Joanne Harding MTCP (Hons), MRTPI joined the HBF in 2017 as the Planning Manager for the North. Joanne’s role includes representing HBF members across the North of the England, seeking to influence the production of planning policy in the area, and working with members and Local Authorities to achieve the most appropriate policies.
Joanne is an experienced policy planner with more than 20 years in the profession. After starting her career in the private sector Joanne had mainly worked within local government, contributing to planning policy for Stafford, Halton, Congleton, and Cheshire East, before joining the HBF. Much of Joanne’s work over the years has focused on housing policy and evidence, her work now sees her focus on preparing written representations and appearing on behalf of the home building industry at Local Plan Examinations.
Joanne is strong supporter of the planning profession and is currently the Honorary Sectary of the RTPI NW region and a RTPI General Assembly member, she has previously served as RTPI NW Chair and as a Trustee of the RTPI. Keen to ensure that professional education maintains its strong standards Joanne has served as a member of the Partnership Board for Manchester University and is currently an external examiner for Liverpool University. The work that Joanne does to support the profession was recognized in 2016 when she was awarded ‘RTPI Volunteer of the Year’ and in 2018 when she was recognized as one of The Planner’s Women of Influence.