As the UK accelerates towards Net Zero targets, professionals face a growing set of challenges:

• Evolving regulations and unclear policies make long-term planning difficult
• Supply chain instability is impacting project delivery and reliability
• Hidden skills gaps – like stakeholder management and risk mitigation – are often more important than technical know-how
• Performance gaps and accountability pressures put reputations at risk
• Unclear career pathways and inconsistent job specs make it harder to stand out

In this Panoramic Associates Briefing, supported by LOGIN, Alex Miller and Harper Redman are joined by Gerald Charles to share valuable insights on how to future-proof your profile, avoid emerging risks, and succeed in a sector that’s moving fast and not always predictably.

We will then open the floor for questions and discussion, so you can share your own experiences while hearing advice from others.

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday 23 July
• Time: 12:30 – 13:15
• Location: Teams (link shared after registering)
• Registration: Complete our registration form to secure your free spot.

Talk Overview

Gerald will discuss the additional skills that retrofit professionals need to meet the growing complexity of the sector. He will highlight how the role is expanding beyond technical delivery to encompass compliance, coordination of staged works, and systems thinking, especially when early interventions, such as heat pumps, are introduced. The discussion will explore how the sector can prepare a workforce that is as competent in customer engagement, sequencing, and quality assurance as it is in technical expertise.

Recruitment specialists Alex and Harper will then share practical advice on how to stand out in the competitive Net Zero job market. From tailoring your CV for retrofit and sustainability roles to nailing interviews and navigating the hiring process, they’ll offer clear, actionable tips to help you present your experience with confidence and land your next role.

Our Guest Speaker

Gerald Charles is a retrofit specialist with a background in domestic energy efficiency strategy, project leadership, and whole-house retrofit delivery. He has led programmes across Wales and the South West, focusing on scalable retrofit and place-based decarbonisation. With a BSc in Construction Project Management and a Level 5 Retrofit Coordinator qualification, Gerald’s current work focuses on staged retrofit approaches and the strategic deployment of heat pumps as early measures.

Registration

Complete our online registration to secure your free spot.

Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) continues to present a growing challenge for special schools across the UK. With increasing numbers of children experiencing heightened anxiety, mental health difficulties, or trauma responses that impact their ability to attend school, professionals are seeking effective, compassionate strategies to support re-engagement.

At this Panoramic Associates Briefing, Pam Eyre explores the complex factors contributing to EBSA and the latest thinking on how to address them. Drawing on her extensive experience in education and inclusion, Pam looks at current research and possible methods of intervention that help re-establish trust, strengthen relationships, and re-engage both children and their families with school life.

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Our Speaker

Pam Eyre graduated in 1997 with a degree in Social Studies and Qualified Teacher Status with the emphasis on Early Years. Pam then achieved a Master’s in Education in 2013 during which she specialised in action research within the classroom and two years later the National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordinator.

Having worked in multiple roles across education Pam is currently an Operations Director with Aurora across the North region. They provide specialist education for children with a variety of special educational needs and from ages 5 to 19 in a range of settings.

In an increasingly complex and challenging education and SEND system, at this Panoramic Associates Briefing, we are joined by Fran Cox and Matthew Bindon to explore inclusive education from both a local authority and school perspective.

The Talks

Inclusive Education – Thinking differently and differences (Fran Cox)

With an increasingly complex and challenging education and SEND system, is now the time to think differently about how we can ensure that the majority of children can belong and thrive in our classrooms?

Join the discussion on the emerging direction of travel in terms of Inclusion policy and consider how some of these ideas can succeed. What are the challenges? What are the barriers? And how can we work together across the system to tackle these.

How to successfully set up an internal alternative provision (Matthew Bindon)

This presentation focuses on some of the key considerations to take into account when planning to set up an internal AP in your school. 

Our Speakers

Fran Cox has worked in the education sector for the past 20 years in a number of roles. She is passionate about ensuring access to high quality education for all children and is particularly interested in how we can make sure this is the case for our most vulnerable children, young people and their families. She believes in local inclusive provision and that kindness and high expectations in the classroom can and should go hand in hand. Now leading education services she loves and believes in transforming systems to make sure we are keeping pace with the ever changing education landscape.

Matthew Bindon initially trained as a Physical Education teacher in Bedfordshire. Over the next 15 years, he held various middle and senior leadership roles, with a particular focus on inclusion and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). In 2019, he assumed his first headship at a multi-site Alternative Provision (AP) covering Exeter, Plymouth, and Cornwall. After serving as Head for just over three years, he transitioned to support a special measures special school in Plymouth. In April 2024, he advanced to his current role as Trust Lead for AP and Specialism. In this capacity, he concentrates on supporting schools with specialist practices for complex learners and assisting them in establishing and managing their own internal alternative provisions.

