Three new YU members have joined the Young Urbanists Steering Committee. The YUSC helps to plan the YU annual programme of events and activities, develops and implements the YU strategy for outreach and growth, coordinates funding efforts, and makes decisions about the future of the Network with a focus on meeting the aspirations of our members.
So please join us in welcoming Kathie Pollard, Kevin Roeton and Samantha Stockley.
To find out more about the new members, please keep reading.
Kathie Pollard
Policy and Practice Lead, Scottish Land Commission
"I’m a Policy and Practice Lead at the Scottish Land Commission, a non-departmental public body driving land reform in Scotland. My work focuses on topics relating to land ownership, land market reform and more recently been specialising in transforming Scotland’s approach to tackling vacant and derelict land. I have a background working with a range of built environment practitioners and policymakers. Ever since joining the Royal Town Planning Institute’s policy team in 2015, I’ve been exploring what urbanism and its application means in different contexts. This has led me to do an MSc in Planning and Real Estate at Heriot-Watt University.
The Academy has been a great place to exchange ideas to bring much of the theory to life. By joining the Young Urbanists Steering Committee I’m keen to support knowledge sharing between members at the AoU through for example, personal and professional development opportunities, and build up a membership base in Scotland".
Kevin Roeton
Associate Town Planner (Infrastructure Planning Team), WSP
Kevin is keen to promote the value of infrastructure in urbanism, the role of digital as well as expand the Birmingham network.
Kevin was inspired to join the Young Urbanists following attendance at the annual AoU Congress in Eindhoven in 2019. He has since delivered a series of lunchtime hour sessions, the latest being a webinar for the YU's on the role of transformative infrastructure in levelling up the UK.
'For me, urbanism means learning about what makes a great place work for the benefit and enjoyment of all. It involves learning in a fun environment, alongside other fellow urbanists who share the same interests and vision (we’re all dreamers and schemers I was told by the interview panel). It is the lost art of urbanism that fascinates me the most - learning from Europe and looking at ways of applying to a local context'.
Kevin is looking to collaborate with experienced academicians and other young urbanists, particularly those with an interest in transport interchanges, levelling up and place-making approaches to infrastructure delivery.
Samantha Stockley
Planner, Aberdeenshire Council
"I am a recent graduate from the University of Dundee, having completed RTPI accredited Integrated MA (Hon) Urban Planning degree pathway. I started my working career with Aberdeenshire Council in Development Management as a Planning Officer. I contribute to the development of the northeast through the management and assessment of planning applications and inquiries. However, I do admit that the highlight of any working week is getting out into the countryside and coast on-site visits and seeing what is and what could be.
My journey into all things planning began with a love of heritage which led to volunteering for a heritage trust whilst studying for my degree. Then, inspired by the lessons of the course, I found a passion for place-making and education which has led me to join and volunteer for the Academy of Urbanism. Drawing on my experiences in arranging events for students as part of the university student organisation and with the young planners, I joined the Young Urbanist Coffee Breakers Group to deliver fortnightly formal and informal coffee break sessions.
By joining the Young Urbanists Steering Committee, I am keen to support and promote the build-up of a membership base in Scotland and share learning and knowledge building by creating and promoting shared virtual and in-person events''.
