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

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.

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.

One key area often overlooked in our industries, is the profoundly impactful area of adult social care.

It’s a field dedicated to providing support and assistance to adults in need, often facing physical, mental, or emotional challenges. However, despite its crucial role adult social care can sometimes face barriers that hinder its effectiveness. Today, we’re looking into these barriers and discussing how we can collectively empower adult social care to ensure it thrives and serves its purpose to the fullest.

Understanding the Barriers

Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand the challenges that adult social care currently face:

• One of the most significant barriers is the issue of funding. Adult social care services often operate on tight budgets, limiting their ability to provide thorough support and invest in staff training and development.
• The demand for adults social care is steadily increasing, yet there’s a shortage of skilled professionals to meet this demand. This shortage not only strains existing staff but also compromises the quality of care provided.
• This sector often operates with fragmented systems, with various agencies and organisations involved in delivering services. This fragmentation can lead to gaps in care, communication breakdowns, and inefficiencies in service delivery.
• Unfortunately, there’s still a prevalent stigma surrounding adult social care, most commonly in the private & third sector with misconceptions about the nature of the work and the individuals receiving care. This stigma can affect recruitment efforts and deter individuals from seeking help when needed.

To empower social care for adults, we must address several key areas. Advocating for increased funding is vital for the security of supportive adult social care. Adequate financial resources are essential for providing high-quality care, supporting staff training and development, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance service delivery.

Simultaneously, investing in workforce development is crucial. Care support will be elevated by addressing staffing shortages and ensuring staff possess the necessary skills and knowledge. This includes offering training opportunities, establishing career advancement pathways, and providing competitive compensation packages like those on offer in other sectors.  

Furthermore, promoting collaboration and integration within the adult social care sector is imperative. Removing gaps between agencies and organisations and streamlining service delivery processes are essential steps to ensure individuals receive holistic care across the sector.

More effort should be put in place to debunk adult social care misconceptions; education, awareness campaigns, and advocacy efforts are instrumental in achieving this goal. By challenging stigma and highlighting the positive impact of social care for individuals and communities, we can attract a passionate and driven workforce whilst also creating safe and supportive spaces for those who need it.

Empowering social care requires collective action from policymakers, healthcare professionals, community leaders, recruiters, and the general public. By advocating for adequate funding, investing in workforce development, promoting collaboration and support, and challenging stigma, we can break down barriers and ensure adult social care thrives for everyone who needs it.

At Panoramic Associates, we are committed to benefitting our communities and empowering those in all social care sectors, including support for children. As such we are proud charity partners with Jessie May a charity which provides thorough children’s hospice support. Find out more about the wonderful work Jessie May does here.

For any hiring queries, additional information, or specific needs, please feel free to reach out and get in touch here.

The Subnational Transport Body (STB) gathered together on the 28th of February 2024 to deliver an informational talk on the transforming transport system. The sub-national septet of organisations based their conference on ‘The State of Transport 2024’ and covered the latest news surrounding the fall in public transport usage and the power play that is shaping the future of the transport system.

Sharon Taylor from PRG Consulting, sister company of Panoramic Associates, travelled to Manchester to visit the STB conference and discover more about the developing transport system.

Here are her key findings:

The STB report unveiled that there is a significant downturn in the number of trips individuals are making. In 2022, the average person embarked on 10% fewer trips compared to a decade earlier, indicating a notable shift in travel behaviour. This downfall is expected to increase unless action is taken to entice customers to use public transport rather than personal transport methods such as cars.

The idea of inspiring further action, however, is causing some debate as many people believe that the transport decline is due to the rise of remote and flexible work rather than as a result of personal transport choices. Correlating with this argument the STB shared that commuting habits have undergone a seismic shift, with the average number of bus journeys to work losing 25% of its riders since 2013. This decline speaks volumes about the evolving dynamics of work and mobility in the modern era of flexible working. Please read further on the dynamics of hybrid working in our blog here.

It’s not just office commuting that has been impacted by a decrease in public transport usage. The once-thriving realm of rail travel has been hit hard, witnessing a plummet in season ticket journeys by 66% post-pandemic. This downturn underscores the huge impact of external disruptions on traditional modes of transport. As well as the steep increase in ticket prices. For example, since 2009 a weekly season ticket for any valid route from Bristol to London was £296.10 whereas the same ticket a decade later is £405. This 30% increase is likely to be the culprit of the drop in rail travel demand. This escalation in ticket prices burdens not only regular commuters but also dissuades occasional travellers from opting for train journeys, further exacerbating the decline in ridership. Consequently, companies are faced with the challenge of striking a delicate balance between recouping financial losses and ensuring that their services remain accessible and attractive to passengers.

Crucially, the STB conference raised questions about decision-making authority. Should power reside at the local or national level? Who holds the reins when it comes to shaping the future of transportation—local government, national authorities, or Standard Transport Bodies?

Privatisation of transportation systems further complicates this dynamic, as it introduces profit motives and shareholder interests into the equation. While privatisation can drive efficiency, it also raises concerns about equity, accountability, and the prioritisation of profit over public service.

Whether behind the wheel or as a passenger, car travel remains supreme, with an unyielding dominance in the transportation landscape. The STB conference underscored the pressing need for clarity and certainty in funding for public transportation, with a focus on the sustainability of railway services. Uncertainty still threatens the sector, demanding a re-evaluation of financing strategies to ensure the sustainability of transportation infrastructure.

Thank you to Sharon for providing us with her insight and knowledge from the event. Please do get in touch if you’re searching for project delivery solutions and find out more about how PRG Consulting and Panoramic Associates can support your organisation.