The beginning of a new year always arrives brimming with the potential of a fresh start. Maybe you’re searching for a new job to fill you with pride and passion, or perhaps you’re looking for job roles to fill as part of your current career. Whatever your motive, below are 10 of the current most popular jobs circulating the market today.

It is important to note that alongside these job titles, there is huge learning and earning potential in close surrounding roles too. If you’re considering a job in any of the public, private, health, education, corporate, or built environment sectors please don’t hesitate to get in touch or browse our range of roles here.

 

1. Graphic Designer

First on our list of highest-growing jobs this year are graphic designers. Graphic designer positions are filled by those with huge creative flair, both on paper and through computer design. Graphic designers are needed for a multitude of important jobs including advertising new products, creating posters for events, and designing logos or company assets. These jobs are not only in high demand, but they are well-paid –– especially in major metropolitan areas like London, Glasgow, Belfast, and Edinburgh.

Most common skills include: design skills and knowledge, thorough attention to detail, knowledge of media production and communication, knowledge of computer software systems, and innovation.

Average salary per annum: £29,000

 

2. Underwriting Analyst

Next up are sales underwriting analysts. Underwriting analysts evaluate individuals and businesses to determine the risk level they pose to lenders and insurers. Underwriting analysts operate mostly in the insurance and real estate sectors.

Most common skills include: mathematics, customer service skills, and analytical thinking.

Average salary per annum: £34,000

 

3. Sales Development Representative

Those who operate under this title focus on finding new business leads through research, prospecting, and outreach and before passing them to their colleagues to close the deal. Sales Development Reps operate mostly in sectors such as technology, information, internet, IT services, IT consulting, and business consulting.

Most common skills include: lead generation, cold calling, software as a service (SaaS).

Average salary per annum: £40,000

 

4. Energy Engineers

Energy engineers use research, design, and construction to implement green solutions and improve energy consumption and use at a company. You need to have a degree in engineering or a relevant scientific subject to excel in this field of work. These include earth sciences, electrical, mechanical or chemical engineering. industries of work include engineering services, business consulting and services, design services.

Most common skills include: mathematical skills, a strong understanding of innovation, initiative.

Average salary per annum: £41,000

 

5. Product Marketing Specialist

Product marketing specialists are responsible for the marketing activity around product launches, for instance, creating product marketing plans, press releases, infographics, videos, and social media content. It is a highly creative job that is also incredibly dynamic. This job is on the rise in sectors such as technology, information and internet, it services and it consulting, and advertising services.

Most common skills include: go-to-market strategy, product launch, B2B marketing, creative initiative, SEO training.

Average salary per annum: £49,000

 

6. Sustainability Managers

Sustainability managers oversee environmental and sustainability strategies for a company or organisation. They ensure to analyse, assess, and report on environmental impact across the company to help achieve higher eco-conscientiousness. Sustainability managers operate mostly in sectors for business consulting, technology, and real estate.

Most common skills include: carbon footprint analysis, corporate sustainability, and lifecycle assessment.

Average salary per annum: £52,000

 

7. Data Scientist

Using machine learning technologies to organise information for start-ups and other firms, a Data Scientist is a key player in for any company. A Data Scientist collects and examines information, analysing it to make sense of it all. Other tasks include examining the correct data sets or variables, collecting large data sets, and looking at patterns and trends. Data scientists work mainly in the corporate world in sectors such as finance, consulting, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, government and education.

Most common skills include: Statistical knowledge, creating dashboards and reports, writing and communication, and domain knowledge.

Average salary per annum: £53,000

 

8. Dentist

There is a high demand for dentists in UK. Dentistry is a tough profession to fulfil and like many specialist fields, a dentist must first become a doctor before moving into the study of dentistry. Despite the intensive education course and the pressure of handling people medically, the salary is usually higher than other less stressful careers.

Most common skills include: knowledge of medicine and dentistry, excellent verbal communication skills, thorough attention to detail, and physical dexterity.

Average salary per annum: £53,000

 

 9. Cyber Security Manager

The role of cyber security managers is also on the rise. They identify potential security risks in products and services and are responsible for security compliance and monitoring within a company. Cyber security managers have an adaptable role and can work in many different sectors but mainly populate it services, IT consulting, transportation equipment manufacturing, technology, information, and internet areas.

