I have developed a broad and in-depth understanding of integrated and sustainable urban development through work with and for the URBACT Programme. In 2019, I conducted an independent study of 205 Integrated Action Plans concluded by Action-Planning-Network cities. I developed a set of findings and recommendations for URBACT, as well as an updated framework for working on integrated action planning for sustainable urban development – breaking it down into 14 different elements. I have argued that it is useful to think of integrated action planning in terms of: 1) quality planning processes; 2) defining actions to deliver integrated urban development; and 3) a detailed and coherent plan of action. I have also shown how aspects of integrated urban development apply differently in different thematic and local contexts. I have been invited by the European Commission to present my understanding of integrated urban development as an expert speaker at the European Week of Regions and Cities. I have previously worked within the URBACT Secretariat as Partnerships Officer and on Knowledge Hub Editorial Management, enhancing my understanding of urban development issues and URBACT tools and methods. I also bring interesting perspectives to the understanding of sustainable urban development from previous work on European policy and networking around rural development, poverty and social exclusion, ageing, child rights and the EU’s environment programme LIFE+.

I have worked in and for European networking since 2001 when I ran my own exchange project between UK and Spanish autism associations – supported by the EU’s Future Capital Programme. Since then, I have had full-time roles in Autism Europe, AGE Platform Europe and the European Network for Rural Development, as well as a three-year elected position on the Executive Committee of the European Anti Poverty network. I also have nearly 10 years’ experience as a freelance writer, facilitator and consultant specialising on European networks and networking. I have organised or experienced a variety of attempts to engage stakeholders in exchange and learning processes at transnational level, including the use of online platforms, thematic working groups, conferences and events, publications and different types of interactive session from Fishbowl to buzzgroups and from voting processes to consensus building. I have an excellent understanding of URBACT exchange and learning having worked in the Secretariat for most of 2018 and through current work in URBACT Knowledge Hub Editorial Management. In addition, I am currently an advisor to the Urban Future Global Conference and one of the co-founders of the Smart Village Network launched to support networking and exchange between villages and village associations in Europe.