Welcome to another episode of “Public Health Spotlight” a podcast series by Panoramic Associates in collaboration with the Association of the Directors of Public Health dedicated to shedding light on the critical work achieved by public health professionals across the UK.

In our fourth episode, Maisie Hockings, Lead Practice Director at Panoramic Associates, sits down with Kirsten Watters, the Director of Public Health at London Borough of Camden Council. Join us as we delve into Kirsten’s journey, her insights, and the impactful work she’s doing in Camden. 

Please read on for a sneak peek of this episode and what you can expect to learn. 

Get to Know Kirsten Watters

Kirsten Watters brings a wealth of experience in public health, having trained in London and served as a consultant in Suffolk for several years. During the pandemic, Kirsten embraced the challenge and stepped into the role of Director of Public Health at Camden Council. She has been leading from the forefront in this central London borough known for its vibrant, diverse, and dynamic population. 

A Preview into Her Role 

As the Director of Public Health in Camden, Kirsten oversees a unique and complex landscape. Camden boasts a highly mobile population, a mix of economic backgrounds, and significant health inequalities. Watters emphasises the importance of innovation and a rebellious spirit in Camden’s public health approach. She works closely with various hospitals, universities, and transport networks, all while addressing the pressing health disparities among the borough’s residents. 

Proud Achievements and Overcoming Challenges

One of Kirsten’s most rewarding experiences has been her first annual public health report on adolescent health, which saw active engagement with young people and culminated in the creation of a graphic novel conceptualised entirely by the youth of Camden. 

However, Kirsten also candidly discusses the challenges that come with transitioning from a consultant role to a director. She navigates the dual responsibilities of corporate and public health leadership, striving to balance her duties while promoting effective health strategies across Camden. 

Valuable Advice for Aspiring DPHs

Kirsten shares her advice for aspiring Directors of Public Health, emphasising the importance of understanding local government workings, political dynamics, and organisational culture. She highlights the significance of leadership skills, continuous learning, and the necessity of research into the community and its specific needs. 

Kirsten’s passion for addressing health inequalities and engaging with the community is evident throughout the conversation. She encourages upcoming public health professionals to embrace leadership roles and contribute significantly to public health. 

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Kirsten Watters, as we continue our “Public Health Spotlight” series. Click the links below to listen and watch or find us on your preferred platform. Look forward to more episodes featuring dedicated public health leaders who are making a difference in their communities. 

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.

Welcome to another episode of “Public Health Spotlight” a podcast series by Panoramic Associates in collaboration with the Association of the Directors of Public Health dedicated to shedding light on the critical work achieved by public health professionals across the UK.

In our latest episode, Mia Collett, Business Manager for the Health and Social Care division at Panoramic Associates, sits down with Derek Ward, the Director of Public Health at Lincolnshire County Council and a visiting professor at the University of Lincoln Medical School. Join us as we delve into Derek’s unique journey, insights, and the impactful work he does in Lincolnshire. 

Please read on for a sneak peek of this episode and what you can expect to learn.

Meet Derek Ward

Derek Ward’s journey to becoming a Director of Public Health has been a unique one. Starting in a research role at Liverpool University, he quickly found himself drawn into the civil service through his work with a professor who also served as the regional director of nursing within the NHS. Over the years, Derek has worked in various roles, focusing on public health, research and development, and data analysis. He was one of the first to achieve registration through the retrospective portfolio route for the UK Public Health Register (UKPHR) and later secured his first Director of Public Health post in Derby. 

A Preview into His Role 

As the Director of Public Health for Lincolnshire, Derek’s primary goal is to improve the health and well-being of the population he serves. This often involves “sticking your nose into places that people don’t want you to,” as he puts it. While there are core statutory responsibilities around sexual health and substance misuse services, Derek emphasises the importance of being a “jack of all trades” and affecting change in many different areas. He shares an example of a falls response service implemented in Lincolnshire to address the challenges faced by their aging population. 

Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

Derek highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in public health. He discusses how Lincolnshire learns from and adapts ideas from other regions and countries facing similar challenges, such as Scotland, Canada, and Australia. Additionally, he emphasises the value of the ADPH in advocating for the public health population and providing a unique voice to central government. 

For those aspiring to become Directors of Public Health, Derek offers valuable advice. He wishes he had known more about running a business before taking on the role, stressing the importance of time management, staff development, and having a clear business model. He also shares his thoughts on the recent King’s speech, emphasising the potential impact of the growth agenda on public health if done correctly. 

