At Panoramic Associates, we pride ourselves on not just delivering talent solutions but aligning with our clients’ missions to drive positive change.

A prime example of sustainability in action is the work of Retrofit West, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to making the UK’s housing more sustainable. Instead of demolishing and rebuilding, which can generate significant waste and consume large amounts of energy and resources, Retrofit West takes a more eco-friendly approach—retrofitting existing homes to make them more energy-efficient.

Retrofitting involves improving a building’s energy performance by installing insulation, upgrading windows, improving ventilation, and incorporating renewable energy technologies such as solar panels or heat pumps. These upgrades help reduce energy consumption, lower utility bills for homeowners, and significantly cut carbon emissions. According to estimates, the UK’s housing stock accounts for around 20% of the nation’s carbon emissions. Therefore, tackling the energy inefficiency of older buildings is key to achieving the country’s net-zero targets.

However, achieving these sustainability goals requires the right talent—a team of professionals who not only possess technical skills but are also committed to sustainability. This is where Panoramic Associates stepped in. We supported Retrofit West by appointing their MD, Simon Andrews. Simon and the team at Retrofit West support homeowners across the West of England, to accelerate the transition to low-carbon housing & building retrofit by helping connect the supply chain across the region.

Our Expertise in the Built Environment

At Panoramic Associates, we understand that the Built Environment is at the heart of the UK’s sustainability agenda. The ability to retrofit existing homes to meet modern standards of energy efficiency is a complex challenge. It requires not only a deep knowledge of construction but also a strategic vision to balance environmental, economic, and social factors. Our immersive understanding of this sector allows us to partner with organisations like Retrofit West, providing bespoke solutions through contract, interim, search, or permanent appointments.

In this case, our expertise in the Built Environment and commitment to sustainable development helped Retrofit West find the right talent to reduce the carbon footprint of homes across the region. By transforming old housing stock into energy-efficient, comfortable homes, they are not only helping homeowners save on energy bills but also making a significant contribution to combating climate change.

Join Us at the Festival of Sustainable Business

As sustainability becomes a fundamental priority for every business, we are excited to be attending the Festival of Sustainable Business on September 19th. Come meet Tom Selman and Harper Redman, who will be on hand to discuss how we can support your sustainability initiatives with the right talent. Whether you’re looking to fill key roles in energy-efficient construction or need a workforce strategy that aligns with your environmental goals, Panoramic Associates is here to help.

Let’s work together to build a greener future—one expert at a time. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support your organization’s talent needs.

For more information about Panoramic Associates and our services, visit our website.
Learn more about the Festival of Sustainable Business here.
Explore Retrofit West’s mission here.

We supported Retrofit West by appointing their MD, Simon Andrews. Simon and the team at Retrofit West support homeowners across the West of England to accelerate the transition to low-carbon housing & building retrofit by helping connect the supply chain across the region

Adaptive teaching has entered the language of education and is an improvement priority for many schools and MATs for the upcoming year, but how can we ensure that it builds on existing excellent practice and represents positive change for our most vulnerable learners?

This Breakfast Briefing will explore where the concept came from, what it means, and how it fits in with our existing knowledge of what works in the classroom, but in a way that enables us to be more responsive to the needs of our students with SEND and other educational vulnerabilities that can negatively impact on their access to learning.

Event Details

Topic: ‘Adaptive Teaching: maximising the learning opportunity for all students’
Date: Friday 11th October
Time: 08:00 – 09:00
Location: Microsoft Teams (details shared after registering)
Registration: Sign up here to secure your free spot

Our Speaker

Nicole Dempsey is Director of SEND and Safeguarding at Dixons Academies Trust, a multi-academy trust of 17 schools across the north of England.  She is also a Deputy Regional SEND Lead for Whole School SEND, a consortium of organisations committed to enhancing the quality of education for learners with special educational needs and/or disabilities throughout England.

She writes about SEND and inclusion on her blog, inco14.wordpress.com, and tweets under the username @NDempseyINCO14.

Sign up now to secure your spot.

By signing up for this event, you are agreeing to the terms of our Privacy Policy.

Building on the success of our Public Health Spotlight Podcast in collaboration with the ADPH, Panoramic Associates are delighted to be hosting an in-person event at our offices in central Bristol.

This event provides a fantastic opportunity for South West-based public health professionals to hear first-hand from the SW DsPH network through our informal panel event, asking more specific questions to our panel of Directors of Public Health. There will also be the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals over light refreshments. We hope that this event will provide a valuable opportunity to discover more about the role of the DPH and help to provide further insight into pursuing this route in the next step of your own career.

