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Meet the business partners supporting Solace Summit 2026, the UK's leading conference for local government leaders, 21 to 22 October in Liverpool. 2026 Partners Alliance Leisure Services Read More Cardo Group Read More CityFibre Read More Civica Read More Government Commercial Agency Read More Hill Group Read More IESE Read More Norse Group Read More Oracle Read More PSTAX Read More Robertson Group Read More Salesforce Read More Zencity (formerly Commonplace) Read More Zurich Municipal Read More LGC Read More The MJ Read More

Meet the sponsors supporting Solace Summit 2026, the UK's leading conference for local government leaders, 21 to 22 October in Liverpool. 2026 Sponsors Agilisys Read More Alliance Leisure Services Read More Bevan Brittan Read More CCLA Investment Management Read More CIPFA Read More Civica Read More Commercial Services Group Read More Crisis Read More EY Read More Engage Process Read More Gate One Read More Harmony Fire Read More ICS.AI Read More IESE Read More Liverpool City Council Read More MHR Read More MRI Software Read More Migration Support Read More PSTAX Read More Policy in Practice Read More ReCreation Read More Tailwind Digital Read More TechnologyOne Read More Transform Read More Trueman Change Read More Vizzia Read More Xylo AI Read More Zellis Read More

Meet the speakers at Solace Summit 2026, the UK's leading conference for local government leaders, 21 to 22 October in Liverpool. Speakers 2026 Georgia Turner Solace Associate Read more Claire Trickett Workforce and Organisational Development Consultant, Blackburn with Darwen Council Read more Sue Featherstone Solace Associate and Director, Developing Success Read more Ian Bancroft Solace Associate Read more Jess Gibbons Chief Executive, Brighton and Hove City Council Read more Chris Wales Director of Digital Innovation, Brighton and Hove City Council Read more Lindsey Pearce Head of Learning, Inclusion and Organisational Development, Brighton and Hove City Council Read more Victoria Derbyshire Journalist and BBC Topical News Presenter Read more Andrew Lewis Chief Executive, Liverpool City Council Read more Robin Tuddenham Solace President and Chief Executive of Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council Read more Kath O'Dwyer Solace Group Board Chair Read more Cllr Hannah Dalton Leader, Epsom and Ewell Borough Council Read more Rachel McKoy Executive Director, Association of Monitoring Officers (AMO) Read more Sir John Curtice Professor of Politics, Strathclyde University, Scotland Read more Sam Hartley Director of Policy, Research and Voter Engagement, The Electoral Commission Read more Paul Amann Principal Officer for Employment and Skills, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Read more Bev Thomas Adviser, Procurement and Commissioning, Local Government Association Read more Alison Barker Chief Executive, North Lincolnshire Council and Solace Deputy Policy Lead for Health and Social Care Read more Ben Dyson Director, Integrated Care & Care Pathways Read more Samantha Allen CBE Chief Executive, NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board Read more Pam Smith Chief Executive, Newcastle City Council and Solace Policy Lead for Economic Prosperity Read more Danielle Gillespie Executive Regional Director, North West, Homes England Read more Ododo Ediagbonya Senior Manager, Portfolio Office, Greater London Authority Read more Sudeshna Banerjee Data and Insight Manager, Wokingham Borough Council Read more Jonathan Stephenson Joint Chief Executive, Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council Read more Greg Campbell Strategic Director, Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council Read more Paul Brace Director of Communities and Health, Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council Read more Nick Kennell Partner, Gate One Read more Mark Lloyd CBE Executive Director, IMPOWER; Non-Executive Director HMPPS Read more Kathryn Rees Executive Director, Corporate and Support Services, Stockport Council Read more Emma Foy Industry Lead for Local Government, TechnologyOne Read more Jonathan Werran Chief Executive, Localis Read more Marcus Richards Partner, Strategy and Transactions, EY Read more Philip Dobson Partner, Strategy and Transactions, EY Read more Nicola Monk Divisional CEO, Commercial Services Group Read more Dr Jonathan Carr-West Chief Executive, LGIU Read more Clare Redfern Service Manager, Neighbourhood Coordination and Support Service, Stockport Council Read more Victoria Shaw Chief Operating Officer, Sector 3 Read more André K. Small Customer Service (CSAT and Complaints), Epping Forest District Council Read more Nikita Hunt Policy Officer, Test Valley Borough Council Read more Paul Robinson Strategic Director for LGR, Nottinghamshire County Council Read more Dr David Parr OBE Former Chief Executive, Halton Borough Council Read more Kim Wright Solace Policy Lead for Leadership and Chief Executive, London Borough of Brent Read more Alison McCullagh Chief Executive, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and Solace Northern Ireland Branch Chair Read more Emma Palmer Chief Executive, Powys County Council, and Solace Wales Branch Vice Chair Read more Pippa Milne Chief Executive, Argyll and Bute Council, and Solace Scotland Branch Chair Read more Matt O'Neill Executive Director, Place, Barnsley Council Read more Jessica Mullinger Executive Director of Sector Support, Solace in Business Read more Simon Allsop Delivery Director, CIPFA Read more Madeline Smith Chief Technology Officer, North Yorkshire Council Read more Ted Twaalfhoven Founder and CEO, Engage Process Read more Kurtis Toy Chief Executive, Cyber Centre of Excellence (iESE) Read more Koyejo Olugbile Acting Sustainable Transport Coordinator, Falkirk Council Read more Kelli Maynard Customer Service Manager, West Northamptonshire Council Read more Ashley John-Baptiste Broadcaster and Journalist Read more