Join us for this insightful conversation with Derek Ward, as we continue our “Public Health Spotlight” series. Click the link below to listen and watch, or find the episode on your preferred platform. Stay tuned for more episodes featuring dedicated public health professionals who are making a difference in their communities. 

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.

Welcome to the latest episode of “Public Health Spotlight” a podcast series by Panoramic Associates in collaboration with the Association of the Directors of Public Health dedicated to shedding light on the critical work achieved by public health professionals.

In our second episode, host Mia Collett, Business Manager at Panoramic Associates, is joined by Greg Fell, Director of Public Health in Sheffield and President of the UK Association of Public Health. Together, they delve into Greg’s professional journey and the unique health landscape of Sheffield.

Please read on for a sneak peek into this compelling episode and the insights it has to offer.

Meet Greg Fell

Greg Fell’s entry into public health was quite unconventional. After completing a degree in biochemistry and physiology, he chose to pivot from laboratory work to health promotion. This journey soon led him to a career in public health, featuring a tenure in Bradford and culminating in his current role in Sheffield. Alongside his local responsibilities, Greg also serves as the President of the Association of Directors of Public Health, bringing a national perspective to his work.

A Glimpse into His Role

As the Director of Public Health in Sheffield, Greg Fell has a multifaceted role that encompasses safeguarding the health of Sheffield’s populace. This includes managing a range of services funded by public health grants, from sexual health and substance abuse treatment to health visiting and school nursing. His role extends into health protection and improvement, often requiring him to address complex issues like air quality, housing, and socioeconomic determinants of health. A major part of his remit is to craft and implement the Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Sheffield, aiming to reduce health disparities across the city.

Challenges and Triumphs

Greg highlights the stark health inequalities that exist within Sheffield, pointing out the significant gap in life expectancy between different areas of the city. Yet, Sheffield also boasts numerous success stories, particularly in tobacco control where smoking prevalence has notably decreased. He underscores the persistent challenges like clean air, quality housing, and poverty, while also reflecting on the rewarding experience of managing public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For aspiring Directors of Public Health, Greg emphasises the importance of understanding local dynamics and acquiring skills such as budget management and the ability to juggle diverse issues. He also discusses the critical need for political acumen to navigate the complexities of public health in an unbiased manner.

Greg Fell’s vast experience and dedication to public health shine throughout the episode. He offers a blend of practical advice and larger reflections on the state and future of public health.

Join us for this enlightening conversation with Greg Fell in our second episode of “Public Health Spotlight.” Click the link below to listen or watch on your preferred platform. Stay tuned for more episodes featuring remarkable public health professionals making substantial impacts in their communities.

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 the latest instalment of The Development & Regeneration Series, Panoramic Associates’ Practice Director Alex Miller was joined by Mark Baigent, interim Corporate Director of Regeneration and Culture. 

Mark has been with the Council since April 2022 as the Corporate Director Regeneration and Culture for the London Borough of Redbridge overseeing the planning service, corporate property and capital delivery, town centre regeneration, employment business and skills providing Housing and regeneration support, specialising in estate renewal, new build, local housing companies and delivery vehicles.

In the interview below, Mark covers the below points along with general considerations to the market:

• Introduction to Mark and London Borough of Redbridge
• Why has Mark chosen to work in the public sector
• Redbridge’s approach and challenges once building Council housing
• Can this approach be adopted to other housing programmes
• View on required skillsets in the market
• Ideas for future topics

You can watch the full recording here: 

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] or via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-miller1/.

Panoramic Associates parent company ​Precision Resource Group (PRG) are pleased to reveal their inclusion in the esteemed Recruiter HOT 100 list for the year.

Despite the multitude of challenges faced by recruiters in the current landscape, PRG has secured a spot on this highly competitive list, a testament to the our operational and financial excellence during these testing times. The announcement of the Recruiter HOT 100 list and PRG’s placement took place at The Brewery, London, on Tuesday 30th January, 2024.

At PRG, our teams of motivated, highly experienced, and knowledgeable consultants bring unrivalled expertise to the table, providing bespoke solutions tailored to meet the unique challenges of any business. We specialise in offering both permanent and contract staffing solutions across various specialist markets. Our commitment to prioritising the candidate and client experience sets us apart, making us Global Talent Leaders. As such, we were thrilled to be recognised among the highest-performing organisations in the UK recruitment sector.