Most common skills include: information security, ISO 27001, and vulnerability management.

Average salary per annum: £68,000

 

10. Pilot

Pilots are some of the most in-demand roles in the country and beyond powered by a high pilot shortage which is creating long and short effects across the world. As a major tourist destination, the United Kingdom is home to some of the busiest airports in Europe –– including Gatwick and Heathrow. Commercial airline pilots who fly to international destinations are typically paid more than continental or local-haul pilots, but the training required for all flights is the same. Although an intensive job the rewards are worth the hard work and training.

Most common skills include: an understanding of maths and physics, an ability to understand technical information, as pilots need to know how their aircraft works, excellent spatial awareness and coordination, and strong teamwork skills.

Average salary per annum: £72,000

 

The 10 roles highlighted above not only reflect the current demands but also offer a glimpse into the diverse career landscape. Whether you’re driven by sustainability, technology, finance, or healthcare, there’s sure to be a role tailored to your skills and aspirations. Ready to take the next step in your career journey? Explore our wide range of roles here, and contact us today to find out more.

Information sourced from Glassdoor, check out our profile here.

Introducing part two of our NCASC blog series led and compiled by Sam Bos-Coley and River Simmons. Last year the two took off to the NCASC event in Bournemouth. The event covered 3 key days and was intended for anybody interested in providing efficient health, social care, and education services to vulnerable adults, children, and youth, as well as those working in local government, non-profit organisations, and the private sector.

The finale of this series focuses on insights collected on ASC Assurance within CQC Inspections. Please read on to find out more about their NCASC findings.

When assurance was first introduced in 2021 there were concerns it was a huge worry for the LGA. However, there’s a belief now that this initiative lays a solid foundation for supporting the ASC sector. The link to Integrated Care System (ICS) assurance has provided councils with a roadmap to readiness.

The latest report spanning 2022-2023 reveals a movement in the field, but a noticeable gridlock persists, exacerbated by escalating cost-of-living challenges and workforce shortages. This has raised concerns about the emergence of ‘unfair care’, potentially leading to longer waits, reduced access, and poorer outcomes for certain demographics. Assurance is not about the rating. The social care market findings are that the profitability is down.

 

Family carers findings

Family carer findings are concerning, indicating that 30% of them feel overwhelmed. Key observations reveal inadequate systems for carer support plans, delays in assessments or reviews, and overstretched social work teams, especially in mental health and transition services.

The value of carers in supporting the sector is estimated at £162 billion, emphasising the necessity of providing them with adequate support.

 

National workforce strategy for care

The National Workforce Strategy for Care has seen an increase in international recruitment for ASC jobs, with 70,000 individuals arriving from overseas in 2022-23, compared to 20,000 in the previous year. While this has enriched the diversity and skills within care teams, concerns about modern slavery, Labour exploitation, and international visas persist, with 37 referrals made in 2022-23, 4x more from the prior year. The National Workforce Strategy promises to continue to call for the raised status of the adult social care workforce.

 

Assurance; making the case for better care

The essence of assurance lies in advocating for better care and understanding how social care impacts local outcomes and inequalities. The report emphasises comprehensive systems view to identify and address unfairness in health, care, and housing. It highlights the significance of co-production, local public judgment, and balanced performance reporting in fostering improvement. After the approach is agreed there will be assessments and collaboration on the improvement of the systems.

 

Themes from the assurance pilots 

NCASC made us aware that insights from assurance pilots underscore the importance of integrated working to address challenges in hospital discharge and the need to manage waiting lists for assessments. Waiting lists existed mainly due to lack of capacity in the social work assessment workforce, but LAs were managing this by prioritising risk.

Partnership working emerged as crucial for improving outcomes, while transitions from children to adult services revealed room for improvement. The social care workforce capacity issues persist, and LAs are using a range of incentives to address recruitment and retention Issues, as well as supporting the professional development of the workforce to meet local needs.

Overall, LAs had developed learning cultures to help them identify where things were not working well and take steps to improve.

