Building Healthier Communities: Stephen’s Vision for Stoke-on-Trent

In this episode of Public Health Spotlights, Stephen, Director of Public Health at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, sits down to share his unique journey from nutrition student to city leader, revealing what drives his commitment to community wellbeing. Stephen’s path takes us from early influences in personal loss, through hands-on public health practice and policy work across Europe, to leading multi-faceted services in one of the UK’s most dynamic and challenged cities.

Personal Experience, Professional Purpose

From a formative experience of family bereavement and the tragic loss of friends, Stephen describes how these events shaped a lifelong dedication to creating supportive environments for others. Witnessing first-hand the impact of social and mental health challenges, he found himself compelled to act, seeking ways to make a difference through public health.

A Career Without Borders

Stephen’s early career saw him increase physical activity in primary care, work at national and European levels, and navigate the transition of public health into local government. Working with 16 EU member states, he learned the value of diplomacy, empathy, and seeking common ground skills now central to his work in Stoke-on-Trent’s diverse communities. He reflects on the importance of listening and building coalition, whether at an international table or on the ground in local neighborhoods.

Innovating for Impact in Stoke-on-Trent

As Director, Stephen holds a broad portfolio: public health, leisure and wellbeing, trading standards, bereavement care, and domestic abuse services. He explains how this integration enables creative solutions investing commercial revenue from leisure services back into social initiatives, and weaving community voices into programmed design. A major focus is on reducing health inequalities: addressing mental ill health, addiction, and delivering the “Family Matters” initiative, which draws on trusted local organization’s to strengthen families and reconnect Stoke’s six towns.

Listening, Learning, and Measuring Success

Stephen is clear: success is measured not just by figures but by the lived experiences of communities. Through continual feedback from families, faith groups, and grassroots partners, his team tailors and evolves support where it’s needed most. One stand-out achievement? Launching a sustainable exercise referral programmed that’s been running for nearly 20 years, and leading an award-nominated campaign to boost MMR vaccination rates through open engagement and flexible delivery proving that trust and adaptation are as important as strategy

Advice for Aspiring Leaders

For those considering a career in public health leadership, Stephen advises casting your net wide to gain diverse experience, know your community, and always seek to understand both the “big P” and “little p” politics. His leadership ethos: support and enable others, deliver on promises, and keep community needs at the heart of decision-making.

Looking Ahead: United Strength

As Stoke-on-Trent celebrates its centenary, Stephen shares his vision for the future: united action across sectors, more joined-up work with business and investors, and a relentless focus on homes, jobs, and connected communities. The city’s motto United Strength is Stronger rings true in his drive to harness collective power for lasting change.

Listen now via the link below or find us on your preferred podcast platform. Stay tuned for more conversations spotlighting those building healthier communities across the UK.

This October, Panoramic Associates are joining special schools from across the country for the annual NASS Conference.

The two-day conference brings together school leaders, SEND professionals, and sector experts from across the NASS community for collaborative learning, industry updates, and valuable networking.

As a trusted partner to Special Schools nationwide, we are proud to be recognised as leading experts in providing interim Education and SEND professionals. Since 2015, we have supported Education Services across the UK, developing a deep understanding of the unique challenges this sector faces.

At Panoramic Associates, we recognise that the voices and aspirations of children and young people must remain at the heart of all decision-making. That’s why we focus on connecting Schools with professionals who share this commitment and who bring the experience, insight, and dedication required to make a positive impact.

We are looking forward to joining education leaders at the NASS Conference in October, to share our expertise and connect with colleagues who are passionate about shaping better outcomes for children and young people.

Date: Thursday 2^nd & Friday 3^rd October
Time: 09:00 – 17:00
Location: Bristol Grand Hotel, Broad Street, BS1 2EL

Come and meet the Panoramic Associates team at the NASS Conference 2025 – we’d love to discuss how we can support your organisation.

Get in touch if you are attending.

Help Shape the Future of SEND with AI

At Panoramic Associates, we recognise the growing SEND challenge that local authorities and schools are facing – interpreting data, managing rising demand, and striving for the best outcomes for children and young people. That’s why we’re inviting you to be among the first to see a new AI-powered tool.

What’s the tool all about?

In partnership with WA Chump, we’re developing an AI product that predicts emerging SEND needs across local areas using national, regional, and local data. Its aim is to help you spot trends earlier, make strategic decisions, and deliver evidence-based support before needs escalate.

What it can do:

• Predict future SEND demand in your area
• Recommend proactive, evidence-led strategies
• Spot pupils at risk earlier using behaviour, attainment, and demographic data
• Automate time-heavy admin and help reduce backlog pressures
• Deliver real-time dashboards and forecasting to guide your planning

Whether you’re focused on early intervention, SEND sufficiency, or supporting schools more effectively, we’d like your feedback on what works – and what could work even better.

Watch Our Live Demo

This session walks you through how the tool works and how it could support your organisation.

At Panoramic Associates, we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve when it comes to the evolving landscape of education. That’s why Panoramic Associates’ Meg Dorsett and Beth Tucker recently attended the Festival of Education, one of the UK’s leading events exploring the future of teaching, learning, and school leadership.

Among the standout themes this year was the rapid integration of AI and technology in schools, not just as a supplementary tool, but as a core driver of change in how lessons are delivered, assessed, and even planned.

