Mike Davies is incorrect to say that the Royal Town Planning Institute has 鈥渋nevitably created an academic closed shop that has contributed to the shortage of qualified planners鈥� (17 October, page 32).
The RTPI has been working to increase the supply of planners through, for example, new intensively delivered masters鈥� degrees and the accreditation of new planning schools. As a result, there has been a significant growth in students entering the profession.
However not all practitioners enter the profession via accredited planning courses. The RTPI鈥檚 associate membership category 鈥� a partial professional qualification 鈥� recognises the contribution of a range of built environment professionals. The RTPI is currently working to develop its associate route to chartered membership.
The RTPI has to balance recognition of the important input of a range of professionals with the maintenance of chartered status as a meaningful professional qualification.
Sue Percy, director of membership, education and lifelong learning, RTPI
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