 

Opportunities presented by systems

The local authorities need to understand and prepare for the complex and changing needs of local populations. IQS have started their work by looking at these local systems, while there are certainly opportunities to tackle inequalities, there are also large gaps that must be solved. Integrated care systems present an opportunity to solve these gaps, but local systems must implement plans to address unwarranted variations in population health and disparities beforehand.

 

How do we make it fair

The challenge lies in making social care fair, and understanding its repercussions on healthcare demand and funding. The CQC plays a multifaceted role as a collaborator, enabler of innovation, and exemplar of good practices. Collaboration across sectors, embracing risk, and equitable resource allocation are essential to ensure fair care for everyone. To harness the right partnerships, systems must be brave, take conscious risks, and share the profit.

The bottom line question is: how does this work for the people? It is essential to work across the boundaries of care and health, to make sure that care Is fair for everyone. This should not be an exercise on anxiety management but rather a set of well-contrasted systems that successfully assist those in need.

 

How confident are you?

Furthermore, insights from cabinet managers in the field stress the importance of leadership, collaboration, and clarity in strategic objectives. Building trust and confidence, understanding assessment priorities, and effectively managing resources are deemed crucial for success in the ever-evolving landscape of adult social care. A strong system is not built overnight, and constant partnership collaboration is important.

As an elected member you need to understand the pressures ahead of self-assessments they should be prioritised over any other assessment. Self-assessments help to create a successful system and ensure its constant improvement.

 

The NCASC event proved to be incredibly insightful, equipping Sam and River with a wealth of knowledge. Panoramic Associates eagerly anticipates future events, and we’re excited about the opportunity to continue sharing our invaluable insights.

Considering hiring? Please get in touch.

This year River Simmons and Sam Bos-Coley took off to the NCASC event in Liverpool. The event covered 3 key days and was intended for anybody interested in providing efficient health, social care, and education services to vulnerable adults, children, and youth, as well as those working in local and federal government, non-profit organisations, and the private sector.

Sam and River feel honoured to have been able to attend this insightful and informative event. Read on below to find out more about what each day covered.

 

Day 1

Day one covered the question, how might person-centred care and support be co-created?

This first day was led by Hugh Evans (Executive Director of BCC), Isaac Samuels (ADASS/TLAP) Kathryn Smith (Chief Executive Officer), and Megan Belcher (Co-Production Lead BCC).

This event emphasised how crucial it is to include people who have experienced the need for person-centred care and support throughout the entire process. Especially, when deciding on measures that will eventually be taken to support patients in receiving care.

Although it seems like such a simple approach, it is not being applied correctly nationwide to aid those who need it. Evens outlined some of the difficulties they had previously encountered at Bristol City Council and talked about some of the concepts and actions they have taken to guarantee co-production in adult social care. Belcher went on to further provide insight into several of the projects she has been creating and collaborating on with neighbourhood community members.

It was brought up rather nicely that, in general, things are probably best characterised as being in the co-creation stage right now, if at all, but that they must continue to go on to the co-production stage. Co-production is the ultimate aim, while co-creation is the first step.

We also found out the next steps in the process. Councils must initiate the introduction of Co-Production leaders if none are already in place. Finding out how many businesses have a lead in place would be incredibly helpful in this process and increase project efficiency.

NCASC was a great place to build contacts and create new relationships with business professionals. After attending the event we were able to assess which contacts would be the most beneficial to follow up with.

 

Day 2

Covering all corners of AI, day two was Led by Sarah Rank (National Lead for Digital at ADASS), Nick Clinch (AD Norfolk), and Debbie Bartlett (Interim AD Norfolk). This collaboration, in partnership with Newton Europe, aimed to integrate AI into community care, starting with fall prevention.

Norfolk’s innovative approach involved leveraging AI to predict falls before they occur. By collecting and analysing data, they aimed to proactively address potential risks, revolutionising their care approach. This shift from reactive to proactive care could significantly reduce healthcare costs per person. Despite the high anticipation, conclusive outcomes regarding reduced falls and cost impact are expected next year.

A standout aspect of their strategy was how they addressed data privacy concerns. Rather than emphasising AI use, they prioritised informing individuals about potential fall risks, focusing on their well-being before technical details.

