About Us
We are a not-for-profit founded in 2017
Our vision
We believe that the role of local government is crucial in creating and managing everyday places that work for everyone. To achieve this, it must be well-resourced with diverse placemaking skills and the right support to lead the way.
One
Local government resourcing
Public sector officers have the agency to influence every aspect of our everyday environment and to plan for the longer term.
Two
Diverse placemaking teams
An approach with a diversity of thought and experience can tackle critical spatial issues.
Three
Innovation from within
We believe in working within the system to influence the decisions that impact places and people the most.
Our impact
Read our five-year impact report
This five-year Company Impact Report represents the first since Public Practice was founded.
Our approach
We deliver services to help the public sector build capacity and develop its placemaking capabilities. We work across three core areas to achieve our mission.
Recruit People
Through our Associate Programme, we recruit talented placemaking professionals into the public sector in mid-career and senior-level roles. We also shift perceptions of working in the public sector and raise awareness of the senior and leadership career opportunities available to people working in the built environment through our Jobs Board.
Influence Practice
We have developed a community of practice to support knowledge sharing among officers working in different teams and places. We also provide resources and run officer surveys to gather an accurate understanding of the resourcing and workforce challenges officers face and publish an annual Insights Report.
Celebrate the Sector
We host regular events to share the innovative work of public sector officers, share stories and articles on our website and produce our annual magazine ‘Public Notice’ to showcase the work and people who work in public sector placemaking.
Our values
Public Practice is a value-led organisation. Our values form the basis for how we create the culture of our organisation and how we design and deliver our services.
One
Excellence, Entrepreneurship, Pragmatism
We know there are always new ideas and solutions, and we do our best in whatever we do.
Two
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We want to ensure the ability to access experiences, knowledge and opportunities fairly.
Three
Openness, Trust, Respect
By being transparent, sharing power and supporting each other, we can make the best decisions.
How we implemented a 9-day fortnight
Read our company article that shares our approach and reflections of piloting and implementing a 9-day fortnight working pattern across the team.
Our story
Public Practice was set up in late 2017 as a not-for-profit independent company founded by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and supported by several Founding Partners across the private, public, and third sectors. The concept was developed by Finn Williams and Pooja Agrawal whilst working in the GLA Regeneration and Economic Development Team. Both had trained as architects and had moved to the public sector to broaden their impact.
2017
Founded by Greater London Authority
2018
Launched the Associate Programme
2022
Launched the Recruitment and Skills Survey
2024
Published our first Magazine
2024
Launched our Jobs Board & CPD's
Our team
Public Practice is led by a Board of Non-executive Directors. These Directors delegate day-to-day delivery to a team of eight employees. The Deputy Mayor of Planning Regeneration and Skills, Jules Pipe CBE, was the Founding Chair, alongside key industry figures as Board Directors.
Team
Board
Team Vacancy
Join our team
We are currently recruiting for a new member of our team, a Head of Operations
Collaborators
Beyond our team and board, we also work and collaborate with other individuals and companies.
Creative Network
We have our own Creative Network, a database of photographers, videographers and journalists
Awards & Recognition
We're proud to say that we've been recognised for our work as a social enterprise in recent years.
2019
Finalist, Art Foundation Award
2023
Escape the City Top 100 Companies, 2023
2024
Natwest Social Enterprise Top 100 Award
2024
Highly Commended for the Diversity Pioneer Award, Natwest Social Business Awards
Our funding and income
As a not-for-profit organisation, we operate for a broader social and public benefit, and all income is invested to meet our mission. We generate our income through business revenue and through funding from partners and supporters that enable us to grow our services and impact.