Minding the skills gap: a commentary on training needs, recruitment challenges and perceptions of professional planning in the UK

This article outlines findings from exploratory research undertaken by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) considering questions of supply of and demand for town planners. Three themes are identified in the literature in this field: skills and training needs, recruitment and retention issues, and perceptions of the planning profession. Noting that these strands are often interdependent, the paper discusses solutions and findings. As an exploratory exercise, the paper points towards the other avenues of research for which it sets the ground, recognising that the results of this and other research will help the RTPI refine its educational activities.