Kate Blair

Responsible for operational management, capital project delivery, and enhancement of Cardiff’s playgrounds.

• Manage budgets for capital works, maintenance, and improvement projects, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery.
• Commission and supervise contractors, oversee CDM compliance, and approve technical designs.
• Lead public consultations, incorporating community and elected member input into scheme design.
• Produce tender documents, manage procurement processes, and control change requests.
• Developed communications plans to keep stakeholders informed during project delivery.
• Implemented monitoring frameworks and prepare project highlight reports for senior management.
• Streamlined inspection schedules, optimised resource allocation, and improved response times, enhancing asset longevity and public safety for 175 playgrounds, 32 MUGAS, 9 outdoor gyms and 11 skate parks.

Key Achievements:

• Delivered multiple high-profile playground refurbishments with strong community backing.
• Introduced best practice frameworks for operational inspection and maintenance, improving service standards and compliance outcomes.

I delivered community infrastructure and wellbeing projects, adapting face-to-face engagement into effective online delivery during pandemic restrictions.

• Managed design, procurement, and delivery of 106 walking trails, ensuring compliance with Local Authorities planning guidance, Rights of way legislation and funder criteria and delivery requirements.
• Developed evaluation frameworks and delivered comprehensive progress and impact reports.
• Engaged volunteers and community groups including Community Councils across 7 counties in Wales and 3 border counties in England to ensure project sustainability.

Led 2 year RDP pilot project targeting regeneration, public realm enhancement, and community engagement.

• Designed and delivered 6 community food schemes engaging 40 volunteers, supported creation of 3 social enterprises in compliance with RDP funding regulations.
• Commissioned surveys and managed contractors to ensure project adherence.
• Oversaw site works to guarantee quality and compliance standards.

• Managed multi-disciplinary design and delivery teams for high-value capital projects, including Knowle West Neighbourhood Nursery valued at £600k.
• Oversaw budgets, procurement, and project delivery under local authority governance.
• Provided expert guidance on OFSTED compliance for childcare building standards.
• Ensured compliance administering and allocating educational start-up grants while launching new initiatives.
• Prepared comprehensive reports, assessments, and technical documentation for successful project delivery.
• Led site investigations to support public enquiry preparation.