However, questions remain regarding project costs and how Norfolk effectively allocated funds amid nationwide budget constraints, crucial for understanding sustainability and scalability.

 

Day 3

The third day showcased insights from Care Quality Commission (CQC) pilots through a panel featuring Andy McGowan, Hazel Summers, Glen Garrod, Karen Pavey, and Richard Hannigan.

Both Glen & Karen explained their experiences of having CQC in great detail. Glen was very transparent about the approach to CQC that was taken by North Lincs’s key piece of advice was for councils to have a clear picture of what they want from the assessments. They need to think about the challenges they have & take this as an opportunity to learn & work collaboratively. Everyone has weaknesses, it’s about being transparent with those, identifying them early and being open to working to fix them. Also highlighted the importance of knowing who in the team is going to pay a key part in the preparation work well in advance.

Karen discussed the benefits of talking to children’s colleagues who of course have been going through inspection for years with Ofsted. This helped them with their mindset & approach. Karen discussed some of the processes they used at Lincs such as running weekly webinars to discuss progress and update the self-assessment tool.

Both Glen and Karen stressed acknowledging and celebrating staff efforts throughout the process, fostering a culture of appreciation irrespective of the assessment outcome.

Hazel Summers emphasised the huge efficacy of peer challenge reviews, underlining her belief that self-awareness is pivotal in understanding the council’s position before inspections. Aligning the vision for adult social care between frontline staff and departmental heads emerged as crucial in order for everyone to advance together.

 

These three days highlighted the transformative potential of AI in proactive care as well as the emphasis on an invaluable culture of learning, transparency, and collaboration within the healthcare landscape. Sam and River have expressed their thanks and satisfaction of the NCASC event and look forward to their next attendance.

These insights aren’t over, keep an eye out for next week where we share the second part of Sam and River’s NCASC notes and experience.

Please get in touch to find out more.

In this Substance Misuse Breakfast Briefing, we are joined by Stuart Green (Service Manager with Lived Experience) and Madeline Drummond (Criminal Justice Project Manager – Change, Grow, Live).

Stuart Green presents on the benefits of LEROs, how to work with LEROs in ROSC (Recovery Ordinated Systems of Care), peer-based approaches and the power of lived experience.

While, Madeline Drummond talk us through how Change, Grow, Live efficiently implement Continuity of Care for people released from prison with a substance misuse treatment need with the service user’s care as priority, and getting the data right to evidence this.

Watch the meetup below.

In this Substance Misuse Breakfast Briefing, we are joined by David Best, Professor of Addiction Recovery, presents on the following topics:

– Maximizing LEROs in the community
– Engaging with LEROs
– Addressing stigma and effective engagement with individuals dealing with substance misuse
– Exploring the KFC Model (Kirkham Family Connectors), which focuses on continuity of care by harnessing the strengths and assets of families
– Insights into Recovery Cities

David Best is the world’s first Professor of Addiction Recovery. He has moved to Leeds Trinity University from Derby University, where he undertook research around addiction recovery and desistance from crime, to become the world’s 1st Professor of Addiction Recovery.

He leads research into work on desistance from offending, recovery capital, and pathways to addiction recovery. He is also interested in social identity theory and its implications for recovery, recovery and desistance, addiction treatment effectiveness, prison and community connections, and family experiences of addiction and recovery.

Watch the meetup below.

In the latest instalment of The Development & Regeneration Series, Panoramic Associates’ Practice Director Alex Miller was joined by Chris Shephard, Chief of Staff to the Chief Operating Officer for BCP Council.

Chris has been with the Council for 9 years working his way up to Director of Economic Development as recently as May 2023. He and the Council decided to create and appoint Chris as their Chief of Staff to provide day-to-day support for the current Chief Operations Officer, Jess Gibbons.

In the interview below, Chris covers the logic behind this appointment along with many other current talking points for the Council:

– Where BCP is on the map, and what does the area consist of?
– What the role of a chief of staff consists of in Local Government?
– What benefits of a chief of staff being within an organisation?
– What do you specifically like about the role?

And lots more.

It was an insightful session sharing our views on the topic; it was also an environment to discuss innovative ideas that can be implemented in their respected fields.

