STRATEGY AND PARTNERSHIPS
A great strategy illuminates and inspires, pinpoints the real issues and reveals the best way forward.
An effective and compelling strategy is made of beautifully presented data, incisive analysis, punchy conclusions which lead logically to precise objectives.
Although our clients often face similar challenges, the circumstances in which they are trying to address them are uniquely theirs.
We make sure that every strategy we develop is tailor-made, built and shaped by the people who will deliver it, so by the time it's complete everybody knows what they have to do to make the vision a reality.
Led development of several Corporate Strategies for award winning local authorities.
Have built voluntary and community sector consortia to access £2.4m in external funding.
Led development of successful strategies across a vast range of themes including economic development, children's services, crime and youth violence, higher education, commercialisation and efficiency.
PEOPLE AND ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
All great companies are powered by great people — and when an organisation's people are struggling, every strategy, plan and project is put at risk.
We provide training and development that sticks because we tailor our support to the demands of each role. Some of our clients have asked us to help them transform their appraisal process from a tick-box exercise into a meaningful and strong system of performance management; others have asked us to provide targeted support to boost the performance of individuals and teams.
Whether it's about nurturing talent or fixing problems, we provide reassuringly experienced HR advice and deliver ground-breaking Organisational Development programmes.
Supported a council owned regeneration and housing company from inception to maturity over 4 years. Over that period the company has doubled in size and delivered millions in revenue to its local authority parent company.
We developed a bespoke performance management framework, including a unique performance appraisal system which has helped company performance and productivity improve by 80% over 4 years.
We develop unique Leadership Development programmes designed to help public sector leaders tackle their unique challenges.
IMPROVEMENT, EFFICIENCY AND COMMERCIALITY
Making change happen successfully is hard. Many things can change in the middle of a project or programme, budget challenges can appear out of nowhere, the day-job can suddenly become overwhelming. Particularly in the public sector, where there are so many variables, drivers, people that need to be involved and engaged, and multiple definitions of what success looks like.
Populate believe in a helpful, hands-on approach to project and programme management. We understand this means more than putting together snappy presentations and chasing people for update reports: it's about getting into the trenches, helping the people involved to fix problems, fill the gaps, join the dots, and manage the risks with solutions in mind. When issues arise, we have the pragmatism and agility to adapt our approach without losing sight of the original objectives.
We led an efficiency programme which successfully delivered £40m budget reductions within one year.
Delivered line-by-line reviews, rapid reviews of functions and services, restructures and development of new Target Operating Models, and redesign of business support and administrative functions.
Worked with services across an organisation to develop and implement a Fees and Charges Policy which has generated £5m+ additional revenue over 2 years.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITIES (SEND)
Over the past three years Populate has helped local authorities and their strategic partners in health, education and the voluntary and community sector to transform services for children and young people with SEND. We have led service improvement projects improving the timeliness and quality of a vast range of SEND services, helped authorities to achieve their Written Statements of Action, and provided essential support to achieve successful inspection outcomes.
Whether the focus is improving service efficiency and effectiveness, transforming approaches to Home to School Transport, ensuring resources are invested in improvements to local provision, or driving co-production and engagement with families, Populate have the experience and expertise to deliver dramatically improved outcomes for all children and young people with SEND.
Completion of Annual Reviews within timescales from 30% to 100%.
Improved timeliness of Education Health and Care Plans from 20% to 95%.
Developed and implemented a 10m+ High Needs Block deficit recovery programme.
