Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) – Research FAQs
Research by Design Research FAQs
Why is the Royal Town Planning Institute undertaking this research?
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has commissioned independent research agency Research by Design to better understand perceptions of the RTPI, the challenges facing planning professionals, and how the Institute can best support its members. The findings will help shape the future of the RTPI, ensuring it remains relevant and delivers value to current and future members and the wider sector.
What assurances do I have that Research by Design is a bona fide market research company?
Research by Design is an independent market research company that has been commissioned by the RTPI to undertake research on its behalf.
Research by Design was formed in 1994 and has been working with professional membership organisations for over 30 years. Research by Design adheres to the Market Research Society’s (MRS) guidance, ensuring that all research is undertaken with integrity and necessary safeguarding of information. Contributions to research are strictly confidential and overall findings will always be reported in aggregate.
Research by Design’s website is: https://www.researchbydesign.com/
What about data protection?
Research by Design is registered as a Data Controller to undertake research in any field, including market, health, lifestyle, scientific or technical research, under the UK GDPR, the EU GDPR, and the Data Protection Act 1998 as applicable; registration number ZB560262.
Research by Design is committed to meeting the requirements of the following laws and codes:
- The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
- The EU General Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR)
- Data Protection Act 2018
- ICC/ESOMAR (European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research) International Code on Market and Social Research.
You can review Research by Design’s privacy policy here: Privacy Policy.
What type of research has been commissioned?
An online survey has been commissioned. The online survey will launch mid August 2026 and will run until mid September 2026.
How will I be invited to participate in the research?
Research by Design will send an email invitation to ask for your participation in the survey. You can verify the validity of the email by checking the ‘from’ address, which will be [email protected].
How is the online survey being undertaken?
The survey is available online with a link sent via email. Reminder emails will be sent at intervals throughout the fieldwork period to help encourage participation. Reminder emails are automated and sent only to those who have not yet completed the survey.
Is my anonymity assured?
The survey is anonymous. The link provided in the email invitation is unique to you to ensure the integrity of the results. Your responses will be submitted directly to Research by Design and the unique identifier will be removed before results are shared with the RTPI.
What if I have not received a link to take the survey?
If you have not received a link to participate in the survey and would like to take part, please contact Jasmine Palin ([email protected]) in the first instance with your query.
Is the online survey secure?
Respondent data is encrypted in transit (via HTTPS) and is stored encrypted in EU data centres.
How long might the online survey take?
This survey is likely to take between 5-7 minutes to complete.
Can I re-enter the online survey to make amendments or continue where I left off?
Each survey session contains a device-specific cookie which remembers your choices should you leave and return to the survey if you have not submitted your response. Each time you move to a new page of the survey your responses are saved.
Once you have submitted the survey, amendments are not possible; if you wish to make revisions once you have pressed ‘submit’, please contact Jasmine Palin ([email protected]) at Research by Design to discuss the options available.
How do I return my survey to Research by Design?
Once you have reached the final page of the survey you will be provided with a submit button at the bottom of the page. Your responses will be sent automatically to Research by Design. If you do not complete the survey, then your saved answers may still be used in the analysis.
How will my responses be used?
All responses from the online survey will be aggregated and reported together. Free text insights will be reported thematically. All responses will remain anonymous. Specific comments will not be attributed to any individual.
To contact Research by Design about the research, please email Jasmine Palin ([email protected]).