The Shift Towards Tech-First Teaching

Across the talks and discussions, we saw how Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and schools are pushing forward with digital transformation strategies, with many aspiring to become Apple Distinguished Schools or Certified Google Educators.

A significant trend we observed was the shift to a 1:1 student-to-device model, where each learner has their own tablet or iPad. Apps like Showbie and AI-driven tools such as Gemini are revolutionising lesson planning, giving educators the ability to create comprehensive, differentiated learning experiences at the touch of a button. In one session, a school leader demonstrated how Gemini could produce six distinct assessments and lesson plans in just minutes, all from a single topic. These resources were instantly accessible to students on their devices, giving them greater autonomy and more personalised pathways through the curriculum.

AI in Assessment and CPD

Many educational leaders predicted that AI will soon become the default for marking and assessment, streamlining processes and reducing teacher workload. But the influence of AI and EdTech isn’t just limited to students, it’s also transforming Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Several MATs we spoke to are undergoing Trust-wide transitions to adopt either Google or Apple ecosystems, with some establishing themselves as Regional Apple Training Centres. The goal? To have all staff recognised as Apple Distinguished Educators, ensuring confidence and consistency in using tech-enhanced learning approaches across the board.

Why This Matters

What struck us most was how these innovations are not about replacing teachers; they’re about empowering them. By automating repetitive tasks and supporting differentiated planning, AI tools allow educators to focus on what really matters: student engagement, creativity, and individual support, especially for those with SEN or varying learning needs.

Our Perspective

As a talent partner with deep expertise in education, Panoramic Associates is well-positioned to support schools and MATs through this next chapter of transformation. Whether it’s helping you find visionary EdTech leaders, change agents, or supporting your journey towards digital excellence, we’re here to help drive meaningful, sustainable change.

Attending the Festival of Education reaffirmed our belief that technology, when used strategically, can be a game-changer in shaping the future of learning. And we’re excited to be part of that journey.

We’re proud to announce that Precision Resource Group (PRG), parent company of Panoramic Associates has again been named in the Recruiter FAST 50, marking our third consecutive year on the list of the UK’s fastest-growing privately owned recruitment businesses.

Compiled by Recruiter Magazine, the FAST 50 ranks companies by compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over three years, making this recognition a reflection of sustained, long-term performance.

Talent Solutions for a Shifting Market

This year’s strongest-performing firms reflect the continued momentum in tech, energy, and engineering sectors facing acute skills shortages and rapid transformation. As specialists in these fields, PRG has remained focused on delivering strategic, value-led recruitment and consultancy solutions that support real business growth, no matter the climate.

Whether through embedded talent partnerships, consultancy, offshore solutions, or full RPO models, our approach is built around what our clients truly need: agility, consistency, and results.

A Word from Our Founding Director

“To be recognised three years running is a powerful endorsement of the way we do business. In challenging market conditions, we’ve stayed committed to providing tailored talent solutions that drive measurable impact and long-term value for our clients.”

Our growth reflects more than commercial success, it’s the outcome of a long-term vision centred on people, continuous improvement, and meaningful partnerships.”
— Tom Hibberd, Founding Director, Precision Resource Group

Looking Ahead

Recognition in the FAST 50 isn’t just a milestone; it reinforces our belief that specialisation, adaptability, and integrity are the foundations of sustainable success. As market confidence begins to return and investment in core sectors increases, we’re ready to support more organisations and professionals through the next phase of their growth.

To our clients, candidates, and the wider PRG community, thank you. Your trust drives everything we do. We remain committed to excellence and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the recruitment sector.

Learn more about our solutions: Client Services

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 the Net Zero and Retrofit sector.

Watch Now

Talk Overview

Gerald discusses the additional skills that retrofit professionals need to meet the growing complexity of the sector. He highlights 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. He then explores 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  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 offer clear, actionable tips to help you present your experience with confidence and land your next role.

Key Takeaways from Q&A & Discussion

• Skillsets & Entry Points: The importance of real-world experience was emphasised, particularly asset management and surveying, when entering the retrofit space. Effective communication with residents is just as critical as technical know-how.
• Training & Standards: Gerald highlighted the inconsistency in retrofit training pathways, noting that individuals can become coordinators without prior industry experience which can sometimes lead to questionable delivery standards. He advocated for a more structured progression through PAS 2035 roles.
• Community Engagement: There was a big focus on the need for trust-building with residents. Clear communication, early adopters, and community influencers are key to success, especially in what some may call a “post-truth” era where trust in public initiatives is low.
• Operational Disconnects: There’s an apparent tension between capital-funded retrofit works and revenue-funded facilities management. Discussion pointed to a lack of integration in maintenance planning and a poor handover process as ongoing challenges.
• Post-Installation Support: Gerald shared how organisations like CSE are addressing the post-installation gap with funded advice services, especially for technologies like solar. Miscommunication around expected financial benefits was flagged as a widespread issue.
• Funding Cuts & Future Outlook: Responding to a question about government support, Gerald confirmed that recent funding cuts have had a severe impact on supply chains and training. However, he expressed cautious optimism about new green skills funding expected in autumn, with further investment anticipated in the years ahead.

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.

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.

Watch Now

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’