Event Details

Topic: South West Directors of Public Health Q&A
Date: Wednesday 9th October
Time: 16:00 – 18:00

Location: Panoramic Associates, St. Bartholomew’s House, Bristol, BS1 2NH
Parking: Parking is available at the nearby NCP Car Park on Rupert Street (BS1 2PY) or the Bristol City Council Car Park on Trenchard Street (BS1 5AN). Alternatively, we are just a 5-minute walk from Bristol Bus Station and 20-minutes from Temple Meads Train Station.

Registration: Sign up here to secure your free spot

What to Expect

• Inspiring Stories – Hear first-hand from the Directors of Public Health from across the South West. They’ll share their journeys, challenges, and achievements, giving you key insight into the world of public health leadership.
• Expert Insights – Gain a deeper understanding of the public health landscape and the pivotal role these directors play in shaping healthier communities with the opportunity to ask your own questions.
• Networking Opportunity – Connect with fellow public health professionals in the South West, widening your network, and benefitting from shared learnings.

The event is free to attend and open to all public health professionals wishing to discover more about the role of the director of Public Health.

Our Panel

Steve Maddern, Director of Public Health at Swindon Borough Council

Originally from Plymouth in the South West, I’ve worked in a variety of roles spanning the NHS, local authority and other public health organisations across England and Wales. I live in Swindon with my husband and love getting out and being a part of the community – there are some great green spaces across the town – there is more to Swindon than just the Designer Outlet!

Siobhan Farmer, Director of Public Health at Gloucestershire County Council

I joined Gloucestershire County Council in 2020 as Deputy Director of Public Health just seven weeks before the Covid-19 pandemic. From July 2022, I have been Director of Public Health, leading on work to tackle health inequalities in the county. Before this, I worked in local authorities and the NHS, leading on screening, immunisation, evidence and intelligence, sexual health and health checks. Outside of work, I have a love/hate relationship with running having done the London Marathon this year, and relax by reading, cooking and cycling.

Matt Lenny, Director of Public Health and Regulatory Services at North Somerset Council

I worked in a variety of roles in local government, the NHS, the Department of Health and private sector before joining North Somerset Council in 2015 and becoming Director of Public Health in 2019. My career started in journalism, before taking on marketing and communications roles in the health sector, where I found my passion for everything public health. When not at work I always want to be outdoors, usually either walking, cycling or playing competitive football (often as the most veteran of veterans). Time with family is also essential including regular visits to Ireland to see my parents, siblings and daughter at University.

Come and join us on Wednesday 9th October and discover more about the role of a DPH while connecting with fellow professionals in the South West.

Sign up now to secure your spot.

By signing up for this event, you are agreeing to the terms of our Privacy Policy.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is undeniably one of the most talked about topics of the moment, capturing the attention of organisations and individuals alike. Its potential to revolutionise various sectors is a frequent subject of discussion, and adult social care is no exception.

AI signifies a pivotal opportunity to harness cutting-edge technology to address longstanding challenges within Adult Social Care. There are opportunities to enhance care quality, improve efficiency, and deliver more personalised services.

In this Panoramic Associates Breakfast Briefing, we are joined by Emma Ockelford and Stephen Taylor as they share valuable first-hand experience on how AI can improve outcomes in Adult Social Care.

Event Details

Topic: ‘Improving Outcomes in Adult Social Care with AI’
Date: Wednesday 25th September
Time: 08:00 – 09:00
Location: Microsoft Teams (details shared after registering)
Registration: Sign up here to secure your free spot

The Talks

Emma Ockelford, Founder of Outcomes Matter Consulting, will introduce the ways in which AI can be integrated into Adult Social Care, transforming the service that councils are able to provide. Stephen Taylor, Executive Director for Adult Services at Peterborough City Council, will then share the ways in which they have successfully integrated AI into their Adult Services, sharing more on the impact that they have witnessed.

Our Speakers

Emma Ockelford has worked extensively with the UK public sector and with digital companies, proving skills in facilitating and implementing impactful change across these sectors. In her own words:

“ I thrive off of making a genuine impact on outcomes for people within public services – I love working with social workers, schools, hospital staff, senior leaders and people that use public services to make a difference. I also love making a positive difference to the professionals that work and lead local services. My interest in emerging technology keeps me excited and at the forefront of innovation in the UK public sector.”

