Cassidy + Ashton town planner helps inspire the next generation at University of Liverpool
A senior town planner at Cassidy + Ashton’s Chester office has returned to her old university in recent weeks to help educate and inspire current students as part of a guest lecture.
Olivia Forde spoke to third-year planning students at the University of Liverpool during her lecture ‘Insights into professional planning practice’. Olivia joined Cassidy + Ashton’s Chester office in early 2021 after graduating the university with a first-class degree in MPlan Town and Regional Planning in 2020.
The lecture involved an overview of Cassidy + Ashton, including its areas of expertise, recent work, a journey of how the firm assesses sites and a step-by-step overview of the planning process to help students understand how the theory they learn during their course is used in practice.
She also led a Q&A about the industry and her career to date.
Speaking after the lecture, Olivia said: “I remember being in those shoes myself so when I was approached by my previous lecturer, I thought it would be a good opportunity to give some insights and help the students in the same way that guest lecturers helped me when I was at university.
“It was a really good experience with an engaging group of students and hopefully I was able to support by sharing my experiences with them.”
Olivia began her career at Cassidy + Ashton as a graduate planner. While working with the practice, she completed her Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) in 2023, progressing to chartered town planner. Olivia was then promoted to senior town planner in April 2025.
“I don’t think there is enough awareness of planning as a profession.” she added. “A lot of people who go into the industry have some prior knowledge of it, for example through a family member, but there are good links between universities and the industry and a good variety of jobs available.
Speaking about her future career ambitions in the industry, Olivia said: “I’m looking forward to gaining further experience in planning over the coming years and continuing to develop my career with Cassidy + Ashton.”
