We are excited to announce that our Director, Ransford Stewart has been awarded The President’s Special Award for Planning Achievement 2020 from The BAME Planner’s Network. The BAME Planners Network was set up in 2020 to tackle racial inequality within the planning industry. They aim to work with both the private and public sector to achieve greater opportunities for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) planners.
What is the Aim?
Back in 2005, we welcomed guidance from the UK Government in their published Diversity and Equality in Planning – A Good Practice Guide. The BAME Planners Network aims to build on this guidance; as well as initiatives like the industry-wide use of Positive Action Training Pathway – Tomorrow’s Planning Programme.
Although much has been achieved since this guidance was published, we unfortunately still see a lack of BAME staff across the board within the planning industry. ‘Project Race’ was launched by Defra in 2018, after findings showed that only 7% of employees in the planning industry were non-white (1).
Goals for The Future
At Stewart Management and Planning Solutions we are excited to work alongside The BAME Planners Network. We aim to help BAME planners climb the ladder of success, raising their profile within the industry.
Together, we want to end discrimination within the planning industry. We aim to work alongside organisations in both the private and public sector to bring together the best minds, people with the greatest experience and industry knowledge to make real and long-lasting change.
A Thank You from Our Director
“Really proud to be part of the group of winners who have received this year’s President’s Award from Sue Manns for setting up the BAME Planner’s Network.
In the short time since its inception, and despite all the hurdles thrown up by Covid, the BAME Planners Network has already provided support to many aspiring planners from BAME backgrounds, helping them into the profession and furthering their careers.
A special thank you to the founder Helen Fadipe and the other co-founders and Committee Members without who’s hard work this would not have been possible.”
-Ransford Stewart. Director, Stewart Management and Planning Solutions.
