Valtech was engaged to create blended internal teams and embed industry best practices within the Inspectorate.
A key priority was laying the groundwork for a cohesive multi-disciplinary team where collaboration and open communication came naturally. From the outset, we emphasised a ‘one team’ mindset, eliminating any sense of ‘us and them’. This was achieved through strong delivery leadership, early alignment on team charters and clearly defined ways of working.
We created a series of bespoke workshops to align on team behaviours, roles and responsibilities, and tools and processes. Agile ceremonies helped us to maintain alignment and momentum, ensuring teams remained connected to each other and to their shared goals.
Building trust was central to our approach. We took time to engage the Inspectorate’s staff not only at the team level, but also individually, seeking to understand their motivations, aspirations and concerns. This deep engagement laid the foundations for a truly collaborative environment.
Speed to value
Just weeks after handover, the Inspectorate’s teams began delivering greater value at increased speed, a momentum that continued throughout the project.
Improved collaboration practices, such as proactive information sharing and the reuse of software components, enhanced efficiency across the Appeals, Applications and Back-Office services teams.
We also strengthened user research and design alignment, ensuring the solution met both technical and user needs. The introduction of test automation accelerated delivery, expanded test coverage and improved overall quality.
Working better for the public
The Planning Inspectorate is now delivering a significantly improved service as a result of the changes implemented.
The team benefitted from clearer responsibilities, streamlined processes and a noticeable boost in creativity and proactivity. These improvements stemmed from a shift in ways of working — defining roles more effectively, fostering open communication and ensuring everyone understood their objectives.
The revamped service will support the migration of planning solutions to the cloud and shift the focus to delivering meaningful outcomes for all users.
Valtech has helped us to reshape our online planning process to provide a better service to the public.”
Our teams have been empowered and educated to continue the work that has been done so far to improve and optimise the service well into the future. It’s been a change in mindset and ways of working for us all, but the effect has been incredibly positive.
The benefit to both the Planning Inspectorate and the public cannot be underestimated.
— Rachel Graham, Chief Digital and Information Officer, The Planning Inspectorate
