Programme Day One Day Two 09:15–09:45 Solace AGM Members only Barton Suite, Royal Armouries 09:00–10:00 Registration All Remaining Delegates, Exhibition and Refreshments Foyer/Exhibition, New Dock Hall 10:00–10:50 Storming and Forming: The Creation of Combined and Strategic Authorities Main Stage, New Dock Hall Speakers: Dr Henry Kippin , Chief Executive, North East Combined Authority Amy Harhoff , Chief Executive of East Midlands Combined Authority Mark Rogers , Chief Executive, Leadership Centre 10:50–11:10 Exhibition and Refreshments Exhibition, New Dock Hall 11:10–12:00 Keynote: Leading Through A Crisis Main Stage, New Dock Hall Chair: Helen Bailey , Chief Executive, London Borough of Sutton Speaker: Tom Stannard , Chief Executive, Manchester City Council and Solace Policy Lead for Health and Social Care 12:00–12:50 Keynote: Katie Piper OBE Main Stage, New Dock Hall Speaker: Katie Piper OBE , Writer, Activist and Broadcaster 12:50–13:00 Solace President's Closing Speech Main Stage, New Dock Hall Speaker: Robin Tuddenham , Solace President and Chief Executive of Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council 13:00–14:00 Exhibition and Lunch Exhibition, New Dock Hall Conference Close

08:30–10:15 Summit Delegates: Optional Pre-Conference Walking Study Tours Leeds South Bank Regeneration City Square Regeneration, Culture and Public Art City Square Programme Day One Day Two 09:15–09:30 Springboard Registration Spring and Summer 25/26 cohorts only Pearl Suite, Royal Armouries 09:30–10:30 Springboard Session Spring and Summer 25/26 cohorts only Pearl Suite, Royal Armouries Facilitator: Liz McQue , Solace Associate Guest Speaker: Robin Tuddenham , Solace President and Chief Executive at Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council 09:15–09:45 New to Summit? First Time Delegates Welcome and Registration Foyer, New Dock Hall 10:00–11:00 Registration All Delegates Foyer, New Dock Hall 10:00–11:00 Exhibition and Refreshments Exhibition, New Dock Hall 11:00–13:15 Featured Compère and Chair: Kirsty Wark Speaker, award-winning journalist and presenter Kirsty Wark will be leading the following sessions. Exhibition, New Dock Hall 11:05–11:15 Welcome from Leeds City Council Main Stage, New Dock Hall Guest Speaker: Ed Whiting , Chief Executive of Leeds City Council 11:15–11:25 Solace President's Opening Speech Main Stage, New Dock Hall Speaker: Robin Tuddenham , Solace President & Chief Executive at Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council 11:25–11:35 Keynote: Finding Home in Halifax: Stela’s Story Main Stage, New Dock Hall Speaker: Stela, service user at St Augustine’s Centre, Halifax 11:35–12:15 Equity and Purpose – Progress, Possibility, and the Path Ahead Main Stage, New Dock Hall Speakers: Chris Naylor, Solace Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Nazeya Hussain , Solace Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 12:15–13:15 International Perspective Main Stage, New Dock Hall Speakers: Mike Land , President Elect, International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Brenda Orchard , President of CAMA and Chief Administrative Officer, Lennox and Addington County Craig Swift-McNair, General Manager, Woollahra Council, Sydney, Australia 13:15–14:15 Exhibition and Lunch Exhibition, New Dock Hall 14:15–14:55 Sub-Plenary A: Local Power, National Plan: Delivering the 10-Year Health Strategy This session will be held under Chatham House Rule. Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries Chair: John Clarke , Head of Client Solution – Healthcare, Netcall Speakers: Tom Stannard , Chief Executive, Manchester City Council and Solace Policy Lead for Health and Social Care Dr Owen Williams , Chief Executive, Northern Care Alliance Sub-Plenary B: 1.5 Million Homes: Ambition, Action, and Accountability This session will be held under Chatham House Rule. Pearl Suite, Royal Armouries Chair: Jon Rouse CBE , Chief Executive, Stoke on Trent City Council and Solace Policy Lead for Housing, Planning & Infrastructure Speaker: Joanna Key , Director General, Regeneration, Housing and Planning, MHCLG 15:00–15:40 Roundtable 1A: Investing in Place to Build Financial Resilience Aire Suite, Royal Armouries Roundtable 1B: Shaping Communities – How Leaders Unlock Social and Economic Value Barton Suite, Royal Armouries Workshop 1A: Amplify – Future Ready Councils: If We Can Share a Problem, We Can Share a Solution Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries Workshop 1B: Navigating Local Government Reform: Lessons from the Digital Frontline of Devolution Pearl Suite, Royal Armouries Workshop 1C: Cross-party Working Against a Backdrop of No Overall Control Royal Armouries Hall A, Royal Armouries Workshop 1D: Life Safety First: Turning Risk into Assurance Royal Armouries Hall B, Royal Armouries 15:45–16:25 Workshop 2A: The Leader’s Mirror: Defining the Legacy You Leave Behind Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries Workshop 2B: Public Collaborations: What Are They For? Who Does All the Work? How Long Do They Last? And Who Really Benefits? Pearl Suite, Royal Armouries Workshop 2C: Leading with Purpose: Exploring the Nexus of Strategy and Leadership in Local Government Royal Armouries Hall A, Royal Armouries Workshop 2D: Delivering Together: How Local Authorities and Strategic Authorities Are Jointly Driving Place-Based Transformational Growth Royal Armouries Hall B, Royal Armouries Roundtable 2A : Local Government Reorganisation: Practical Advice and Support Aire Suite, Royal Armouries Roundtable 2B: The Silent Stakeholder: Why Residents Deserve a Seat at the LGR Table Barton Suite, Royal Armouries Roundtable 2C: Test, Learn and Grow: How Do We Build a Movement? Hotot Suite, Royal Armouries Main Stage, New Dock Hall Speaker: Lemn Sissay OBE FRSL , British Author and Broadcaster 16:30–17:30 Keynote: Empowering the Vulnerable: Lemn Sissay’s Journey of Advocacy and Change 17:30–18:15 Drinks Reception Exhibition, New Dock Hall Kindly sponsored by Transform. 18:15 Day One Close Exhibition, New Dock Hall 19:15–20:00 Presidential Drinks Reception Asia and Africa Gallery, Royal Armouries Kindly sponsored by Zellis. 20:00–00:00 Summit Charity Dinner Royal Armouries Hall, Royal Armouries Proudly supporting YoungMinds and St. Augustine's Centre. Please give generously . Dinner drinks kindly sponsored by Newtrality.

