COALFACE helps clients understand how decisions are shaped, surface risk early and design consultation that stands up under scrutiny. We are not a traditional engagement agency. Every project is overseen by our Founder, who works with a small group of trusted directors and specialists to strengthen our offer when projects demand it.
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We work with promoters, local planning authorities, councils and programme sponsors where planning and governance complexity requires senior judgment from the outset.
We support clients across three connected offers:
Coalface Engagement
Planning application and policy consultations shaped by political awareness and senior practitioner judgment. The focus is on evidence that withstands scrutiny, not activity for its own sake.
Coalface Council Scanner
A structured diagnostic of governance resilience, financial stress and planning performance. It provides early warning of pressure points and supports informed decision making. Powered by AI, interpreted through senior experience.
Coalface Insight
Analysis that interprets planning behaviour, governance pressures and political signals. Written for senior readers who need clarity rather than commentary.
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We are a senior-specialist-led consultancy. Every project is overseen by Founder and Director, Rowan Cole, who brings over 18 years’ experience in stakeholder engagement, political strategy and planning policy. For complex or high-profile schemes, Coalface Engagement draws on a small trusted network of senior advisers specialising in sustainability, communications and community participation.​
Together, this network gives clients the depth of a large practice while keeping Coalface Engagement’s hallmark senior-level focus, clarity and responsiveness.
This page is part of the LGR Governance Series from Coalface. To receive new pieces and supporting material as they are published, subscribe using the button on the right.
If you would like to discuss how these issues affect your organisation, we work with promoters, councils and programme sponsors on specific schemes and wider governance programmes. Please get in touch to talk through what you are working on.