Transformation and Modernisation of Place-shaping Services and Strategic Change

Discover the latest insights in place-shaping with Paul Patterson and Jan Britton (Interim Executive Lead for Place at Dorset Council).

In his talk on ‘Building Confidence: Council Roles in Housing and Economic Revival’, Paul explores:

• Need for Overhaul: Emphasises the urgent need for reform in the planning sector to address inefficiencies and capitalise on economic opportunities.
• Empowering Planners: Advocates for enabling planners to be flexible with policies when making investment decisions, leveraging their skills in planning policy and law.
• Cultural Shift: Calls for a cultural transformation that encourages planners to adopt a strategic mindset regarding the long-term economic and social effects of developments.

Jan’s talk on ‘Transforming Place-Shaping: Modernising Local Government Services’ draws on his experiences at Dorset Council and their innovative restructuring of the planning department:

• Disaggregation of Functions: Highlights how the council has disaggregated planning functions, allowing qualified planning officers and business support staff to work more efficiently.
• Cross-Functional Themes: Emphasises the integration of themes such as placemaking, nature recovery, and climate change, breaking down traditional departmental silos.
• Cohesive Narrative: Aims to create a unified narrative that improves Dorset’s living and working environment, extending beyond basic services like waste collection and pothole repairs.

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Our Speakers

Paul Patterson, is a business leader in Housing and Regeneration as a CEO in the housing association sector and held Corporate Directors positions in Local Government. He Currently has just completed a major interim assignment at Tower Hamlets Council. He led the insourcing and integration of a 22,000 Housing ALMO back into the Council, put in place a strategy to deliver the Executive Mayoral Pledge of 4,000 affordable homes by 2026 and implemented a fast-track planning service in the LPA.

Jan Britton is an experienced Chief Executive and Managing Director with a distinguished career in the public sector. Passionate about the place-shaping role of local government, Jan has a professional background in direct services, environment, and regeneration. Jan firmly believes that by shaping the places where people live, local councils can support communities, build sustainable economies, and help individuals maximize their life chances and opportunities.