Watch the meetup below.

We, at Panoramic Associates, thoroughly enjoy getting insights into our specialist market sectors, other organisations and perspectives. We run these events to build our collective knowledge and provide opportunities to create a network of like-minded individuals.

If you would like to get in involved in future events, or if you have any suggestions on future topics, please contact Alex at [email protected]

In the latest instalment of The Development & Regeneration Series, Panoramic Associates’ Practice Director Alex Miller invited Roselyn Unegbu, an experienced Senior Leader within capital delivery, to address potential areas of focus and challenges in the current market.

In the video below, we covered the following:

– Why you work in the area that you do today?
– Why Local Government and not other sectors?
– Local Government pipeline debate – capacity vs capability
– Areas that restrict development – rising costs in building construction and changes in building regulations

And lots more.

I felt it was a very honest conversation not glossing over anything and really bringing the current circumstances to light. Thanks again Roselyn, I look forward to the next one!

It was insightful for all the attendees to share their views on the topic; it was also an environment to share innovative ideas that can be implemented in their respected councils/working practice.

Watch the meetup below.

We, at Panoramic Associates, thoroughly enjoy getting insights into our specialist market sectors, other organisations and perspectives. We run these events to build our collective knowledge and provide opportunities to create a network of like-minded individuals.

If you have any suggestions on future topics for our next event, or would be interested in attending, please contact Alex at [email protected].

In our latest virtual round table discussion, Panoramic Associates’ Lead Principal Consultant Alex Miller invited three guest speakers and attendees to discuss ‘The comparisons between Passive House and Retrofitting’.

Invited to the session was Emma Osmundsen (Managing Director of Exeter Living), Chris Brown (Assistant Director Housing Development and Regeneration at Somerset West and Taunton Council), and James Turner (Associate Director of Mikhail Richards).

We invited Emma Osmundsen (Managing Director of Exeter Living) to our round table discussion to talk about Exeter Living’s triple bottom line approach – people profit and the planet. Exeter Living have adopted Passive House (or Passivhaus) standards across all their buildings, which are now climate ready as a result of working with scientists from Exeter University. They have adopted these standards to eradicate poor property, and currently they have delivered 200 certified Passive House’ with a further 1000 homes for private sale, 50% will be Council stock, and 25% build to rent.

Emma made us aware that Passive House is much more than an energy standard, as it also provides comfort for users as well as being the most hygienic option. Despite the plethora of advantages, further discussion revealed the challenges of Passive House which include procurement, construction strategies, and overcoming stereotypical points of view.
Chris Brown (Assistant Director Housing Development and Regeneration – Somerset West and Taunton Council) then examined a slightly contrasting point of view by discussing Somerset West and Taunton Council’s progress on low carbon new build & retrofit. The key difference is around air tightness, and he went on to discuss how their pipeline has moved forward based on their model.

By promoting a fabric-first approach to delivering CO2 reduction, Chris found that the customer engagement was positive, which ensures that the Council’s housing is affordable in line with the HRA business plan. Somerset West and Taunton Council are aiming to deliver 400 units of low carbon per year. The main challenges they have faced are in communicating the benefits to leaseholders. The Council measure success based on aligning their outcomes to their capital programme, maximising SHDF and grants and ensuring homes are insulated to prevent fuel poverty.

Our final guest James Turner (Associate Director of Mikhail Richards) helped to outline what is important to Mikhail Richards when it comes to building housing whilst giving his perspective from another point of view. James described the performance gap of the buildings, from certified Passive House standards to other types of housing development. Talking through what lessons they have learnt after designing and delivering zero carbon homes, which he shared towards the end of the talk.

James recommended to invest initially as it will save time and money in the long term, and making sure to get the master plan right (which ensures the process is carried out correctly and doesn’t cost the earth) to balance quality and upfront build cost for the construction materials.

It was helpful for all the attendees to share their views on Passive House and Retrofitting and how they are progressing their schemes. It was also an environment to share innovative ideas that can be implemented in their respected councils/ working practice.

Watch the meetup below.

