9 SEPTEMBER 2024intelligence to change peoples' lives for the better. Good Planners deliver their functions and statutory duties within prescribed timescales. Outstanding planners do this whilst "adding value" along the way. The value of planning shouldn't be quantified; many have tried, but it fails to appreciate the subtlety of the environment in which we operate and what we strive to deliver. My proudest professional achievements aren't delivering billions of pounds of inward investment nor seeing the city skyline transform; most major cities can do that. What makes the difference is when we can innovate to deliver something better, be more inclusive along the way, and, for once, improve the well-being of future generations as well as those in the here and now. This needn't cost anything but happens all too infrequently. Recently, I was invited to meet at a local youth forum in one of Cardiff's most culturally diverse yet deprived areas to discuss the city's strategic vision. These highly intelligent, passionate young people were far from satisfied with how the city was developing. They had little confidence that what we were "planning" would improve their quality of life. Often, such groups are referred to as "hard to reach" when, in reality, it is the bureaucracy of our internal processes and the impenetrable language we so readily use that deny many people a voice or say in how their communities are managed. The more educated or qualified you are, the easier it is to be convinced you know best and to dismiss the views of others. Planners, with their university degrees, statutes, complex rules, and processes, are guilty of this more than most. I know I can and should, and will do more.Time For a Change?I am embarrassed and appalled to see so few women or people from minority ethnic communities working in the UK development industry, particularly at a senior level. How can we truly represent our communities if we exclude so many of our citizens from the opportunity to be part of the solution? Yes, local and national governments are under-resourced and often fail to be competitive with the private sector regarding career opportunities and development in most cases. However, funding is only half the story here, as we do far too little to promote our profession as a unique and worthwhile career for all. I started working for Cardiff as a 22-year-old graduate and am still here. Hopefully, others may be inspired to do the same by sharing a small part of my story and enthusiasm for my profession, seeking to amplify voices, and trying to do better.
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