PUBLIC PRACTICE

"Invest, invest, invest!” Is increased investment enough to deliver on Labour’s housing pledges? Our Partnerships Manager Alex Govier examines Labour’s first Budget in nearly 15 years in Building Design., highlighting the Government's call to invest in tackling the housing crisis. With a target of 1.5 million new homes over the next five years, the Budget included funding boosts for local councils and the Affordable Homes Programme. But are these measures enough? While £50 million has been allocated to recruit 300 new planners, over 70% of local authorities still report difficulties in hiring qualified staff; the shortage of skills in property development and capital delivery continues to grow. Without fully resourced, multidisciplinary teams, councils may struggle to deliver on these ambitious targets. As Alex states, “Only by supporting local councils in recruiting and retaining multidisciplinary teams of placemaking professionals can the current Labour Government achieve its mission of delivering housing and growing the economy.” At PUBLIC PRACTICE, we’re committed to bridging this gap by helping local authorities build the teams they need to deliver housing for their communities. Read the full article to learn more about what this Budget means for housing: https://lnkd.in/eMN6Zy6U #UKHousing #Budget2024 #AffordableHousing

Last week, Harriet Fisher, our Learning and Development Manager, and Anna Rose, PUBLIC PRACTICE Chair and Principal Adviser at Local Government Association (LGA), presented ‘Planning Potential: Creatively Resourcing Local Authority Planning Services’ at the LGA Annual Conference 2024 in Harrogate. The case study explored how local authorities can address skills gaps and recruitment challenges. Public Practice’s Recruitment & Skills Insights Report, 2024 revealed that 70% of respondents struggle to attract skilled candidates, with only a third feeling their teams reflect community diversity. Harriet and Anna shared how Public Practice has placed over 300 professionals in more than 100 local authorities, emphasising that while private sector professionals are drawn to public service, they need support, including inclusive environments and ongoing training. The conference highlighted the need for stronger public-private partnerships to drive innovation and make the most of resources. Speakers stressed that without well resourced teams and strong leadership, delivering quality homes and public services isn’t possible. Public Practice’s mission is to help local authorities by providing access to diverse, skilled professionals who can lead innovative planning solutions. We want to thank all those who attended and contributed to the discussion. To learn more about our work and how we support local authorities, visit: https://lnkd.in/gegxbm8b Speakers for ‘Planning Potential: Creatively Resourcing Local Authority Planning Services’ included: Anna Buttenshaw – Programme Manager, Local Government Association Harriet Fisher – Learning and Development Manager, Public Practice Anna Rose – Principal Adviser, Local Government Association Simone Wilding – Chief Planner, Bristol City Council

This month, the PUBLIC PRACTICE team visited the "Imaginary Institution of India" exhibition at the Barbican Centre. Spanning the years between the State of Emergency in 1975 and the Pokhran nuclear tests in 1998, the artworks reveal how, even amidst social upheaval, communities cultivate spaces of resilience, culture, and connection. From paintings to photography and installations, we saw how artists documented the evolving landscapes of cities, neighbourhoods and everyday life, showing the power of place as an anchor of identity and stability in times of change. This exhibition reminded us that placemaking is about more than constructing spaces. It’s about preserving histories, fostering belonging, and strengthening communities through all circumstances. This is at the heart of our approach at Public Practice, where we believe placemaking is essential in creating resilient, inclusive communities. To read more about our approach, visit: https://lnkd.in/gegxbm8b 

Our one day course combines four essential CPD modules designed to demystify local government processes for built environment professionals. By joining this course, you will: — Understand how planning committees and local authorities make decisions — Confidently navigate the tendering and procurement process — Learn how public-private partnerships drive development projects — Gain practical insights into the legal and procedural frameworks that guide local government Next Course Date: 12 December Secure your place now: https://lnkd.in/erDarTmD #Architecture #PublicSector #Planning #BuiltEnvironment #ProfessionalDevelopment #CPDs

