaping cities' development and growth. In addition to being a dedicated member of the communication team at the BAME Planners Network, Morgan actively contributes by co-organising talks to share his experiences with students and early-career planners. Recognising the growing community of built environment professionals moving from Hong Kong to the UK, he recently launched Urban House HK, a platform fostering knowledge exchange among Hong Kong practitioners in the UK. Morgan's initiatives reflect his commitment to promoting planning, diversity, and professional collaboration."
Pan Chong MRTPI
Planning Team Leader (Old Kent Road)
London Borough of Southwark
Citation: "Pan is Chartered Member of the RTPI and an exemplary Development Management Planner, focused and dedicated to providing excellent Planning Service. He has an impressive career history . He has enabled the first industrial intensification scheme in North London, which would deliver above 42,000 sqm of employment floorspace and public realm improvements adjacent to Southbury Station, through the planning process in 9 months from initial pre-application to resolution to grant. He also facilitated the delivery of an innovative alternative model affordable housing model by Naked House CIC that allows occupiers to self-finish and adapt their homes as their circumstances change, which led the Enfield Planning team to be shortlisted for the Planning Award for Affordable Housing Delivery.
Two-time Enfield Staff Award winner. Commended by senior management, developers, councillors and colleagues on delivery focus approach. He had a proven track record of timely delivery, positive outcomes and effective working relationships with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders under Planning Performance Agreements and provided in-house training on effective management of PPAs. He secured the highest number of PPAs and generated the highest income from PPAs in the financial years between 2021 and 2023. In addition, Pan is a founding Member of the Bame Planners Network, Steering Group Lead member, in charge of Communication. He also volunteers for Planning Aid London"
"I believe Pan Chong is a hugely talented Principal Town Planner, he has progressed as a planner at great speed becoming a Principal Planning Officer within the first 5 years of graduating from his Masters in Planning at the University of Sheffield. Hugely gifted, Pan is excelling in his professional career as a planner, not only building a reputation as an asset for Enfield Council, winning the Star Award at Enfield Council in 2022 and 2023 for his commendable service, but he is also the backbone of the BAME Planners Network Communications team which he leads."
"Pan offered a big helping hand to be my mentor for the RTPI submission. His guidance is tremendously appreciated, and he would edit my work till 1 am. and still be able to squeeze time in leading the communication team of BPN. He has set an example of how to be a good mentor."
"Pan has brought substantial dedication to the work of BAME Planners Network. He has put enormous effort into improving the communication of the Network so that the Network can reach out to more people and expand its influence in the industry. From the management of the Communications Team to the design of the Network's website, Pan's contribution to EDI should not be just recognised but also celebrated."
Sabelle Adjagboni
Planning Officer
London Borough of Haringey
Citation: "Sabelle is a Planning Officer at the London Borough of Haringey. She is a rising star for her planning work but also for her work in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI). In her short time at Haringey so far she has had a big impact showing a keen interest in developing the Planning service's own EDI Action Plan which is currently work in progress and draws on work from various sources including the BAME Planners Network's recent D&I Survey. Sabelle sits on the BAME Planners Network Administration/Events Committee, recently supporting the Survey results launch event, and has written a blog for the network "Being Young, Black and Female: A Journey to Planning". Sabelle has been part of the Women in Planning London Committee and has written a UCL blog "Inspiring Women in the Built Environment" and a blog for the Urbanist Platform about her experience in architecture and planning."
Excellence in Mentoring and Role Models
Abraham Laker FRTPI FRSA
Associate Partner
Rapleys LLP
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."
Ransford Stewart MBE MRTPI
Director
Stewart Management & Planning Solutions
Citation: "With over 35 years of extensive industry experience, Ransford has held key positions in various local authorities, including interim executive head of planning and transportation at the London Borough of Sutton, interim head of development control at the London Borough of Lambeth, and head of planning at Watford Borough Council. His career spans collaboration with 17 councils, 3 quangos, a National Park, and 2 of the Big Four accounting and management consultancies. Recognizing his significant contributions, he was awarded an MBE for Planning in the Queen's 2022 New Year's Honours List. In addition to his busy schedule, Ransford leads the BAME Planners Network Leadership and Mentoring Team, offering valuable mentoring and coaching programs for planners at all levels. His guidance has directly benefited numerous planners, setting an exemplary role model for others to follow in the profession."
Sara Dilmamode MRTPI
Director
Plan In
Citation: "Sara is a Chartered Member of the RTPI, past elected member of the RTPI General Assembly and Director of Planin Ltd., a Planning consultancy firm. She has over 20 years of experience in planning and has worked with leadership teams across the Country on spatial planning projects. Her company PlanIn Ltd provides local plan services, coaching and training. Sara regularly provides advice to Planners on work and career progression issues. She is a well-respected and valuable member, willing to step in and lead from the front.
She regularly offers planning and career-related advice to Network Members. Network Members who have benefitted from her mock interview coaching have been successful in securing new roles. She designed and led on 'Getting your first planning job'. A BAME Planners Network programme targeted at job seekers - those who have recently qualified or early years of their planning career. Created a series of 'planimations' to help people access planning concepts along with a series of online discussions on planning issues with leading Planning Law firm Dentons well ahead of the flurry of videos in response to lockdown https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-UApUqlV-SegJryW6y8aWA
She led the team on the award-winning submission for the NHS Healthy New Towns Design Competition creating a heath-led high-level planning framework for Halton. She is a past member of the BAME Planning Network Steering Group (2020-2022 ) and is currently active in the Leadership and Mentoring Team."
"Sara is an exceptional town planner who has shown commitment over and again to helping colleagues to rise to their potential, she goes above and beyond to form connections between planners from across the country. In doing so she is helping to build networks across the profession which wouldn't otherwise be there. Her work to develop original resources to help planners starting in their careers is to be applauded, as is her involvement with the BAME Planners Network, where she shows leadership and is a role model for everyone who comes into contact with her."
"Sara is a former steering group member of the Bame Planners Network. I have first-hand experience with the benefits of her expertise in mentoring and coaching. Sara's activities that in my opinion evidence of her being deserving of this award are: 1. Regularly undertaking mock interviews acting as an interview panel member to provide practice for planners seeking to make their first or next step into the planning profession, particularly planning policy 2. Providing ongoing coaching to planners to help in all aspects of the continuing professional development"
"Sara is an experienced and inspirational mentor who over a number of years has generously given her time to help others at various stages of their planning career journeys. She is friendly and empathetic in her approach, a genuinely good listener, and is quickly able to articulate insightful ways forward, based on practical advice and actionable steps. In her career, she is a dynamic role model for many leading professionals in the planning policy field. All of the above is wrapped up in a friendly approachable, gracious and self-effacing demeanour. She is most deserving of this award."
Yvonne Sampoh MRTPI
Principal Planning Officer
Luton Council
Citation: "Yvonne is a Chartered Town Planner and a volunteer for the BAME Planners Network in the communication Team. She is active in promoting town planning as a profession and encouraging school leavers at college and undergraduates at university to consider town planning as a career She is an L-APC RTPI assessor helping to ensure the RTPI's high professional standards are maintained. She has supported early career planners in preparing for interviews and has acted as a panel member in a Mock interview organised by Sara Dilmamode. In addition to her volunteering role, Yvonne has vast experience in the public sector - strategic planning, development management and regeneration. Currently, she is leading on delivering the Article 4 directions for Luton Town Council."
The Rhema Dapaah Award
Winner
Planning Inspectorate
Special Mention
ICENI
Other Nominees
AECOM
Gatenby Sanderson
PAS