Helen Martin recognised as one of The Planner’s Women of Influence 2026

This accolade, which is awarded by the official magazine of the Royal Town Planning Institute, recognises women who have made a significant impact on the planning profession and their communities. 

Helen has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to shaping inclusive, resilient, and vibrant communities, as well as her unwavering support for colleagues and peers across the planning sector. Her nomination, made by colleagues impressed by her leadership and influence, reflects her commitment to creating meaningful, long-term positive change. 

Helen Martin, director of communities and place at Cotswold District Council, said: "I am delighted to have made it onto the list of this year’s Women of Influence alongside so many inspirational women doing such fantastic work in planning. To be recognised in this way, and for my role in shaping communities, providing leadership and making positive change, is a huge honour. 

Jane Portman, chief executive officer at Cotswold District Council, said: "I am thrilled that Helen has received this outstanding and wholly deserved recognition. She is not only a knowledgeable, diligent expert on all things related to communities, place and planning, but a great leader, too. That's one of the reasons she has been selected to lead Gloucestershire's local government reorganisation work in these areas. 

"It is heartening, in the week leading up to International Women's Day, that both Helen and Emma Cathcart, who heads up the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit for Cotswold District Council and other local authorities locally and nationally, have been recognised for the hugely influential role they play in their professions. This council has many excellent female leaders, and I am enormously proud to work alongside pioneering women in local government.” 

The Assistant Director of the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit (CFEU) Emma Cathcart was recently awarded Female Pioneer of the Year, at the Public Sector Counter Fraud awards in recognition of her outstanding leadership and innovative approach within local government. You can read more here. 

The full list of The Planner’s Women of Influence 2026 is available here.