The Future of Local Government Starts at Solace Summit

21–22 October, 2026

Liverpool Experience Campus

The Solace Summit 2026 heads to Liverpool for an unmissable gathering of local government leaders. Join us to explore fresh ideas, ambitious strategies, and the powerful connections shaping the future of public service.

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What is the Solace Summit?

Better leadership starts here. Hosted by Solace, the Summit brings together people across local government — from emerging talent to experienced executives — to share insight, shape ideas, and drive change. Across two days of thought-provoking sessions, powerful connections, and practical content, the Summit is your space to reflect, recharge, and reimagine the future of public service.

2025 FEATURED 2 DAYS OF LEARNING,
35+ SPEAKERS AND SO MUCH MORE.

Meet The Speakers

Hear from experienced leaders who bring real insight and fresh thinking from across the sector. Our speakers are respected experts, known for their practical knowledge, honest perspectives, and thoughtful ideas.

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Claire Trickett

Steve Leigh

Managing Director, Sensu Insight

Sue Featherstone

Solace Associate & Director, Developing Success

Jonathan Stephenson

Joint Chief Executive, Brentwood Borough Council & Rochford District Council

Laurence Allen

Director UK, Engage Process

Ashley John-Baptiste

Broadcaster and Journalist

Kurtis Toy

Chief Executive, Cyber Centre of Excellence

Pam Smith

Chief Executive, Newcastle City Council & Policy Lead for Economic Prosperity

Ted Twaalfhoven

Samantha Allen

Chief Executive of the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board

Jonathan Werran

Chief Executive, Localis

Paul Brace

Director of Communities and Health, at Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council

Gill Nye

HRConnect Managing Director, Commercial Services Group

Greg Campbell

Strategic Director, Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council

Emma Foy

Industry Lead for Local Government, TechnologyOne

Robin Tuddenham

Solace President and Chief Executive of Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council

Victoria Derbyshire

Journalist and Topical News Reporter, BBC

Alison Barker

Chief Executive, North Lincolnshire Council & Deputy Policy Lead for Health & Social Care

Alison McCullagh

Chief Executive, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Northern Ireland

Andrew Lewis

Chief Executive, Liverpool City Council

Ben Dyson

Director, Adult Social Care Strategy, Funding & Integrated Care, Department of Health and Social Care

Emma Palmer

Chief Execuive, Powys County Council, Wales

John Curtice

Professor of Politics, Strathclyde University, Scotland

Kath O'Dwyer

Solace Group Board Chair

Madaline Hoskin

Chief Technology Officer, North Yorkshire Council

Susanne Millar

Chief Executive, Glasgow City Council, Scotland

Vijay Rangarjan

Chief Executive, The Electoral Commission

PEOPLE

Local government is, at its heart, a people business. This theme explores how we lead with empathy, empower communities, and invest in the workforce of the future — asking what it means to put people first in a system under strain, and how we build cultures of care, trust, and accountability.

PARTNERS

We’re grateful to our partners for their continued support. Their contribution plays a key role in making this event a success and strengthening the work we do with communities across the country.

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