The full Day 2 programme for Solace Summit 2026 on Thursday 22 October in Liverpool: keynotes, breakouts, sub plenaries and study tours. Thursday 22 October 08:50–09:25 Galleria Registration | All Delegates Break 08:50–09:25 Exhibition Exhibition and Refreshments Break 08:55–09:05 Stockport: From Consultation to Co-Creation: Equality and Community Networks Rewiring the State Showcase Zone View Session 09:10–09:20 Devolution and LGR Drop-in with Solace Associates, Georgia Turner and Ian Bancroft Rewiring the State Devolution and LGR Zone View Session 09:10–09:20 Amplify Cohort 5: Organisational Change and Equity: Beyond Rhetoric Rewiring the State Showcase Zone View Session 09:30–10:00 Day 2 Welcome Main Stage Welcome View Session 10:00–11:00 Main Stage Beyond Barriers: Authentic Women’s Leadership in Local Government Panel Session View Session Speakers: Alison McCullagh , Chief Executive, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and Solace Northern Ireland Branch Chair Emma Palmer , Chief Executive, Powys County Council, and Solace Wales Branch Vice Chair Pippa Milne , Chief Executive, Argyll and Bute Council, and Solace Scotland Branch Chair 11:00–11:30 Exhibition Refreshments Break 11:10–11:20 Barnsley: Health on the High Street Rewiring the State Showcase Zone View Session 11:10–11:20 The Human Impact of LGR Rewiring the State Devolution and LGR Zone View Session 11:30–12:30 Breakout: Ensuring success whilst Surviving LGR: Lived Experiences of Delivering Major Transformation Main Stage Breakout View Session 11:30–12:30 Breakout: What Should We Stop Doing - Sustainable Leadership in Unrelenting Times North East Breakout View Session 11:30–12:30 Breakout: Leading With Control: AI, LGR, and the Path to High-Quality Services in Times of Change South East Breakout View Session 11:30–12:30 Breakout: Cyber Resilience in Transition: Securing Public Services Through Reorganisation and Digital Disruption North West Breakout View Session 12:30–13:30 Lunch and Exhibition Exhibition Break 12:45–12:55 Stockport: From Consultation to Co-Creation: Equality and Community Networks Rewiring the State Showcase Zone View Session 12:45–13:25 What Is Devolution, and What Does It Really Mean? Rewiring the State Devolution and LGR Zone View Session 13:00–13:10 Barnsley: Health on the High Street Rewiring the State Showcase Zone View Session 13:15–13:25 Amplify Cohort 5: Organisational Change and Equity: Beyond Rhetoric Rewiring the State Showcase Zone View Session 13:30–14:30 Main Stage The Difference One Person Makes: Lessons in Resilience, Purpose and the Life-Changing Impact of Public Service Keynote View Session Drawing on his lived experience growing up in care, Ashley John-Baptiste shares a powerful and personal perspective on the role public services play in shaping lives. Moving between foster placements, facing educational challenges and navigating uncertainty, Ashley experienced first-hand the impact that social workers, care professionals and other public servants can have on a young person’s future. In conversation with Robin Tuddenham, Ashley will reflect on resilience, purpose and the individuals who helped him believe in possibilities beyond his circumstances. Together, they will explore what it means to create lasting impact, why public service matters, and how today’s leaders can inspire hope for the next generation. This closing plenary will leave delegates challenged, inspired and reminded that often the most important work happens quietly, through everyday actions that change lives. 14:30–14:45 Main Stage President's Closing Speech Keynote Speakers: Robin Tuddenham , Solace President and Chief Executive of Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council