Our Speakers

Fran Cox has worked in the education sector for the past 20 years in a number of roles. She is passionate about ensuring access to high quality education for all children and is particularly interested in how we can make sure this is the case for our most vulnerable children, young people and their families. She believes in local inclusive provision and that kindness and high expectations in the classroom can and should go hand in hand. Now leading education services she loves and believes in transforming systems to make sure we are keeping pace with the ever changing education landscape.

Matthew Bindon initially trained as a Physical Education teacher in Bedfordshire. Over the next 15 years, he held various middle and senior leadership roles, with a particular focus on inclusion and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). In 2019, he assumed his first headship at a multi-site Alternative Provision (AP) covering Exeter, Plymouth, and Cornwall. After serving as Head for just over three years, he transitioned to support a special measures special school in Plymouth. In April 2024, he advanced to his current role as Trust Lead for AP and Specialism. In this capacity, he concentrates on supporting schools with specialist practices for complex learners and assisting them in establishing and managing their own internal alternative provisions.

Local Government faces the most significant structural changes it has had to accommodate in over 50 years. Not only does it continue to provide services to residents in the most difficult of circumstances, it now also faces significant challenges, and opportunities through the onset of Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution.

To kick off our new series of Panoramic Associates Briefings on Devolution and Reorganisation, supported by LOGIN, we are delighted to be joined by Martyn Cockram and Tim Carr who draw on their experience establishing the new Unitary services of North and West Northamptonshire to share their key lessons for Local Government Reorganisation.

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The Talk

As Interim Head of Adults and Public Heath LGR at Northamptonshire CC, Martyn Cockram and Tim Carr delivered two new Unitary services which included the disaggregation of a £253m service across 1,600 people, and then reaggregating them into two new services at North and West Northamptonshire.

In this Briefing, they cover the key themes to support you through your journey in Local Government Reorganisation, sharing the key lessons and actions from their time at Northamptonshire, including:

• Design and its role
• iT/GDPR/DPIA
• Safe and Legal
• People Support through change
• Opportunities and collaboration which arise through LGR

Our Speakers

Martyn Cockram is an experienced transformation and change professional with a strong organisational and change background. He has consistently delivered programmes across the public sector, working predominantly across Local Government, Health, and Social Housing.

As an Interim Leader and Consultant, he has led significant strategic, operational, and cultural development within Corporate Centres, Adult Social Care, Children’s Social Care, Commissioning, Housing and in the development of commercial organisations through the scoping, design, and implementation of complex transformation programmes, across people, process, place, and technology.

Martyn has consistently delivered sustainable outcomes, resulting in service improvement for residents and in doing so achieved significant savings in excess of £100m to those organisations with whom he has worked.

Tim Carr is an experienced project and change consultant having delivered change across multiple areas of local government and private sector in transformation and improvement. This experience spans various sectors, including Adult Social Care, Housing/Needs, Net Zero Carbon Emission, Regeneration, Organisational Restructure, Strategy Design, and regional government roles across Procurement in Children and Social Services and the Third Sector.

Cumbria is on the cusp of a historic transformation. A proposed devolution deal could soon introduce a Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA), reshaping how the region is governed and unlocking new powers for local leaders. But what does this mean for residents, businesses, and the two newly formed unitary councils—Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council?

Background: Why Devolution, Why Now?

In April 2023, Cumbria’s former county and district councils were replaced by two unitary authorities. Fast forward to December 2024, and the UK government’s English Devolution White Paper set out plans to bring decision-making closer to home through a new MCA.

This initiative, part of the broader Devolution Priority Programme, could bring Cumbria in line with other devolved regions, like Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, offering local leaders’ control over key policy areas.

What’s Changing?

Under the proposed model:

• A directly elected mayor could be introduced in May 2026
• Powers would be devolved from Westminster to a regional level
• Existing councils would continue delivering local services like waste, social care, and planning
• The new MCA would focus on strategic functions like transport, housing, economic development, and health

The Impact So Far

Residents are understandably cautious. Concerns have been raised about:

• Bureaucracy and the potential for yet another layer of government
• Loss of local autonomy and diluted influence for communities
• Funding challenges and potential resource strain on the still-young unitary councils

MP Tim Farron has voiced worries about public appetite for further reorganisation, while local leaders acknowledge the need for clear roles and collaborative governance to make this work.

