“Authenticity, integrity, and adding value irrespective of client or context, are at the heart of effective leadership.”
— Helen Fadipe MBE, FRTPI, FRSA
Introduction
We were delighted to speak with Helen Fadipe MBE, FRTPI, FRSA, the 111th President of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), where she also serves as Chair of the General Assembly, Board of Trustees member, and Chair of the Global Planners Network.
An international speaker and award-winning planner, Helen has over 35 years’ experience spanning local government, consultancy, and professional networks in the UK and abroad. She is Managing Director of FPP Associates Ltd, a planning and management consultancy, and has worked extensively in strategic planning, masterplanning, infrastructure delivery, and programme evaluation.
A Housing Ambassador for Inside Housing, guest lecturer, and Founder and Chair of the BAME Planners Network, Helen also serves on the Advisory Board of Women in Planning. In 2024, she was awarded an MBE in the King’s Honours List for services to the planning profession.
Authenticity, integrity, and a commitment to adding value underpin Helen’s approach to leadership and practice. She remains deeply committed to advancing sustainable, inclusive placemaking and capacity building, both in the UK and internationally.
Q&A
Helen, you’ve had an impressive career spanning over three decades in planning and management. How did your journey in the planning profession begin?
My journey into planning began almost by chance. During my A-levels, I was introduced to Urban and Regional Planning and decided to pursue the course at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos, Nigeria. At the time, I had been interested in architecture, but a friend told me about planning and I’ve never looked back.
After my studies in Nigeria, I relocated to England, where I completed my BA in Town Planning at London South Bank University, followed by a postgraduate degree in the same field. That decision laid the foundation for a lifelong career in shaping places and communities.
What inspired you to move from working within local planning authorities into consultancy, and eventually to founding FPP Associates?
By 2005, I had achieved a senior leadership role in local government, acting as Assistant Director for Planning and Building Control at Haringey Council. I wanted to broaden my impact and take on more complex and diverse challenges, so I decided to transition into consultancy an opportunity to apply my experience in new ways and across a wider range of projects.
Soon after, during the recession, I was invited to contribute to major state-level initiatives in Nigeria. The journey wasn’t always linear; there were periods that tested my resilience and focus, but they ultimately reinforced my sense of purpose.
By 2020, I relaunched my consultancy career under a new name FPP Associates Ltd, continuing my professional journey with renewed clarity and commitment.
You’ve held senior roles in both public and private sectors. How have these experiences shaped your leadership style?
My leadership approach has been shaped by both education and experience. I hold a Master’s in Management Studies from Middlesex University and benefited early in my career from extensive training and mentoring within local government.
For me, leadership begins with authenticity, being consistent in your values, clear in your purpose, and committed to adding value in every role, irrespective of the client or context. Whether working in the public or private sector, I approach each opportunity with the same intent: to deliver outcomes that make a difference and reflect professional integrity.
“Leadership begins with authenticity, being consistent in your values, clear in your purpose, and committed to adding value in every role.”
I believe in being open, approachable, and supportive and above all, in leading by example. My style adapts to the culture of the organisation I’m working with, but the fundamentals remain the same: clear communication, empathy, and teamwork.
What have been some of the most pivotal moments in your career that influenced your approach to planning and development?
There hasn’t been one single defining moment rather, a progression shaped by evolving ideas and policies. Early in my career, in the 1990s, the concept of sustainability began to emerge, shifting our focus from immediate outcomes to long-term stewardship.
More recently, at a Canadian Institute of Planners conference, I was inspired by a keynote speaker from the First Nations community who spoke about planning for seven generations. That philosophy considering the long-term legacy of our decisions has deeply influenced my outlook.
I’m also guided by principles of inclusive placemaking. I often ask: Is this environment accessible to everyone? Is it child-friendly, elderly-friendly? How do we create places that genuinely work for all?
You’ve led major international projects, from the Alimosho Model City Plan to the Oak Wharf redevelopment in Hackney. What lessons did you take from managing projects across such different contexts?
