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

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.

Adaptive teaching has entered the language of education and is an improvement priority for many schools and MATs for the upcoming year, but how can we ensure that it builds on existing excellent practice and represents positive change for our most vulnerable learners?

This Breakfast Briefing will explore where the concept came from, what it means, and how it fits in with our existing knowledge of what works in the classroom, but in a way that enables us to be more responsive to the needs of our students with SEND and other educational vulnerabilities that can negatively impact on their access to learning.

Event Details

Topic: ‘Adaptive Teaching: maximising the learning opportunity for all students’
Date: Friday 11th October
Time: 08:00 – 09:00
Location: Microsoft Teams (details shared after registering)
Registration: Sign up here to secure your free spot

Our Speaker

Nicole Dempsey is Director of SEND and Safeguarding at Dixons Academies Trust, a multi-academy trust of 17 schools across the north of England.  She is also a Deputy Regional SEND Lead for Whole School SEND, a consortium of organisations committed to enhancing the quality of education for learners with special educational needs and/or disabilities throughout England.

She writes about SEND and inclusion on her blog, inco14.wordpress.com, and tweets under the username @NDempseyINCO14.

Sign up now to secure your spot.

By signing up for this event, you are agreeing to the terms of our Privacy Policy.

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.

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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is undeniably one of the most talked about topics of the moment, capturing the attention of organisations and individuals alike. Its potential to revolutionise various sectors is a frequent subject of discussion, and adult social care is no exception.

AI signifies a pivotal opportunity to harness cutting-edge technology to address longstanding challenges within Adult Social Care. There are opportunities to enhance care quality, improve efficiency, and deliver more personalised services.

In this Panoramic Associates Breakfast Briefing, we are joined by Emma Ockelford and Stephen Taylor as they share valuable first-hand experience on how AI can improve outcomes in Adult Social Care.

Event Details

Topic: ‘Improving Outcomes in Adult Social Care with AI’
Date: Wednesday 25th September
Time: 08:00 – 09:00
Location: Microsoft Teams (details shared after registering)
Registration: Sign up here to secure your free spot

The Talks

Emma Ockelford, Founder of Outcomes Matter Consulting, will introduce the ways in which AI can be integrated into Adult Social Care, transforming the service that councils are able to provide. Stephen Taylor, Executive Director for Adult Services at Peterborough City Council, will then share the ways in which they have successfully integrated AI into their Adult Services, sharing more on the impact that they have witnessed.

Our Speakers

Emma Ockelford has worked extensively with the UK public sector and with digital companies, proving skills in facilitating and implementing impactful change across these sectors. In her own words:

“ I thrive off of making a genuine impact on outcomes for people within public services – I love working with social workers, schools, hospital staff, senior leaders and people that use public services to make a difference. I also love making a positive difference to the professionals that work and lead local services. My interest in emerging technology keeps me excited and at the forefront of innovation in the UK public sector.”

Sign up now to secure your spot.

By signing up for this event, you are agreeing to the terms of our Privacy Policy.

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 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.

Welcome to the opening 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 first episode, Maisie Hockings, Lead Practice Director at Panoramic Associates, sits down with Dr Justin Varney, the Director of Public Health at Birmingham City Council, to explore his journey, insights, and the impactful work he does in Birmingham.

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

Meet Dr. Justin Varney

Dr. Justin Varney has an extensive background in public health, having started his career training in London. Over the years, he has held various roles across primary care groups, the London Health Protection Agency, and Barking and Dagenham, before taking on national responsibilities at Public Health England. In February 2019, he brought his wealth of experience to Birmingham, where he now serves as the Director of Public Health.

A Preview into his Role

In his role, Dr. Varney is tasked with the monumental responsibility of protecting and improving the health of Birmingham’s 1.2 million citizens. This involves everything from conducting joint strategic needs assessments and producing DPH reports to commissioning health services. Managing a substantial budget of £100 million from the public health grant, he emphasises the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders, including the NHS, community groups, and the voluntary sector.

Proud Achievements and Ongoing Challenges

One of Dr. Varney’s proudest achievements so far is the growth and diversity of his team at the council. He highlights the creation of community health profiles that address the specific health challenges faced by Birmingham’s diverse ethnic communities. However, he also discusses the challenges of the role, particularly the need to maintain personal resilience amidst a demanding workload. Dr. Varney shares valuable advice on self-care, diary management, and the importance of administrative support.

For those aspiring to follow in his footsteps, Dr. Varney offers insightful advice. He stresses the importance of research, understanding the local community, and demonstrating a commitment to equality and diversity. Additionally, he highlights the need for exposure to political processes and media training to effectively handle public communication.

Dr. Varney’s passion for public health is evident throughout the interview. He encourages aspiring public health professionals to pursue the role of Director of Public Health, highlighting the profound impact it can have on people’s lives.

Join us for this informative conversation with Dr. Justin Varney, as we kick off our “Public Health Spotlight” series. Click the link blow to listen and watch or find 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.