Sign up now to secure your spot.

By signing up for this event, you are agreeing to the terms of our Privacy Policy.

In this Panoramic Associates Breakfast Briefing, we hear from Mark Baigent, Corporate Director of Regeneration and Culture at London Borough of Redbridge, who discusses the impact and changes of new safety regulations in high-rise residential planning and the evolving landscape in building and fire safety regulations over recent years. These latest changes have significantly impacted planning decisions, which are especially notable in areas like Ilford.

We hope you find this talk synopsis insightful, please read on to discover a summary of Baigent’s Q&A section.

Seven years ago, the tragic Grenfell Tower fire triggered huge fire safety reforms in the London housing industry, exposing widespread shortcomings of construction safety. Since then, safety alterations now include establishing new building safety regulations, revising improved fire safety guidelines, and notably adding a stringent requirement for a second staircase in buildings over eighteen meters high.

Mark Baigent stated in his discussion ‘The combined necessity of these essential changes has caused delays in various projects due to detailed guidance and transitional uncertainties.’

In high-rise residential developments, regulatory changes have disrupted progress, as seen in Ilford’s town centre development. Original approved plans had to be reassessed to integrate second staircases, adjust parking for electric vehicle charging, and meet rigorous safety standards, challenging the commitment to deliver 35% affordable housing.

Despite adjustments, developers still face challenges maintaining viability, leading to taller building designs to cover safety upgrade costs. This highlights the financial and reassessment complexities developers must navigate due to evolving standards. The project’s planning success remains uncertain, with possible amendments needed for regulatory and economic obstacles. A council-led redevelopment also faces feasibility and compliance challenges, emphasising the difficulties in adapting to new urban planning regulations.

Mr Baigent has noted a shift in council redevelopment projects towards external developers due to financial constraints limiting extensive borrowing. Enhancing fire safety standards increases construction costs and reduces residential and external spaces, which complicates project viability. Addressing these challenges demands modern solutions from architects and developers, such as adjusting building heights, unit sizes, and affordable housing percentages. Mark also highlights the strain on grant rates in the affordable housing sector commenting,

‘It’s a particular challenge for the affordable housing sector because grant rates are already stretched to the limit. How are they going to find the additional cost to cover those additional costs? How are they going to finance that?’.

Additionally, housing associations in London are shifting from private sector-led agreements to self-managed projects, leading to delivery schemes being undermined. Registered providers are scaling back their development ambitions, focusing instead on projects they can control and deliver themselves. Consequently, there’s a need for someone to ensure the provision of affordable housing within these private-led developments Baigent finishes.

Mark Baigent concluded his talk with an open Q&A discussion, please read on for a summary of his answers.

Initially, they expanded buildings outward but lost usable floor space due to the staircase, which could have added more floors. Is this building approach viable in your region, and what is the planners’ perspective on it?

‘It was a solution that worked for us and it got through the planning stages. But it won’t always work. My understanding is that sometimes adding two or three more stories, even if it looks good in terms of sales, increases the build cost so greatly, that it outweighs the advantage. Developers quite often have a limit on the height they’re willing to build to, based on those cost issues rather than anything else.’

Do you think that other local planners across London will be more sympathetic to building higher as a solution?

‘Building height is a controversial topic among people across the country. In London, there’s a huge voice saying ‘We’ve got to allow these taller buildings in the right locations’. So I think it’s more about the location than the height. But each local context is going to define that debate and some planners will find it much harder than others to accommodate that.
I think from my point of view it seems like one of the easiest ways of addressing this issue (provided the cost implications and the engineering build implications don’t defeat it). I think we have to build higher.’

Would you consider reducing the number of required affordable homes if private developers face economic constraints? For example, if the target is fifty affordable homes, would you accept thirty-five or fewer to ensure the project’s progress?

‘That’s the toughest call. No one wants to be seen to be backing down on the level of affordable housing because London needs it so desperately. In Redbridge, we have over three thousand households in temporary accommodation, and we don’t have existing affordable housing to accommodate all those people. We desperately need new affordable housing to be built. From a planning and political standpoint, we must make tough decisions when projects fall short of our goals but still proceed. We consider review mechanisms to adjust requirements later if viability improves.’

Panoramic Associates extends a big thank you to Mark Baigent for sharing his time and knowledge with us. His insights highlight the profound impact of changing safety regulations on high-rise residential planning in London. The Grenfell Tower tragedy has spurred significant reforms, and while developers navigate increased costs and reassessment complexities, creative solutions, a flexible approach to planning, and compassion towards affordable housing are crucial.