Every project, whether local or international, has its own unique character. Working internationally adds another layer: understanding cultural context.
Although I was born and first studied in Nigeria, most of my professional life has been in the UK. When working abroad, I approach each assignment with curiosity and respect for differing planning systems and professional cultures.
Similarly, when working on projects like the Oak Wharf redevelopment in Hackney a predominantly Jewish community, I learned the importance of thoughtful engagement and cultural sensitivity.
“Successful planning isn’t just about technical knowledge; it’s about empathy, collaboration, and understanding the people for whom we plan.”
You founded the BAME Planners Network to promote diversity and representation. What inspired you to start this initiative?
The idea emerged after I shared a post on LinkedIn in the wake of George Floyd’s death. A fellow planner reached out, saying they were considering leaving the profession because they didn’t see anyone who looked like them. That conversation deeply resonated with me.
I realised there were many planners from Black and Ethnic Minority backgrounds who felt isolated. I knew several myself, but they didn’t know each other. So, I brought people together to create visibility, connection, and mutual support.
“It has never been about individual recognition, it’s about collective success and lifting one another as we progress.”
As an Advisory Board Member for Women in Planning, what progress have you seen in gender equality and what still needs to change?
There has been significant progress. Within the RTPI, for example, gender representation among members is now close to equal, with more women entering the profession than ever before.
However, that balance isn’t yet reflected in senior leadership positions. Many women take career breaks for family reasons, and the return journey can be difficult. We must make that transition smoother and more supported.
It’s not about preference , it’s about fairness: creating systems that recognise merit and potential without bias. We also need to showcase more female role models across the built environment, planners, engineers, and surveyors so that young women see these as visible, rewarding career paths.
You’ve served in several leadership roles within the RTPI including the General Assembly, Ethics Committee, and now as President. How has that shaped your professional perspective?
Serving within the RTPI has been transformative. It’s provided a deeper understanding of how the Institute operates and the broader challenges our profession faces.
More importantly, it has given me the opportunity to contribute actively to shaping the future to help ensure planning remains relevant, forward-thinking, and grounded in integrity. It’s reinforced my commitment to service and to championing excellence within the profession.
As a judge for the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence, what qualities do you believe define an “excellent” planning project?
The RTPI’s criteria include sustainability, innovation, and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals but the projects that truly stand out go beyond the checklist.
An excellent project demonstrates creativity, collaboration, and tangible community impact. It improves lives, enhances places, and inspires others in the profession. The very best schemes push boundaries whether through sustainable design, social inclusion, or climate resilience and they always reflect strong partnerships and community engagement.
What drives your continued passion for planning after more than 30 years in the field?
Planning never stops being relevant. There is always a need for better environments, improved quality of life, and sustainable growth. For me, it’s about legacy, what kind of planet and communities are we leaving behind?
“Planning touches every aspect of our lives how we live, work, move, and interact. That sense of purpose keeps me inspired.”
Planning influences wellbeing, equity, and social cohesion. That ongoing opportunity to make things better continues to sustain my passion for the profession.
Finally, what advice would you give to anyone considering a career in planning?
Planning is a profession that shapes the world around us. From how neighbourhoods evolve to the layout of local streets everything reflects planning decisions.
It’s an incredibly fulfilling career because it allows you to make a tangible difference to people’s lives. Through planning, you can help deliver affordable housing, design inclusive public spaces, and foster sustainable, thriving communities.
No two days are ever the same. Planning is problem-solving, creativity, and purpose in action, a lifelong opportunity to leave a positive mark on the world.
About Helen Fadipe MBE
Helen Fadipe MBE, FRTPI, FRSA, MNITP, RTP https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenfadipe-mrtpi/
President, Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) https://www.rtpi.org.uk/
Managing Director, FPP Associates Ltd https://www.linkedin.com/company/fpp-associates-ltd/
Helen is an international speaker, award-winning planner, and founder of the BAME Planners Network. With more than 35 years’ experience across local government and consultancy in the UK and internationally, she champions inclusive placemaking, professional development, and sustainable growth.