The full Day 1 programme for Solace Summit 2026 on Wednesday 21 October in Liverpool: keynotes, breakouts, sub plenaries and study tours. Wednesday 21 October 08:00–09:30 Liverpool – A City Built on Heritage, Culture and Innovation Meeting point: Liverpool Town Hall, Castle Street side Optional Walking Study Tour View Session 08:00–09:30 Liverpool’s Regen Story Meeting point: Liverpool Town Hall, Castle Street side Optional Walking Study Tour View Session 09:15–10:30 Registration | All Delegates Galleria Break 09:15–10:30 Exhibition and Refreshments Exhibition Break 09:50–10:00 Blackburn with Darwen: The Trojan Horse of Leadership Development Rewiring the State Showcase Zone View Session 09:50–10:05 Communicating Well Through Change Rewiring the State Devolution and LGR Zone View Session 10:10–10:20 Brighton and Hove: Transforming Into a Learning Organisation Rewiring the State Showcase Zone View Session 10:30 Conference Commences Main Stage Compere Conference Compere: Victoria Derbyshire , Journalist and Topical News Reporter, BBC 10:30–10:40 Liverpool Welcome Main Stage Welcome View Session Speakers: Andrew Lewis , Chief Executive, Liverpool City Council 10:40–10:55 President's Opening Speech Main Stage Presidential Address View Session Speakers: Robin Tuddenham , Solace President and Chief Executive of Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council 10:55–11:45 Stronger Standards, Stronger Leadership, Stronger Places Main Stage Keynote View Session Speakers: Kath O'Dwyer , Solace Group Board Chair Cllr Hannah Dalton , Leader, Epsom and Ewell Borough Council Rachel McKoy , Executive Director, Association of Monitoring Officers (AMO) 11:45–12:45 Local Choices, National Consequences: What May’s Elections Tell Us About Britain’s Democratic Future Main Stage Keynote View Session Speakers: Sir John Curtice , British political scientist and professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde Sam Hartley , Director of Policy, Research and Voter Engagement, The Electoral Commission 12:45–14:00 Lunch and Exhibition Exhibition Break 13:00–13:10 Amplify Cohort 5: Organisational Change and Equity: Beyond Rhetoric Rewiring the State Showcase Zone View Session 13:15–13:25 Brighton and Hove: Transforming into a Learning Organisation Rewiring the State Showcase Zone View Session 13:00–13:50 The Importance of Place Growth and Leadership Within the Context of LGR Rewiring the State Devolution and LGR Zone View Session 13:30–13:40 Blackburn with Darwen: The Trojan Horse of Leadership Development Rewiring the State Showcase Zone View Session 14:00–15:00 Main Stage Sub Plenary The Future of Health and Care: Reform, Partnership and Place Speakers: Alison Barker , Chief Executive, North Lincolnshire Council and Solace Deputy Policy Lead for Health and Social Care (Chair) Ben Dyson , Director, Integrated Care and Care Partnerships, Adult Social Care Group, Department of Health and Social Care Samantha Allen CBE , Chief Executive, NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board View Session 14:00–15:00 West Room Sub Plenary Economy: The Current Landscape and the Impact on Our Place Speakers: Pam Smith , Chief Executive, Newcastle City Council and Solace Policy Lead for Economic Prosperity (Chair) Danielle Gillespie , Executive Regional Director, North West, Homes England View Session 15:00–15:30 Exhibition Refreshments and Exhibition Break 15:10–15:20 Rewiring the State Showcase Zone View Session Amplify Cohort 5: Organisational Change and Equity: Beyond Rhetoric 15:10–15:20 Rewiring the State Devolution and LGR Zone View Session Devolution and LGR Drop-in with Solace Associates, Georgia Turner and Ian Bancroft 15:30–16:30 Breakout: Local Government Reform Is Paused—So What Do We Do Next? Main Stage Breakout View Session 15:30–16:30 Breakout: Transition vs. Transformation: What Successful Organisations do Differently North East Breakout View Session 15:30–16:30 Breakout: Beyond the Tipping Point: How do we Actually Make Long Term Change Happen South East Breakout View Session 15:30–16:30 Breakout: Connected Devolution: Implications for Local Government Leadership North West Breakout View Session 15:30–16:30 Breakout: Future Places: Turning Devolution Ambition Into Delivery South West Breakout View Session 16:45–17:45 Exhibition Drinks Reception Networking View Session 19:15–20:00 Rum Warehouse Presidential Drinks Reception Networking View Session Speakers: Robin Tuddenham , Solace President and Chief Executive of Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council 20:00–00:00 Rum Warehouse Charity Dinner Networking View Session