To hear more about this topic and explore further questions and solutions, we invite you to watch the full event. Follow the link here to join the conversation on the future of urban development in Britain.

Panoramic Associates are a senior-level talent solutions specialist within the Health & Social Care, Education, Built Environment, Change & Transformation and Corporate Services sectors. Please get in touch to discuss our talent solutions.

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of the Public Health Spotlight Podcast! This podcast series will feature in-depth interviews with Directors of Public Health from councils nationwide, aiming to inspire the next wave.

Meet Your Hosts

Introducing Mia Collett, the Business Manager of the Health and Social Care division at Panoramic Associates, alongside Maisie Hockings, Lead Practice Director. Over the past six years, they have dedicated themselves to supporting the UK public sector by connecting it with highly skilled public health professionals. Through this journey, they have built an incredible network of talented and inspiring individuals.

About the Public Health Spotlight Podcast

In our new upcoming podcast series, we aim to shine a spotlight on the remarkable role of the Director of Public Health (DPH). Throughout the series, you’ll hear from Directors of Public Health across the UK, including England, Scotland, Wales, and the UK Crown Dependencies. These distinguished professionals will share their experiences, challenges, and successes, offering invaluable insights and inspiration for the next wave of public health leaders.

What to Expect:

• Inspiring Stories – Hear first-hand from the Directors of Public Health from Birmingham, Sheffield, Swindon, Camden, East Sussex, and many more. They’ll share their journeys, challenges, and achievements, giving you key insight into the world of public health leadership.
• Expert Insights – Gain a deeper understanding of the public health landscape and the pivotal role these directors play in shaping healthier communities.
• Motivational Content – Whether you are a seasoned professional or just beginning your career in public health, this podcast promises to be a rich resource of knowledge and inspiration!

Greg Fell, President of The Association of Directors of Public Health, shared his enthusiasm for the project:

‘I’m really proud to be launching the Panoramic Associates podcast series. Hopefully, people will gain an insight into the journey that got us to where we are, and we’ll tell an interesting and inspiring story. And hopefully, listeners will learn a little bit from it too. You can be the judge of that!’

Our first episode drops on Thursday, July 11th, so mark your calendars!

We are so excited to bring you this series soon and are eager to hear your thoughts and feedback. We’ll be releasing regular episodes across our website, social media channels, and all major podcast streaming platforms.

Click here to follow us and to be notified when our first episodes goes live

Stay tuned and give Panoramic Associates a follow on LinkedIn to keep in the loop and never miss an episode, or contact us here to have a confidential and casual chat about our hiring capabilities.

In this Breakfast Briefing, Jon Goodwin and Karen Pavey explore effective preparations and outcomes of the new CQC Inspections in Adult Social Care.

With over 40 years’ experience in Adult Social Care, Jon Goodwin delves into the intricacies of CQC inspections and share invaluable insights from their pilot scheme. His discussion revolves around the vital themes of quality care and support, the importance of transparency, local accountability, and maintaining an innovative and open culture within social care organisations.

Karen Pavey, Executive Director for People at North Lincolnshire Council, discusses their participation in the pilot assurance process between June and August 2023. She shares North Lincolnshire’s decision-making behind engaging with the pilot, noting the benefits of demonstrating the complexity of social care, ensuring transparency, and building confidence within the workforce. Drawing on North Lincolnshire’s experience, Karen’s talk provides valuable insights into preparations and challenges during inspections.

Watch Now

If you would like to speak at one of our future events or have a suggestion for a topic to cover, please get in touch by emailing [email protected].

In this Breakfast Briefing we explore the impact of new building safety regulations on Planning high-rise residential developments with Mark Baigent.

Mark Baigent delves into the significant changes in building and fire safety regulations that have emerged over the past few years, particularly in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire. He highlights the impact of new legislation and guidance, including the necessity for second staircases in high-rise residential buildings, and discusses the resultant challenges faced by developers in reworking their designs to comply with these regulations.

Using specific examples from Redbridge, Baigent discusses how these changes have caused delays, added costs, and complexities in planning and construction processes. He also touches on the broader implications for affordable housing delivery and the shifting strategies of housing associations.

Watch the full video below and check out our full write up here to gain a deeper understanding of these crucial issues and their implications for urban development and housing policy.

