I am currently leading on the inclusive growth agenda for East Birmingham: a 20-year regeneration programme taking in major infrastructure, public service reform and partnership working. With a population of 250k and some of the greatest challenges and opportunities of any urban area in the UK, the East Birmingham programme is at the forefront of the city and regional Levelling Up agenda. To date I have convened an innovative partnership Board, established a vision and mandate through extensive public and stakeholder engagement, and secured resources for the first iteration of a holistic regeneration delivery programme which is now beginning to produce positive change for the people of East Birmingham.Previously I have played a wide range of roles within planning, regeneration and project delivery, specialising in collaboration and multi-disciplinary teamwork. For some years I worked for Birmingham's City Centre team, contributing towards major initiatives including the Big City Plan and leading on the Snow Hill Masterplan. During this time I spent a lot of time working on the Jewellery Quarter, including supporting the local community in bringing forward a Neighbourhood Plan, and leading the delivery of several public realm projects including the creation of Dayus Square and the transformation of Caroline Street. Working closely with Historic England and Birmingham Conservation Trust, I also led an initiative to tackle vacancy and dereliction in historic buildings, safeguarding several of the JQ's distinctive buildings, most notably the George & Dragon pub (now the Pig & Tail).I have always had a strong interest in IT and recently obtained a degree in Computing and IT from the Open University, having spread my learning between software development and wireless communications, with a particular focus on wireless sensor networks. My studies have helped to support aspects of my primary job role - including the introduction of VR into Birmingham's planning management system - and my occasional side work providing computer hardware, software and web design services to individuals, charities and small businesses.