< Back Previous Org, Exhibitor, Breakout, Sponsor CIPFA https://www.cipfa.org Stand 6 CIPFA is the home of excellence in public finance. We exist to ensure public money is well spent and well managed for the benefit of us all. We are a UK-based international accountancy membership and standard-setting body and the only such body globally dedicated to public financial management. Next

Previous Next Kim Wright Solace Policy Lead for Leadership and Chief Executive, London Borough of Brent Kim has been leading Brent Council as Chief Executive since May 2023, overseeing a team of around 2500 people and focusing on delivering key political priorities. Before joining Brent, she was Chief Executive of Lewisham Council for 3.5 years, where she steered the council through the global pandemic. With over 34 years of experience in local government, including 27 years in London, Kim has also held senior roles at Hackney and Barnet Councils, managing a wide range of front facing public services. She also holds several pan-London roles, including leading emergency planning and resilience for all 33 London councils and serving as Deputy Chair of London’s Local Resilience Forum. Nationally, Kim is the lead spokesperson on Leadership and Learning for SOLACE and she was appointed by the Secretary of State (MHCLG) to be a Commissioner at Slough Council in November 2025. 09:30–10:00 Main Stage Day 2 Welcome Welcome View Session Speakers: Kath O’Dwyer , Solace Group Board Chair Kim Wright , Chief Executive, London Borough of Brent, and Solace Policy Lead for Leadership

Jessica MullingerDirector of Interim Management < Speakers < Previous Next > Jessica Mullinger Director of Interim Management Solace in Business

All Speakers Nicola Monk Divisional CEO, Energy & Environment, Procurement & Partnerships, Commercial Services Group Nicola joined Commercial Services Group in 2023 as Divisional CEO following a successful career in local government. A highly regarded executive leader with exceptional skills in public sector strategy and management, Nicola’s role is to deliver outstanding commercial growth across our Energy & Environment and Procurement & Partnerships divisions, ensuring the Group’s customer, people and social value ambitions are achieved along the way. Thursday 16 October 2025 15:00–15:40 Shaping Communities – How Leaders Unlock Social and Economic Value Barton Suite, Royal Armouries Go to session

Frances McBrideGroup Manager in Children and Families Legal Team < Speakers < Previous Next > Frances McBride Group Manager in Children and Families Legal Team Manchester City Council Frances McBride qualified as a solicitor in 2010 and began her career in litigation and housing law with a sharp focus on high-profile litigation including inquests, serious case reviews and public inquiries. Frances has led on visionary innovative projects throughout her career including the first LGBTQ+ Extra Care Housing in the UK and redesign of the Council’s Fostering Service. Frances is the Group Manager in the Children and Families Legal Team at Manchester City Council representing the group as a… Show More

< Back Previous Org Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Next

All Speakers Dr Mariana Pexton Deputy Chief Executive, Leeds City Council Mariana is the Deputy Chief Executive at Leeds City Council, with responsibility for oversight of the Strategy and Resources directorate. She leads the council's cross-cutting transformation agenda and public sector reform and serves as the primary liaison with senior health partners. Strategy & Resources is a large directorate of about 5,000 staff including Finance, Human Resources, Digital, Legal and Governance, Shared Services, Strategy and Performance, Communications and Marketing, and crucially a service called Civic Enterprise Leeds that delivers many vital front-line services such as catering, cleaning, school crossing patrols, passenger transport and building repairs. She leads the strategic developments for Leeds City Council, including the Best City Ambition, and plays a key corporate role supporting councillors. Mariana has previously been employed in senior in roles in Leeds in Strategy, Customer Services and Children’s Services. Prior to joining the council in 2000, Mariana enjoyed a career in leadership and management in the Civil Service and an Inspectorate. She studied Sports Studies in Newcastle as her first degree and has a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Leeds. Mariana has recently been awarded a Doctorate in Business Administration at Leeds Beckett University, following research into local government leadership and strategy. She is married, with two children aged 24 and 16. Mariana is also chair of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and a Director at Leeds Rhinos Netball as a volunteer. She loves family holidays in Menorca, and was proud to complete the first Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in 2023. Thursday 16 October 2025 15:45–16:25 Leading with Purpose: Exploring the Nexus of Strategy and Leadership in Local Government Hall A, Royal Armouries Go to session