PRG takes pride in creating an inclusive and supportive culture, evident throughout the group. Our client-centric approach, coupled with the accumulated expertise within our markets, has not only positioned us as industry leaders but has also allowed us to contribute to the enhancement of our communities.

“We are incredibly proud of our achievement in securing a place on the Recruiter HOT 100 list. This recognition reiterates our commitment to excellence, even in challenging times. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our teams, who consistently deliver outstanding results and uphold the values that define PRG,” comments PRG Founding Director Tom Hibberd.

As we celebrate this accomplishment, PRG remains firm in its mission to provide exceptional talent solutions and contribute positively to the recruitment sector. We extend our gratitude to our clients, candidates, and the PRG community for their continued support and trust in our services.

In addition, if there’s anything we can help you with in regards to sourcing candidates or finding a new role, please do also get in touch!

​Many careers offer an abundance of benefits both financial and interpersonal, but none are as rewarding as a career in education. Having the opportunity to make a tangible difference and shape the lives of young people is among the most rewarding of experiences.

Here are 6 great reasons to consider a career in education.

1. Enviable security

Undoubtedly, a career in education will provide you with a secure future and reliable income. Even in the face of economic disruption, you can feel steady knowing that your job will remain relatively unchanged. School systems are generally eager to retain staff, and therefore offer enviable development opportunities too.

2. Location Flexibility

Education exists in all corners of the globe, providing impressive opportunities for travel, nationwide relocation prospects, and a chance to search for a better quality of life alongside your career.

3. Express a passion for a subject you love

As an adult, it can be difficult to pursue subjects you love whilst working but with teaching you can continue to express your passion whilst passing it on to others!

4. A clear career path

If you have a desire to progress in your career, teaching will allow you to do so. From a teaching assistant to a Headteacher, the opportunities for progression are limitless.

5. More holiday than other employed colleagues

On average you will get more days holiday than colleagues in other professions. In school, full-time teachers work 195 days a year in comparison to around 227 days per year if you worked full-time in an office. More holiday means more opportunity to travel or a schedule that works great if you have your own family.

6. Inspire generations to come

Teaching is a career as rewarding as they come and gives you the power to help shape the lives of the nation’s young. If you have a passion for a subject, you can share your knowledge and inspire others to enjoy learning too.

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A career in education is not an easy path, but it comes alongside many benefits to make the journey worthwhile. If you’re interested in a role within the education sector, our industry-wide expertise and immersive understanding of these sectors combined with our genuine passion to support and benefit the organisations we work with will make your journey as smooth and successful as possible. Following the increasing demand we have seen across the Education sector in the last few years, Panoramic Care successfully supports all types of schools and head offices with the delivery of highly skilled leaders on both an interim and permanent basis.

Please contact us regarding any hiring queries, here.

​The National Health Services (NHS), often hailed as a cornerstone of the UK’s welfare state, has faced numerous challenges over the history of the United Kingdom. The most pressing challenge currently is the ongoing strikes campaigned by the healthcare workforce. Since July 2022, NHS strikes in the UK have been sparking debates on healthcare funding, staff shortages, and workers’ rights.

Here we will be examining the causes and consequences of the recent NHS strikes in conjunction with statements from Panoramic Care’s Managing Director David Geaney and Lead Consultant Bronte Sharp emphasising the need for a balanced approach that prioritises both quality healthcare and the rights of healthcare workers to build a stable future for patients and nurses.

We are now entering the eleventh month of industrial action across the NHS. The first round of strikes in December 2022 affected just 44 of 209 hospitals, mental health trusts, and community services campaigning for a fair raise in pay. However, on July 12th 2023, the NHS faced the longest-ever strike action by junior doctors (five consecutive days) which was followed by the first walkout by consultants and radiographers in more than a decade. Causing industrial disruptions across over 1 million NHS hospital appointments. The causes of these strikes’ epicentre from the effects of staff shortages, poor pay and conditions, and ongoing pandemic pressures. Real wages for healthcare staff have stagnated or even decreased over the years due to austerity measures and NHS workers have long complained about their pay and working conditions. The increased demand for healthcare services, better compensation, mental health support, and retention issues have left healthcare workers feeling overworked and underappreciated.

Although measures have been taken to mitigate disruptions caused by these strikes, there have still been seismic interferences. Patients have suffered due to postponed appointments, and the overall quality of care has seen a decline during strike actions. Research findings regarding the impact of clinical strikes on inpatient care have yielded diverse conclusions. A study published in 2010 by the National Bureau of Economic Research raised concerns about the safety of patients during clinical strikes, reporting a 19.4% rise in inpatient mortality and a 6.5% increase in hospital readmissions during strike periods.

