5th July saw a new Labour government take up office…a changed Labour Party now in administration of the UK but will this bring about positive change for SEND? What are the intentions and plans for SEND from our new SoS for Education and Minister of State for Women and Equalities, Bridget Phillipson?

In this insightful Breakfast Briefing, Jane Friswell explores the rapidly evolving landscape of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) policy. Jane unpacks the government’s ambitious Curriculum and Assessment Review, aimed at creating a more inclusive curriculum and assessment system that celebrates every child’s unique strengths. She highlights the critical updates to Ofsted’s inspection framework, focusing on school inclusivity and the revamped SEND area inspections.

Jane discusses the challenges and promises of the SEND Improvement Plan, addressing concerns about transparency, leadership, and the need for co-produced solutions. She also sheds light on the financial hurdles facing the special needs system and the potential implications of upcoming budget decisions.

Watch the full Breakfast Briefing below as Jane explores these critical topics and provides actionable insights.

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Our Speaker

Jane Friswell is a former SEND Head Teacher who specialises in strategic leadership support and review for Local Areas, schools and organisations. Jane is a compelling, charismatic communicator and presenter with lived experience of SEND. She cares passionately about raising the quality of provision and support for all, particularly for pupils and families with SEMH needs. Jane continues to work with government and international partners in an advisory capacity supporting the SEND and wider inclusion agenda.

With a proven track record in successful school improvement leadership of national and international projects, Jane’s experience includes government policy advisory support, strategic review and planning for SEND at Local Area level and developing and establishing training and education services for teachers, SENCOs, senior leaders and governors. Jane has regularly taught on the Senior Leadership for SEND programme, commissioned by DfE, facilitated by NDTi.

Jane is the author of a wide range of professional articles and DfE funded national guidance. Published articles include ‘Access, Participation & Achievement for Primary & Secondary SENCOs’ (2012, 2013), three successful editions of SEND & School Inspection Guidance (2012, 2014, 2015) and SEND Handbook (2013, 2015).

During her tenure as Chief Executive at nasen, Jane led and made a significant contribution to the national transition of reform for SEND while leading a comprehensive SEN national events programme to inform educators of change. Jane founded the Autism in Girls Forum in 2013, recognising the need for national awareness-raising of the overlooked and often invisible population of girls and women who have autism. She commissioned the nasen mini guide Autism in Girls: Flying Under the Radar (2015). Jane co-authored Girls and Autism, Educational, Family and Personal Perspectives (Routledge, 2019), a book published through the Forum and supported by the National Association of Head Teachers.

Over the past 10 years in England and Wales, educational psychology practice has become increasingly dominated by EHCP related statutory work. Whilst this is a critical practice function; to what extent is it impacting on the profession’s capacity to deliver effective preventative work now and into the future?

Join fellow Educational Psychologists as we explore this pressing issue at our online SEND Briefing, facilitated by Ben Powell.

Event Details

Topic: ‘Educational Psychology- remaining focused on preventative work’
Date: Wednesday 20th November
Time: 15:00 – 16:00
Location: Microsoft Teams (details shared after registering)
Registration: Get in touch with Amy Bath to register your interest

The Event

Facilitated by Ben Powell, our Director of SEND Services, in this SEND Briefing, we will explore key issues related to preventative work in Educational Psychology, including:

• What do we mean by preventative work?
• With finite time, how do EP services determine where to deliver effective preventative work? What are the commissioning, leadership and practice factors?
• Is preventative work delivered by EPs high on the local/national SEND agenda?
• How can important bodies such as regional PEP/EP groups, The AEP, NAPEP, BPS and University Doctoral Courses; do more in promoting and influencing government policy in this area?

Ben has been practising educational and child psychologist for 14 years. During that time he has been a Principal Educational Psychologist in two local areas; strategically led a range of specialist educational services; and been in executive-level leadership. Ben is a passionate champion about Inclusion, SEND and making a positive difference.

If you’d like to join us at this free-to-attend event, get in touch with Amy Bath to register your interest.

Panoramic Associates are delighted to be sponsoring the UKPHR Public Health Practitioner Conference and Awards. The event is a fantastic opportunity for health specialists, registrars, and practitioners to come together, hear from industry experts, and collaborate to continually develop their area of work.

• Date: Tuesday 1^st October
• Location: The Studio, 7 Canon Street, Birmingham, B2 5EP
• Register: https://www.cognitoforms.com/ChamberlainDunn1/UKPHRConference2024

It has been a privilege to be involved in this year’s judging process for the Collaborative Working Award, where all nominees have shown great instances of collaboration across their organisations to drive public health standards.

At Panoramic Associates, we specialise in public health recruitment, connecting talented professionals with organisations that are making a real difference in communities. Our team understands the unique challenges and demands of the public health sector, and we are committed to providing tailored recruitment solutions that meet the specific needs of our clients.

We work closely with local authorities and other public health organisations to identify and place skilled professionals in roles that are critical to public health initiatives. Our extensive network and deep industry knowledge enable us to find the right candidates for a wide range of positions, from public health commissioners to programme & project managers and directors.

Public Health Spotlight: Our Podcast

Our Public Health Spotlight podcast, in partnership with ADPH, shines a spotlight on the remarkable role of the Director of Public Health (DPH). Each episode features interviews with a Director of Public Health, discussing current trends, challenges, and innovations in the field, as well as their own career path, providing valuable insights for prospective Directors of Public Health.

You can check out our podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Do get in touch if you or attending or reach out to find out more about how Panoramic Associates can support your organisation.

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.