Mark is a Lead Officer within the Strategy Unit at Taunton Deane Borough Council, responsible for corporate and community planning. A town planner by profession, Mark started his career at Gloucester City Council (1989) before moving to Taunton Deane in 1996. During 2006 he led an innovative approach to integrated consultation on the Local Development Framework and Sustainable Community Strategy which won a commendation by the national branch of the Royal Town Planning Institute. After a brief spell as the Council’s Corporate Performance Officer, Mark took over responsibilities for the preparation of the Council’s Corporate Strategy and the Sustainable Community Strategy. During 2010 he managed the successful review of the Taunton Deane Partnership (LSP) which is now clearly focussed on developing new approaches to tackling deprivation and disadvantage within the Borough. Mark is also responsible for managing the Borough Council’s support to the Voluntary and Community Sector.