However, this is contrary to a more recent study in 2022 by Essex et al. This research found that clinical strikes do not appear to significantly alter the rates of inpatient mortality. Instead, the most critical determinant of patient mortality during strike actions appears to be the continuity of emergency care services. When emergency care is sustained, the influence of strike action on inpatient mortality rates tends to be negligible. Consequently, it implies that the forthcoming nursing strikes may not substantially affect mortality rates and patient care in hospitals where strikes are planned, as measures are taken to safeguard the provision of emergency care services during the strikes.

Despite the effects of strikes on patient health and surrounding sectors it is critical to remember the motives behind these strikes. David Geaney took to his LinkedIn page to ask his audience whether it is morally acceptable for nurses to strike if it affects patient care. Below are his findings.

“From this morning at 7 am, there is a 72-hour NHS strike by both consultants and junior doctors, the eighth NHS strike since July. In the middle of a healthcare crisis marked by high inflation and staff shortages, doctors in the UK are going on strike to demand better pay, arguing that their salaries have not kept pace with the rising cost of living.

The strike, although intended to address financial concerns, has raised a lot of questions in the media about its potential impact on patient care.”

Out of the four voting groups, (Yes, fair pay matters most, No, it will harm patients, They already get paid enough, and Undecided) the majority (58%) voted that fair pay matters most despite any negative effects on patient care, 24% voted no on the grounds that the patients will be affected negatively, 4% of people believe that NHS workers are already paid enough and the remaining 13% stand undecided.

Bronte Sharp comments on David’s findings ‘I think you raise a crucial ethical dilemma that is clearly ongoing in the UK here, David. Of course, I think doctors have a duty of care over their patients to deliver the best quality care and, thus, by striking, hang this duty in the balance. However, advocating for better pay and working conditions, in the long run, will improve patient care and ensure the healthcare system resumes a sustainable framework for all those involved long into the future as intended.’

To address the root causes of the strikes, the government must put indifference aside commit to investing in the NHS and should engage in long-term planning to address the underlying issues causing an imbalanced and dissatisfied workforce. This could include prioritising strategic workforce planning, training and development programs, and innovative solutions to healthcare delivery. Adequate funding can help alleviate staff shortages, improve working conditions, and provide fair compensation to healthcare workers.

The recent NHS strikes in the UK reflect a complex fusion of factors. Balancing the need for quality healthcare and workers’ rights is a challenging task that requires a multifaceted approach. Adequate funding, open dialogue, and a focus on staff wellbeing are essential components of a sustainable solution. Ultimately, the aim should be to ensure that the NHS can continue to provide high-quality healthcare for our nation while also valuing and supporting its dedicated workforce.

Please get in touch if you have any hiring queries.

Panoramic Associates are thrilled to bring you our new virtual series: Adult Social Care Breakfast Briefing!

In this first instalment we discuss ‘Workforce Retention across Health & Social Care’ with two fantastic speakers:

• Simon Gałczyński, Director Level Adult Social Care Interim, Halton Council

• Elaine Woodward, Director of Delivery Improvement, North London Mental Health Partnership

You can watch the full Breakfast Briefing here:

About our speaker, Elaine: In 1984, Elaine qualified as a Social Worker and has worked as a Social Worker and Probation Officer, working with Children, Young People and Adults. Elaine achieved the Advanced Award in Social Work in 2010. The years spent as a front-line worker (18 years) gave her an extensive grounding in working with vulnerable adults.

About our speaker, Simon: Simon is an accomplished leader in adult social care. He has 25 years experience of working in health and social care, over eight years at director level, with responsibility for all aspects of adult social care provision and commissioning. He retains current social work registration.

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 to provide opportunities to create a network of like-minded individuals.

Please get in touch to discuss hiring queries.

The UK Government’s Social Housing White Paper sets out a commitment to ensure social housing is allocated in the fairest way possible and achieves the best outcomes for local places and communities.

4 million households live in social rented housing, providing them with somewhere decent to live. The demand for social housing far exceeds the supply available. Making it more important than ever to ensure social housing is allocated fairly. 

We are excited to bring you the first Breakfast Briefing on the topic: ‘Transforming Housing Allocations’, hosted by Panoramic Associates Lead Principal Consultant Vanessa Gabriel-Penha!

