The things I know - Charles Uzzell

Planning, 10 October 2008

- What skills did you have when you graduated?

I left Oxford Brookes University with a degree in planning studies, a postgraduate diploma in town planning and a good understanding of how the world works.

- What attracted you to planning?

To be honest I fell into planning and I am very pleased that I did.

- What did you learn in your first job?

Working in the development control team at Northavon District Council taught me that, done well, planning can be a massively positive force.

- What skills have you had to learn over your career?

Planning is about people - those we work with and those affected by what we do. It can let itself down when the process rather than the outcome takes over.

- What or who have been the biggest influences on your career?

I have had the pleasure of working with some great people.

- What is your career highlight?

Publishing my first local plan is up there, as was winning the local government management team of the year award at North Wiltshire District Council. I led Mendip's stewardship of the Glastonbury Festival and played a key role in creating a waste partnership across Somerset that is the best in the UK.

- What have you learned outside work that has influenced you?

Enjoy life. There's no point having a great career if that is all you have.

- What further skills do you aim to obtain or develop?

My career has progressed from a technical focus to managerial and now leadership. Leadership is about enabling others in your organisation or the communities you affect to develop. It is about understanding the issues and using your judgement.

- How important is it to keep abreast of developments in allied professions?

Planning has a major impact on our environment, society and economy and to have the greatest benefit we must learn from allied professions.