Equality, Diversity and Inclusion  Recognition List

Citation:   As a member of the National Infrastructure Planning Association (NIPA) Council's 'Growing and Engaging a Diverse Membership Working Group,' Jordan led its first diversity survey (June 2024). The results are being used to inform NIPA’s strategy to promote diversity and give a voice to all its members.

Jordan also contributed to the RTPI’s Balance Toolkit, which provides guidance for planners visiting schools to inspire the next generation of professionals.

Citation:   Muhammad Rajput, the first Asian Air Quality Chartered Environmentalist and Director of Freshbreeze Environment Ltd., leads innovative air quality solutions with a focus on sustainable assessments and compliance.

His expertise in consultancy and advocacy helps developers meet environmental standards while promoting cleaner air and healthier communities.

Muhammad’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and his impact on environmental health position him as a rising leader in sustainable development.

Citation:  This is Naja’s first role after university, following her planning degree, and she has been absolutely fantastic working with our team. She is, of course, technically proficient in her role and has already successfully negotiated many case resolutions. She has also taken formal action, serving notices and handling appeals. In fact, she’s already put her first case forward for prosecution!

What I love most about Naja, however, is her enthusiasm and passion for the role. Her positivity shines through no matter the challenge, and it inevitably rubs off on others. The role of an enforcement officer is incredibly challenging, but Naja has taken it in her stride and beyond. She loves learning, attending training and staff sessions, and always makes sensible, smart contributions. She offers valuable input on any issue that arises.

I’m so glad she joined our small team—she brings so much positivity, and everyone loves Naja!

Citation:  He mentors and encourages younger planners both within and outside of his organization, placing equality and diversity at the heart of everything he does. This includes fostering collaboration between a hydrogen project and a nearby Gypsy, Roma and Traveller site to help overcome feelings of social exclusion.

Citation:  She embodies resilience, passion, and a commitment to making planning an inclusive and transformative profession. As RTPI Yorkshire’s EDI Change Champion and a member of Ashfield's EDI committee, she tirelessly advocates for equity, amplifies diverse voices, and fosters inclusivity. At Ashfield District Council, she project manages a £1 million Towns Fund project and mentors students on live regeneration projects, creating tangible social value and inspiring future planners.

Her leadership in sustainability includes retrofitting initiatives, EV charging strategies, and a personal commitment to reducing her carbon footprint.

Recognised as RTPI Young Planner of the Year 2024 (Yorkshire Region), she also contributes to CPRE and the RTPI International Committee, ensuring that diverse planners’ stories are heard. Her work integrates innovation, advocacy, and mentorship, demonstrating how planning can shape equitable, sustainable communities while inspiring others to reach their potential.

Citation:  Jeffrey demonstrates a remarkable commitment to planning and communities through his work at the NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire Integrated Care Board (BOB-ICB). He is always passionate about serving others. He is currently the Primary Care Lead – Estates at the BOB-ICB and the sole town planner within the organisation. He actively promotes the vital role of primary care in planning by ensuring proper mitigation for primary care services in connection with new housing growth.

This is a highly challenging role, but Jeffrey has fully embraced it. Alongside his professionalism and dedication to learning, he is also deeply committed to volunteering. His experience includes roles on the RTPI Board of Trustees, Standing Committees, and with the RTPI South East. Jeffrey is proud to represent young planners from the UK at various ECTP Young Planners Workshops in Paris, Plymouth, Gdansk, and the upcoming one in Bilbao.

Citation:  Yanny has six years of experience delivering evidence-led, multidisciplinary strategies at site to sub-regional levels. In 2023/24, she played an instrumental role in accelerating two emerging Local Plans for Councils with outdated Plans during her secondment. She led the preparation of various evidence bases, including the HELAA, site selection, and policy development. Her ability to build strong client relationships and navigate complex challenges has been integral to her success.

Yanny is passionate about integrating digital solutions into planning processes, including developing and adopting AECOM’s site assessment and digital engagement systems. She is also one of six EDI Champions, defining and delivering priorities within the company’s award-winning EDI framework, and has driven inclusive client practices through metrics alignment and roundtables.

Yanny regularly mentors peers from ethnic minority backgrounds and shares her journey through university guest lectures and career talks.

Citation:  Zayneb is dedicated to EDI in planning. As a planning officer at Islington Council, she ensures that applications comply with sustainability regulations and provides advice to those interested in implementing sustainability measures. Her efforts have led to several developments incorporating low-impact measures into their designs. More recently, Zayneb has also advocated for inclusive design within planning applications.

Prior to her two-and-a-half years of experience as a planner, Zayneb completed a master’s degree in international planning. Her dissertation explored the relationship between the diaspora and locals in creating housing in Pakistan, with equity as a central principle in the analysis.

Additionally, Zayneb has volunteered in support of asylum seekers in London for over four years, distributing essentials, issuing food vouchers, and assisting families with school admissions. The ethos of EDI shines through in Zayneb’s daily life and in her approach to any task she undertakes.