President update 1st May - latest news from ADEPT
Hello everyone,
This is my final update as President of ADEPT! It has been an absolute privilege to serve in this role over the past year, working alongside dedicated professionals committed to improving our places and communities.
This month Hannah and I had a useful catch up with the chair of the London Environment Directors Network (LEDNet). Many of you attended our Local Government Reorganisation webinar, with speakers from several new unitary councils giving their reflections. Our webinar on becoming a combined /strategic authority will take place later in May. In addition, we are planning subject-specific webinars – keep an eye on the ADEPT website for details.
It was brilliant to attend the Live Labs 2 Westminster event on 23rd April and to hear the DfT Minister Lilian Greenwood speaking so positively about the Live Lab projects. We also launched a highways decarbonisation stakeholder pledge at the event. This pledge aims to unite the industry in accelerating decarbonisation, moving from discussion to actionable commitments with the potential to shape long-term transformation. We hope you will sign the pledge: to find out more see here.
The Live Labs 2 programme has published its groundbreaking Behavioural Insights Team (BIT) report, which explores how behavioural change can significantly accelerate decarbonisation across local roads. The report highlights that while there's no quick fix, solutions like reducing competitive bidding for funds, creating strategic spatial plans and establishing expertise hubs can make a real difference. You can read the report here.
Last chance to book! The ADEPT Spring Conference and Annual Awards Dinner is just around the corner on 22nd May and the deadline for booking is 7th May. This year's theme, 'Resilience in Place,' will feature sessions covering economic, environmental and human resilience. Places are filling up quickly, so book your place now!
At the Spring Conference, I will be handing over the Presidential chain of office to Angela Jones. I have no doubt she will be an exceptional President who will continue to drive ADEPT forwards.
I would like to thank all my colleagues, partners and ADEPT members for their support during my presidency. It has been a really productive year filled with many accomplishments for the organisation - I wish Angela all the best as she embarks on her journey for the year ahead!
For more updates on ADEPT's latest news, publications, and the work of our boards and groups, visit our website: www.adeptnet.org.uk