The Potential Payoff

Still, there’s cause for optimism. The deal promises:

• Strategic investment and long-term funding
• A stronger regional voice in national debates
• Potential growth in sectors like tourism, nuclear energy, and clean tech
• Improved planning for housing and transport—critical for tackling Cumbria’s geographic and demographic challenges

In Part 2, we’ll dig into the finer details of the devolution proposal—governance structures, devolved powers, funding, and the hurdles Cumbria must overcome to make this vision a reality.

As Cumbria navigates this next chapter, Panoramic Associates is here to support public sector organisations through change. Whether you’re expanding teams, restructuring leadership, or seeking specialist talent to deliver strategic priorities, we can help you find the right people to lead and deliver at every level.

Get in touch to learn how we’re partnering with local authorities and combined authorities across the UK to strengthen leadership and build capacity where it matters most.

Key Citations:

• English Devolution White Paper
• Cumbria Devolution Consultation
• Councils’ welcome Government Devolution programme inclusion
• Councils agree to join Government’s Devolution journey
• Cumbrian devolution will give power back to local people
• Cumbrians could vote for a mayor in 2026 under devolution plans
• Cumbria: ‘We’re going through a profound change, whether we like it or not’

Panoramic Associates are delighted to announce that we have once again secured a place in the esteemed Recruiter HOT 100 list for 2025, ranking at number 72!

This achievement underscores our continued excellence in operational and financial performance, even amidst the ever-evolving recruitment landscape.

The Recruiter HOT 100 is a highly competitive ranking that recognises the top-performing recruitment businesses in the UK. Our placement reflects the dedication and expertise of our talented consultants, who consistently provide outstanding service across our specialist markets, offering tailored permanent and contract staffing solutions.

At Panoramic Associates, our commitment to delivering exceptional talent solutions, prioritising client and candidate experiences, and creating an inclusive and supportive culture remains at the heart of everything we do. Our recognition in the HOT 100 list is a testament to the hard work and passion of our teams, who continue to drive success and innovation in the recruitment industry.

“We are incredibly proud to once again be recognised in the Recruiter HOT 100. This achievement is a reflection of the dedication and expertise of our teams, who strive to provide best-in-class recruitment solutions. It’s an honour to be ranked among the UK’s top recruitment businesses, and we look forward to building on this success in the years to come” comments Panoramic Associates’ Founding Director Tom Hibberd.

As we celebrate this milestone, we extend our gratitude to our clients, candidates, and the entire Panoramic Associates’ community for their trust and support. We remain committed to excellence and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the recruitment sector.

For more information about Panoramic Associates and our specialist recruitment services, visit: About Us.

As an interim, you often step into a leadership role in a transitional period, needing to quickly establish some continuity and stability. Being able to hit the ground running, build strong relationships, and manage transitions effectively is invaluable.

In this Panoramic Associates Briefing: Public Realm, Shaun Morley draws on his 9 years experience as an interim in local government, working across 12 different local authorities, to provide actionable insight on effectively hitting the ground running.

Our Speaker

‘Strategies for a successful start: An inside look at an Interim’s experience in Local Government’

Shaun Morley started in local government in 1996 working in a small district council in East Sussex. Over the next 19 years, he worked for two district councils and one London Borough: Rother DC, Mid Sussex DC and LB Wandsworth. In 2015, after moving to the Shetland Islands, Shaun began working as an interim manager/consultant. Between then and the present he has worked for 12 different local authorities in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

With a professional background in Waste Management most interim positions have had an environmental element – however in recent years it is becoming more likely that responsibilities are expanded to include any or all of the following depending on the level being required to operate at: Parks & Open Spaces, Cemeteries, Transport, Fleet, Housing, Environmental Health, Legal Services, Facilities, Health and Safety and Harbour & Marinas.

Are you looking to enhance the quality, safety, and efficiency of social care services? Join us for an insightful Briefing with Dr Mike Evans, a highly accomplished healthcare executive and interim consultant with extensive UK and international experience in health and social care.

With a proven track record in transformation and digital innovation, Mike will share his expertise on the implementation and impact of Digital Social Care Records (DSCRs).

The Details

Date: Friday 28th March
Time: 12:30 – 13:20
Location: Microsoft Teams (link shared after registering)
Who: Social Care professionals
Registration: Sign up to secure your free spot

The Talk

Digital social care records (DSCRs) offer many benefits, including:

• Enhanced quality and safety: DSCRs help ensure individuals receive the right care at the right time while reducing safety risks such as medication errors, dehydration, or missed visits.
• Comprehensive care plans: They identify gaps in information and provide real-time alerts for managers to address issues promptly.
• Increased efficiency: Staff can save considerable time per shift on administrative tasks.
• Streamlined audits: Audits can be conducted more frequently and with greater ease.
• Improved accuracy and clarity: Digital records are more consistent, accurate, and legible compared to paper-based systems.
• Support for neurodiverse staff: Features like voice-to-text functionality assist care staff who may find writing challenging and enable information to be recorded on the go.

