Former Chief Planner, Steve Quartermain, has joined local government relations specialist Cratus Communications in a thought leadership, strategic and advisory role.
After a career dedicated to public service, Quartermain recently stepped down as Chief Planner at MHCLG after 12 years in the role. During that time he was responsible for the transformation of the planning system, bringing forward the National Planning Policy Framework and changing the way planning is perceived in Government. During his long service at MHCLG Steve worked with five Secretaries of State and 14 Housing Ministers, with four of the latter now in Cabinet posts.
Prior to his role as Chief Planner, Steve spent thirty years in local government in a succession of senior roles. After starting as an unqualified Graduate Trainee in Epping Forest, Steve left local government as the Head of Planning and Environmental Services at Hambleton District Council in Yorkshire. He combined this with an active role at the RTPI while also being President of the Planning Officers Society.
Steve will be providing Cratus and Cratus’s clients with strategic advice and thought leadership as one of a group of respected advisors drawn from across local and national government, which includes Dame Mary Ney, Ada Burns, Julia Potts, and Bill Alexander. Cratus will also be supporting Steve manage future speaking opportunities.
Steve said:
“I have always had a passion for planning and after twelve years as Chief Planner I am looking forward to continuing to play a role in making places better and having spoken to Nick and understood his passion for local government I’m delighted to be joining Cratus to help the company and its clients at this time.”
Nick Kilby, Chief Executive of Cratus Communications said:
“In Steve’s last communication as Chief Planner to Local Authorities, he gave a clear vision of what was expected of them, not all welcomed his comments but I am delighted to say, he will now be looking to helping them deliver in his new role with us as a Senior Associate working with our Advisory Team. The pressure on planning departments has never been greater and Steve will be leading our work in supporting local authorities in delivering the new homes that will remain a national priority for many years to come. We are delighted he has chosen to join Cratus, we will enjoy sharing him with a select group of other organisations related to planning with whom he will now work alongside.”