Rachel Thompson has been named as a Woman of Influence by The Planner Magazine.
Each year, The Planner shares a list of planning’s Women of Influence, as nominated by the readers, which is then assessed by a panel of judges. The list aims to celebrate the impact of women on planning and planners.
Featured in the private sector category, Rachel is the only woman named from the North-East, which is a testament to her expertise in all things Planning. Rachel joined Cundall in 2017 as a Graduate Planning Consultant. Over the past 8 years, she has continued to progress in her career at Cundall, while also becoming an RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute) APC (Associate Assessment of Professional Competence) assessor and Women in Planning committee member.
On Rachel’s achievements to date, the judges said "Over the past year, Rachel has demonstrated significant influence during a period of major organisational change. Rachel stepped into responsibilities far above her grade, stabilising operations, providing consistency across live projects, communicating the team’s needs to the wider business and maintaining strong client relationships. Her leadership safeguarded the team’s professional standards, delivery quality and reputation during this transition.
"Beyond her role at Cundall, Rachel actively contributes towards the advancement of the profession and its reputation. She became an assessor for the RTPI APC in early 2025, supporting the professional development of planners outside her organisation. Rachel also recently joined the committee for the North East branch of Women in Planning. Her responsibilities for the latter have included organising upcoming webinar for members, platforming other built environment specialists to planning professionals. Internally, Rachel also serves on social committee in the Newcastle office, organising events that support staff wellbeing and foster a positive and friendly workplace culture."
Rachel commented “I am really excited to have been named as a Woman of Influence. Firstly, a congratulations to my fellow planners and women in planning on the list, it’s an honour to be named alongside them.
“I have relished every opportunity that has come my way as a Principal Planning Consultant at Cundall, even when it has meant stepping outside of my comfort zone. The breadth of work that we cover at Cundall means that no two days in panning are the same. I have been able to continue my learnings across many different sectors, from local residential and mixed use schemes, to data centres for high profile clients.”
Congratulations, Rachel, on this well-deserved recognition.
