Member Spotlight: Jessica Clayton, IPM Member
The Institute of Place Management brings together people working to make places better across the UK and internationally. In our Members in the Spotlight series, we want to introduce some of those people, celebrate the work they are doing and, importantly, share the ideas and experiences that others can learn from. This time, we meet Jessica Clayton, Programme & Major Projects Manager at Bolsover District Council, whose work demonstrates the important role that Town Councils can play in actively shaping and managing their places. Read Jessica’s story below and discover what inspires her approach to place.
I’ve always been fascinated by what makes places successful and why some places seem to thrive while others struggle. My academic background is in urban regeneration, and throughout my career in local government, I’ve been fortunate to work on projects that shape communities, from economic development and climate resilience to skills, devolution and town centre initiatives. Joining the Institute of Place Management felt like a natural next step. It’s a chance to connect with people who share that same passion for places and to learn from others who are making a real difference in their communities.
One of the things I love most about working in local government is that no two places are the same. We all face similar challenges, but the solutions can look very different. I’m hoping to learn from the experiences of other practitioners, academics and place leaders, and to gain fresh perspectives on how we can make our towns and communities more resilient, inclusive and sustainable. I’m also looking forward to building new professional relationships and being part of conversations about the future of place management.
York has always stood out for me as the best high street I have visited. I’m always struck by how well it combines its rich history with a vibrant modern economy. It’s busy and thriving, but it hasn’t lost its sense of identity. What makes it memorable is that it feels authentic. The independent businesses, heritage assets and public spaces all work together to create somewhere that people genuinely want to spend time in. As someone who works in place-based regeneration, I think there’s a lot to admire and learn from in that balance.
I’m inspired by projects that successfully bring people together around a shared vision for the future. In my own work, I’ve seen how much can be achieved when local authorities, businesses, community organisations and residents work collaboratively. Whether it’s delivering climate resilience initiatives, supporting town centre regeneration or creating opportunities for local people, the projects that have the greatest impact are often those that put people and place at the heart of decision-making.
I am hoping to have the opportunity to be part of a network of people who are passionate about place. Some of the best ideas I’ve encountered throughout my career have come from conversations with others who see challenges from a different perspective. I’m looking forward to learning from that collective experience and bringing new ideas back into my own work.
I think IPM has a unique role in helping bridge the gap between research and practice. There is a huge amount of excellent thinking about places, but practitioners often need practical tools, examples and evidence they can apply in the real world. Whether we’re responding to climate change, changing high streets, devolution or evolving community needs, I think IPM can make a real difference by helping professionals turn knowledge into action and ultimately create better outcomes for people and places.