These advantages highlight the transformative potential of DSCRs in modern social care, but whilst these benefits and more are very welcome deployment is a journey of organisational transformation.

Our Speaker

Dr Mike Evans – Interim Executive Director

Mike is a highly accomplished and widely respected healthcare executive and interim consultant with extensive experience in the UK and international health and social care sectors.

He has successfully led initiatives in both the private and not-for-profit sectors, focusing on transformation and business turnaround across a wide range of services, including acute and elective hospital care, NHS children and adult mental health services, NHS community services (including ambulance services), and adult intellectual disability services.

Mike specialises in helping organisations achieve transformative results by addressing challenges, driving change, and significantly enhancing performance. His expertise spans interim leadership, strategic direction, and performance management, working in close collaboration with key stakeholders—frontline clinicians, carers, people supported by services, and patients.

In his most recent roles, Mike served as Interim Quality Director for one of the UK’s leading social care organisations supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and complex needs. He also led the deployment of an NHS-assured digital social care record, overseeing its development from pilot phase to full-scale implementation.

Register

Sign up today to secure your free spot.

In this Panoramic Associates Briefing designed for SEND professionals, educators, and local authority leaders, we focus on two critical areas: ensuring effective placements for children with EHCPs and managing the High Needs Block while maintaining positive outcomes.

Our expert speakers provide practical, child-centred strategies and policy insights to help you navigate the complexities of SEND provision.

The Talks

Making placements work: the children’s perspective and government views (Annie Gammon)

Annie explores the process of placing children with Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) from the perspective of the children themselves. Through the experiences of three children with diverse needs and backgrounds, Annie examines what contributes to successful placements and how different approaches impact outcomes.

Emphasising what we want to achieve for the children who we work for, Annie’s talk will reflect on what this means for professional practice across education, social care, health, and SEND.

The session will also highlight the government’s position on potential reforms and the implications these changes may have for EHCP placements in the future.

The 5 ‘no’s of Deficit Recovery: Balancing management of the High Needs Block with good outcomes for children (Emma Ferrey)

Emma provides five actionable strategies that you can immediately implement in your settings to drive positive change and effectively manage spending within the High Needs Block.

Our Speakers

Annie Gammon – Leader of Education

I have worked in the education field for over 30 years – always holding to the principle of making sure every child gets a high quality education. My latest role has been Interim Director of Education, Participation and Skills for Plymouth City Council. This included overseeing SEND provision and leading the area through a SEND inspection.

Prior to that I spent four years as Director of Education for the London Borough of Hackney, overseeing the full range of educational services for children, families and schools. During that period I directed work around SEND provision, reducing exclusions, early years and multiagency collaboration to support vulnerable children.

For the previous ten years, I was headteacher of a large successful inclusive 11-19 comprehensive school. I also have experience being a trustee and chair of academy trusts, a governor of a special school, being a governor of a sixth form college and inspecting schools.

Emma Ferrey – High Needs Block and SEND Consultant

Having worked in many roles in both schools and local authorities over the past 20+ years, I am passionate about good outcomes for children that prepare them for a meaningful adult life.

My work focusses on opportunities for savings and cost avoidance. Over the past 4 years, I have worked to save authorities around £8m as well as identified significant cost avoidance in the 10s of millions.

Adult Social Care needs a workforce strategy to ensure we have enough of the right people with the right skills to provide the best possible care and support for the people who draw on it. For the first time ever, the Adult Social Care sector has come together, led by Skills for Care, to develop the Workforce Strategy it needs.

At this Panoramic Associates Briefing, we are joined by Jane Brightman, Director of Workforce Strategy at Skills for Care, to provide an introduction to this strategy, examining engagement, influence, implementation and impact.

The Talk

Jane’s talk will explore:

– The strategic direction for the adult social care workforce over the next 15 years.
– How the strategy aligns with broader government and NHS goals.
– Practical steps and examples of how the strategy is being implemented.
– Opportunities for engagement and contribution to the strategy’s success.

Our Speaker

Jane Brightman has over 30 years of experience across the adult social care sector including frontline care, leadership, education, digital transformation and national policy.

For 10 years she was Director of a private training organisation specialising in adult social care delivery before going on to national roles supporting training and development in social care.

Jane spent two years at NHSX (now NHS Transformation Directorate) in the blended Digitising Social Care programme as Assistant Director, leading and delivering on the White Paper commitments.

In 2022 she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Arden University for services to social care.