Introduction

The Irish Planning Institute (IPI) is committed to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our Members understand the vital role we play in shaping a profession that is fair, accessible, and representative of the communities planners serve.

We believe that a diverse and inclusive planning profession leads to better outcomes for people and places. Everyone, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to succeed, contribute, and feel they belong.

Context

The ECTP-CEU’s (European Council of Spatial Planners -le Conseil Européen des Urbanistes) Charter of European Planning (2013) recognises the requirements of social balance and social identity, cultural diversity, intergenerational connectivity, representation and participation and the planner’s commitment to ‘responding to the demographic and economic shifts and the pressures and demands that arise from them in terms of the structure and make-up of communities their age profile, ethnicity, cultural needs and economic activity’.

Members are bound by our Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct which require that ‘In undertaking their professional activities, all Members shall not discriminate on the grounds of gender, marital status, family status, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion, and membership of the Traveller community and shall seek to promote equality of opportunity.’ Also, under our education guidelines, planning programmes are required to demonstrate an appreciation of societal diversity and the importance of equality of opportunity in spatial planning processes. The Institute’s policies and procedures as part of our employee handbook include an equal opportunities policy and dignity and respect policy.

In the Institute’s Member Survey 2024 conducted by Interactions Research, a focus on equality, diversity and inclusion was considered important by the majority of respondents. The top priority identified was to create networking opportunities for underrepresented groups, ensuring diversity in leadership positions, establishing mentorship programmes and activity recruiting more diverse members were also highly prioritised.

Our Commitment

Reflecting the context above we will take active steps to:

  • Explore equality, diversity and inclusion-focused training and CPD to build awareness, competence and confidence across the profession
  • Gather and analyse appropriate data to better understand representation within our membership and identify areas for improvement
  • Consider equality, diversity and inclusion in the organisation and programming of our events, training and CPD
  • Amplify underrepresented voices by developing partnerships with organisations and networks committed to equity and inclusion
  • Promote diverse role models and celebrate achievements that reflect the breadth of our profession
  • Effectively implement the equality diversity and inclusion focused requirements of our education guidelines and code of conduct
  • Promote dignity and respect in the workplace, providing dignity at work training to staff and directors regularly and implementing the Institute’s equal opportunities and dignity and respect policies

This statement will be communicated to members, directors, volunteers and staff and placed on the Institute’s website.

This work is ongoing. We are listening, learning, and taking action to ensure our organisation, and the profession we support, reflect the values of fairness, openness, and belonging.

If you’re interested in contributing to this work, please get in touch.