Mark Baigent (Corporate Director of Regeneration and Culture, London Borough of Redbridge) has extensive experience as a senior manager in local authorities, primarily in housing, property, and regeneration roles. In 2022, he transitioned back into a permanent role with Redbridge Council after seven years of interim and project consultancy work. His career highlights include leadership in housing refurbishment, new builds, estate renewal, town centre regeneration, heat networks, and innovative Council-led development companies.

Watch Now

Please note that this event has been postponed. A new date will be announced soon.

Join us at our latest Panoramic Associates Breakfast Briefing to explore ‘Early Learnings in Retrofit Seeding’ with Simon Andrews.

Topic: Early Learnings in Retrofit Seeding
Date: TBC
Time: TBC
Location: Microsoft Teams

During this event, Simon will introduce the impactful work being done by Retrofit West – a Community Interest Company that has been established to drive the retrofit market in Bristol, Bath and South Gloucestershire.

Simon will explore Retrofit West’s early learnings and highlight the challenges faced by consumers, homeowners, and supply chain organisations when looking to effectively deliver a retrofit project. Simon will then delve deeper into the crucial topic of training and development, sharing how Retrofit West is spearheading initiatives in this area and actively engaging with the supply chain to ensure effective implementation.

Our Speaker

Simon Andrews is a skilled Property Services and Asset Management professional with significant experience within the UK Housing Market, most recently Simon has been heavily involved in the development of retrofit strategy and delivery.

Now the Managing Director of Retrofit West, he has been involved in housing asset management for most of his career and is acutely aware of the importance of home. He has worked extensively across the industry working for landlords, contractors and consultants leading multifaceted teams and developing large investment programs as well as working with national governments on the development of retrofit strategies.

Simon is passionate about the importance of retrofit and is excited by the opportunities presented by the challenges that exist in creating scale, capability and understanding across the industry. He is focused on the commercial and social objectives of the housing industry and has a fundamental and detailed understanding of end user needs.

By signing up for this event, you are agreeing to the terms of our Privacy Policy.

Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Institutes are still greatly underfunded in the UK with a huge number of young people lacking quality care and education. Our consultants understand this urgency when recruiting and always ensure to prioritise independent sector research and education.

During May, Ollie Trepte, Tabby Summerfield, Luke Bartlett, and Bronte Sharp explored the recent National SEND Conference to take an in-depth look into the urgent issues and direct solutions surrounding SEND in the UK.

The event tackled several critical topics, bringing together educators, policymakers, and experts to discuss the current challenges and future directions for SEND funding and support.

The SEND Funding Challenges

The financial strain on SEND funding is evident both nationally and locally. Discussions highlighted the dire financial positions of local authorities, with all but one local authority in England operating under threat of bankruptcy and at a deficit, some up to £40 million. This situation underscores the urgent need for a unified effort to pressure the government into finding a resolution.

Tabby Summerfield highlighted that the primary reason for councils nearing bankruptcy is the high needs block funding. This funding issue needs immediate attention to prevent further financial distress. Chris Munday, Chair of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services Resources and Strategy Policy Committee warns “We need urgent national action to prevent more councils facing bankruptcy due to the spiralling costs of Send. ”

The government have pledged to invest £2.6 billion between 2022 and 2025 to fund new places and improve existing provision for children and young people with SEND or who require alternative provision, but many schools and SEND facilities are still bankrupt and struggling to operate.

Andrew O’Neill’s proposals for addressing these financial challenges provided valuable insight into potential solutions and with the upcoming general election, there is hope that funding will be found.

The Role of The Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC)

‘Employment rate for people with SEND is 5% – this number is striking, what can we do to help?’ Comments Ollie Trepte. ‘There needs to be a clearer path for SEND children into employment, it needs to start in school with real career advice and a pathway into an apprenticeship or other employment.’

The mission of the CEC is crucial in aiding schools, including SEN schools and colleges, to support every young person in taking their next best step. The CEC’s role in providing real career advice and pathways into apprenticeships or employment is vital for creating opportunities for young people with SEND and must be funded justly.

The overarching lesson from the conference is the critical need for increased funding for SEND. Without it, maintaining and improving SEN services will be incredibly challenging. The National SEN Conference underscored the urgency of addressing funding issues and enhancing support systems for SEN students. Panoramic Associates hopes that with governmental changes quickly approaching that SEND funding will be allocated, no matter the electoral outcome.

Are you searching for senior talent solutions? Get in touch here today.