Pippa Milne
Chief Executive, Argyll and Bute Council, and Solace Scotland Branch Chair
Pippa Milne has served as Chief Executive of Argyll and Bute Council since January 2020, following her role as Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure. With over 30 years of experience in local government across the UK, Pippa brings extensive expertise and a deep commitment to delivering the council’s vision: that Argyll and Bute is a place where people choose to live, learn, work, and do business.
As Chief Executive, Pippa leads an organisation of around 4,000 dedicated employees, providing a diverse range of public services across one of Scotland’s most beautiful and varied regions. Her focus is on partnership working to achieve the best possible outcomes for communities, and she is passionate about promoting the many opportunities Argyll and Bute offers.
Beyond her role in the council, Pippa is Chair of Solace Scotland and portfolio lead for Leadership and Development, playing a key role in shaping the future of local government leadership. She sits on the Chief Executives Working Group on Transformation and the PSR Board, facilitates the Leadership Practitioner Forum, and hosts the Solace Springboard Programme, supporting the next generation of public service leaders.
Pippa is a strong advocate for values-based, ambitious, and future-focused leadership. Her work reflects a commitment to organisational culture, collaborative transformation, and unlocking potential for communities and public services alike.
10:00–11:00
Main Stage
What does it take to lead when barriers to leadership are not experienced equally? Beyond Barriers explores the challenges women and people from other minoritised communities face in senior local government leadership, including discrimination, exclusion and workplace cultures. Building on previous research, this engaging, honest conversation will examine why inequalities persist, while celebrating leaders and organisations driving positive change. Speakers will share experiences, challenge assumptions and explore practical ways to create more inclusive leadership cultures.
