The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has appointed PR agency Grayling to deliver a new nationwide public awareness campaign, that will spotlight the power of planning and the positive impact planners make every day.
The campaign, which launches on 8 November 2025 to coincide with World Town Planning day, will aim to reshape public perceptions of the planning profession and the planning system.
This initiative comes in response to recent survey findings by the RTPI and its member magazine, The Planner, which revealed that fewer than 14% of planners believe the public has a clear understanding of what planning is or how it works. The campaign will address these misconceptions by sharing powerful real world examples of planning in action.
Grayling’s appointment followed a rigorous and competitive tender process that attracted a diverse range of innovative and thought provoking proposals. The agency’s winning pitch was praised for its creativity, clarity and deep understanding of the profession, as well as its potential to deliver the greatest impact within budget. A judging panel of communications and planning experts unanimously agreed that Grayling’s concept was the most compelling.
Working in partnership, the RTPI and Grayling will curate and share a series of inspiring case studies, from transformative developments currently underway to completed projects that have left a lasting positive legacy. These will demonstrate planning’s impact, not only on the built environment but also on social cohesion, environmental resilience and inclusive communities.
Joe Cawley, Head of Planning and Infrastructure at Grayling UK, said: “We work day in, day out with planners as our partners and we see firsthand the good that they do to improve environments around communities across the UK. Planners’ work has never been more important to deliver the places people want to work, live and play in and it is an honour to once again work with the RTPI to bring to life the work of planners.”
Helen Fadipe MBE, President of the RTPI, said: “As President, I believe it is my responsibility to help change the narrative around planning, which is caught in a cycle of negative perceptions, often portrayed as slow and bureaucratic.
“Our tender process attracted an impressive range of creative and passionate ideas, and I want to thank every agency who submitted their concept for this campaign.
“Grayling stood out as the ideal partner, with a bold concept, a clear understanding of the profession, and a commitment to telling planning’s real story. Together, we aim to create a campaign that demonstrates the power of planning, and the important work our members are undertaking every day in shaping better places for people and the planet.”