We were joined by Neil Morland, Managing Director of Neil Morland & Co Housing Consultants, who discussed how policy and practice can be improved to ensure social housing is allocated fairly. Also invited to speak at the session was Kevin Millard, Product Manager at Huume, who explored how software is a solution to ensure social housing is allocated fairly.

The attendees were from local authorities and housing associations across the country who each had their own hurdles to face when it comes to social housing allocations.

The presentations were focused on how policy and practice can be improved to ensure social housing is allocated fairly while Kevin explored how software can be a solution to the problem.

 The discussion covered the following topics:

• Improving joint working between local authorities and housing associations to ensure that social housing has been allocated efficiently.
• Removing barriers to access to social housing for homeless households.
• How to ensure vulnerable households are able to navigate local authorities’ application systems; and
• Improve access to suitable homes for disabled people.

You can watch the full session here:

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.

Please get in touch to discuss any hiring queries you have.

Throughout our lives, a significant part of our time is dedicated to our careers. Whether aiming for the next promotion, switching fields, or pursuing life-long dreams, setting and achieving career goals in the healthcare and education industry can be both exhilarating and daunting. In this blog, we’ll break down the process of achieving your career goals into simple steps that anyone can follow to achieve success.

1. Clearly define your goals

The first and most fundamental step in achieving your career goals is to define them clearly. Take time to really think about what you want to achieve. Do you want a specific job title e.g. Clinical Home Manager, a certain level of income, or a particular role in a company? The more specific and clear your goals are, the easier it will be to work towards them.

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2. Break Goals into Smaller Steps

Now that you have your main career goals in mind, it’s time to break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. Think of these steps as the building blocks that will lead you to your ultimate destination. For example, if you want to become a Ward Manager, you might start by earning a relevant certification, gaining experience as a Registered Nurse, and then applying for project management positions suited to you.

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3. Create a Timeline

Setting an achievable timeline for your career goals can help you stay focused and motivated. Determine when you want to achieve each of your smaller goals and your ultimate career goal. Having a timeframe will give you a sense of urgency and help you track your progress along the way.

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4. Develop a Plan

Now that you have a timeline and smaller steps, it’s time to create a plan. This plan should outline the specific actions you need to take to reach each of your smaller goals. It could include tasks like networking, taking courses, gaining experience, and applying for jobs. A clear plan will aid you in staying organised, and ensure you hold yourself accountable on your personal mission. Consider exploring Healthcare communities on sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook, to expand your repertoire, knowledge, and connectivity.

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5. Learn and Improve Continuously

The world is constantly evolving, and so are industries and job markets. To establish a competitive stance and achieve your career goals, commit to lifelong learning. Take advantage of opportunities to acquire new skills, attend workshops, and stay updated with industry trends. Continuous improvement will make you a more valuable asset to your current or future employer. Panoramic Care values continuous improvement as one of our three pillars, find out more about our values and what we do here.

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6. Seek Guidance and Mentorship

Don’t be afraid to seek guidance from professionals who have already achieved what you’re striving for. Finding a mentor can provide you with invaluable insights and advice. They can share their experiences, help you navigate challenges, and even introduce you to valuable contacts in your field. Most people will be happy to help you along your journey to career success, the first step is taking the initiative to ask.

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7. Network Effectively

Networking is a powerful tool for achieving career goals. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and use social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with like-minded professionals. Building a strong professional network can open doors to new opportunities and help you stay informed about job openings and industry trends. On top of this, seeing others achieve what you’re working towards can provide you with motivation and drive to work harder.

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8. Stay Persistent and Resilient

Achieving career goals is rarely a straightforward journey. There will be many setbacks, rejections, and challenges along the way. The key to success is to stay persistent and resilient. Don’t let obstacles deter you from your path, and the life you want for yourself. Use failures as learning opportunities and keep moving forward.

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9. Celebrate Milestones and Achievements

As you work towards your career goals, it’s essential to celebrate your achievements along the way. Each completed step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your ultimate goal. Recognising and celebrating your progress will boost your morale and keep you motivated.

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10. Review and Adjust

Periodically review your career goals and the progress you’ve made. It’s okay to adjust your goals and plans as your circumstances change or as you gain new insights. Flexibility is key to long-term success.

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Achieving your career goals is a journey that requires dedication, planning, and continuous effort. By defining your goals clearly, breaking them down into manageable steps, and following a well-structured plan, you can work steadily towards the career of your dreams. Remember to stay persistent, seek guidance when needed, and celebrate your achievements along the way. Your ideal career is within reach – all you need to do is take those simple steps forward.