We, at Panoramic Associates, thoroughly enjoy getting insights into our specialist market sectors, other organisations and perspectives. We run these events to build our collective knowledge and provide opportunities to create a network of like-minded individuals.

If you have any suggestions on future topics for our next event or would be interested in attending, please contact Alex at [email protected]

In our latest virtual round table discussion, Panoramic Associates’ Principal Consultant Alex Miller invited two guest speakers and attendees to discuss two topics within the sector: ‘Regeneration in Havering’ and ‘Be Bold in Birmingham’.

Invited to the session was Neil Stubbings, Director of Regeneration, and Simon Delahunty-Forrest, Assistant Director Planning & Development.

Neil explained how they haven’t been at the races in recent years when it comes to regeneration, but with low land values they have now turned this around. Neil further explored how they aim to deliver quality, modern homes that are affordable, to help increase their population by 40,000. In this way, they propose to deliver 30% of house building targets over 5 years by borrowing £4-6 million.

As previously referred to, they intend on providing affordable housing, but with the goal of ensuring commercial gain to avoid businesses suffering as a cause of regeneration. The session also brought to light the core criteria’s that Havering are adopting which is to be included as part of their regeneration programme and social value.

Later, Simon explored Birmingham’s services, it’s success of being a city of 1000 trades and their future city plan. Simon showcased Birmingham as a prosperous city, with people’s health and happiness a top priority. They want to connect the cultural neighbourhood and tell its story, in turn attracting external investors who are bought into how diverse and inclusive the area is. They are proud of their unique identity, and their diversity that embraces technology.

Towards the end of the session, Simon went on to discuss their work in joint partnerships, ensuring the council keeps their assets whilst maintaining their stature as the 20th biggest land owner in the country to develop residential, office city centre, mix use and commercial developments.

It was helpful for all the attendees to share best practices on how they are progressing their schemes. It was also an environment to share any innovative ideas that can be implemented in their respected councils/ working practice.

Watch the meetup below.

We, at Panoramic Associates, thoroughly enjoy getting insights into our specialist market sectors, other organisations and perspectives. We run these events to build our collective knowledge and provide opportunities to create a network of like-minded individuals.

If you have any suggestions on future topics for our next event or would be interested in attending, please contact Alex at [email protected]

Panoramic Associates are thrilled to bring you our second Change and Transformation Meetup!

We were joined by Stephen Taylor, who is the Corporate Director, Adult Social Care at London Borough of Islington, and Donna Vickers, Assistant Director of Strategy and Transformation at Herefordshire Council. The topic of the session was Culture Change Transformation.

You said, we did – following the suggestions from our last event, this session focused on culture change within councils. Expect to hear about stakeholder management, collaborative working and supporting cross-council departments to adopt a team approach to a wider council vision.

With winter fast approaching, we’ll also discussed best practice for ensuring councils are supporting their residents with their winter resilience programmes. Have your questions ready!

About our speakers:

Stephen is a highly experienced health and social care leader, who specialises in leading change across complex systems and organisations. He is currently Director of Transformation in the London Borough of Islington, leading a programme of change across health and social care. Prior to this he was Executive Director of Health and Care in Kingston, where he led the successful transformation of Adult Social Care.

Stephen was also Director of Integrated Mental Health and Learning Disability Services across Hampshire County Council and Southern Health, integrating the learning disability service, and developing a range of community based services to replace traditional services. He was also Principal Advisor to the Winterbourne View Joint Improvement Programme and chaired the London Transforming Care programme.

Donna has over 25 years experience working in public and private sector transformation and change environments. She has successfully transformed adult social care services to implement a strengths based approach and build community resilience. She has set up a PMO to deliver and assure a £200m capital programme and led service transformation across many areas of the council.

Prior to working with Herefordshire Council, Donna worked as a change consultant for a global IT company and more recently she has led on pandemic management and a £6m economic and community wellbeing recovery programme.

Watch the meetup below.

We, at Panoramic Associates, thoroughly enjoy getting insights into our specialist market sectors, other organisations and perspectives. We run these events to build our collective knowledge and provide opportunities to create a network of like-minded individuals.

If you have any suggestions on future topics for our next event or would be interested in attending, please contact Jasmine at [email protected]