"There’s a general consensus that there’s a challenge of recruitment and skills capacity in local government and the public sector..." – Pooja Agrawal In her recent interview with Simon Wicks, editor of The Planner RTPI, PUBLIC PRACTICE CEO Pooja Agrawal reflects on the findings of our Recruitment and Skills Insights Report, 2024. The interview sheds light on the key trends shaping the planning profession, emphasising both progress and ongoing challenges. Pooja highlights the ongoing challenge of attracting multidisciplinary skills, particularly in landscape architecture, ecology and sustainability. While 70% of respondents report improved work-life balance and job satisfaction, retention remains a pressing issue, with nearly 20% planning to leave the public sector. The data reinforces the critical role Public Practice plays in addressing this gap by bringing diverse talent into local government. Watch or read the full interview to learn more about Pooja's insights on the future of the planning profession. Read: https://lnkd.in/eE2uGryz  Watch: https://lnkd.in/e5xshxbQ  

We were pleased to host a roundtable on Placemaking Capacity and Skills at the Solace Summit again this year, the session brought together officers from all levels of Local Government. Our Director Angela Barnicle MRICS CMgr MCMI of Leeds City Council and Partnerships Manager Alex Govier presented key findings from our 2024 Recruitment & Skills Insights Report, with the session chaired by Jessica Mullinger. The report highlights that nearly 30% of officers are expected to retire or leave the sector within two years, making recruitment and retention a pressing issue for Local Authorities. Discussions highlighted the need to remove barriers to recruitment, particularly by rethinking job descriptions and team structures to attract professionals from the private sector. Read the report to explore the insights on addressing the sector’s recruitment challenges: https://lnkd.in/exr3P_mM Many agreed on taking recruitment and resourcing back to the basics, building multidisciplinary specialist teams to support planning services and reimagining team structures focused on holistic placemaking. Despite budgetary pressures, creative and forward-thinking solutions to recruitment challenges were shared. We at Public Practice remain committed to our role in providing solutions for the sector at a challenging time. We want to thank all those who attended and contributed to this year’s discussion.

Our Alum Noor Aliya Jan-Mohamed has shared insights into her role at Newcastle City Council, where she works as an Architect in both the Economic Development and Planning Teams. In her article, Noor reflects on the challenges and successes of transitioning into public sector work, focusing on the Newcastle East High Streets Project. Her work highlights the critical role of community engagement, inclusivity and placemaking, offering insights of how these principles are essential in shaping the future of urban development and the regeneration of high streets. Read the full article about Noor’s placement experience: https://lnkd.in/eD6Ehtu6 #UrbanDevelopment #CommunityEngagement #InclusiveDesign #SustainableArchitecture #Placemaking Photography credits: Sarah Carr

Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) is seeking a Senior Infrastructure Project Officer to oversee key engineering, sustainability, transport and infrastructure projects, contributing to the development of inclusive growth opportunities for both existing and future communities. This position is well-suited to senior professionals such as #Engineers, #Surveyors, #TownPlanners, #Architects, #TransportPlanners or #UrbanDesigners with a strong background in project management and infrastructure delivery. This is a full-time role, with 2-3 days per week based at the North Acton office, though part-time arrangements will also be considered. For more details and to apply: https://lnkd.in/ed8PDq3a

It’s a pleasure to introduce our Autumn 2024 cohort, consisting of 21 new PUBLIC PRACTICE Associates who officially joined our Associate Programme this week. Over the next year, they will work at 17 different Authorities in England, contributing to various placemaking projects nationwide. Find out more about the cohort here: https://lnkd.in/evjWiPRq This cohort showcases the range of disciplines Public Practice is championing in the public sector, with roles ranging from housing delivery at Southwark Council, planning policy at Lewes District and Eastbourne Borough Councils, and transport infrastructure at the Richmond and Wandsworth Councils, to green infrastructure at Uttlesford District Council, economic regeneration at Tendring District Council and urban design at Gateshead Council. Associates: Alexander Sterlin-Altman, Anna Versteeg, Anshul Rathore, Callum Geeves, Eduardo Torres Rojas, Elisabeta Ilie, Ella Blue Wragg, Francesca Visione, Larry Botchway, Mary Konstantopoulou, Michelle Wong, Natalia Malejka, Rachael Moon, Rhiona Williams, Robert Guest, Saloni Parekh, Sarah McLeary and Varsha Raji. Photography by Dion Barrett

Are you applying for a public sector role and need reasonable adjustments? Read our latest career guide article, which explores how different types of adjustments can support you throughout the recruitment process, from knowing when and how to submit your requests and includes a useful email template to help you request adjustments. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/epAAy6Wm #PublicSectorCareers #InclusiveHiring #ReasonableAdjustments #DiversityandInclusion