Our dedicated site for Solace's flagship event for local government & public sector professionals, the Solace Summit. Find out more about the 2025 line-up including our speakers, sessions & socials. The Future of Local Government Starts at Solace Summit 16–17 October, 2025 The Royal Armouries, Leeds The Solace Summit 2025 heads to Leeds for an unmissable gathering of leaders across local government. Join us to explore the big ideas, bold strategies, and trusted connections that will define the next era of public service. Buy Tickets 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. 2024 FEATURED 3 DAYS OF LEARNING, 40+ 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. View All Speakers Robin Tuddenham President of Solace and Chief Executive, Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council Liz McQue Facilitator & Solace Associate Ed Whiting OBE Chief Executive, Leeds City Council Chris Naylor Solace Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Nazeya Hussain Solace Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Kirsty Wark Speaker, award-winning journalist and presenter 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ... 9 PEOPLE THEME 1: 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. View All Partners 1 2 3 1 ... 1 2 3 ... 3 LEEDS CALLING Don't miss the future of local government.

Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries 15:00–15:40 Workshop Future-Ready Councils: If we can share a problem, we can share a solution Speaker/s Diksha Vyas, Head of Digital Change and Service Improvement, Bracknell Forest Council Tracey Anderson, Head of Scrutiny and Ward Forums, London Borough of Hackney This session sets out a bold new approach: a federated, public sector-led consultancy model that brings councils together to co-design scalable solutions to shared challenges. Grounded in shared expertise, co-creation, and equity, this model aims to eliminate duplication, level the playing field, and accelerate progress for all—empowering a more collaborative, future-ready public sector. We believe the future of local government delivery lies in enabling people across our councils to lead change with shared purpose, and to collaborate across organisational and geographic boundaries. Big Idea: A Sector-Led Consultancy Model for Shared Challenges Let’s ask some difficult questions: How much is each council spending on software, consultants, and bespoke solutions to tackle the same problems? How many of us depend on “luck”—a good account manager, a standout hire, or a place in a central government pilot—to make progress? What happens to councils that miss out, but still face the same pressures? And what about the systems and services we tolerate—not because they work, but because the cost or risk of change feels too high? Now imagine a future where: Councils pool their talent, experience, and creativity to design common solutions. A national challenge, such as improving EHCP outcomes or reducing housing pressures, is tackled by a multi-disciplinary team drawn from across authorities. These solutions—whether new processes, policy frameworks, or digital prototypes—are freely shared, adapted locally, and scaled. No council is left behind, because innovation is a shared sector asset, not a privilege. This model functions as a public sector “think-and-do tank,” built from within by the people who understand the challenges best. It’s practical. It’s equitable. And it’s entirely achievable. Takeaways A compelling new vision for collaborative delivery across local government Inspiration from leaders who have embraced courage, purpose, and systems thinking Practical pathways to get involved—from digital participation to secondments Energy, ambition, and momentum to help shape a shared delivery future Delivered by

Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 Pearl Suite, Royal Armouries 14:15–14:55 Sub Plenary 1.5 Million Homes: Ambition, Action, and Accountability Chair Jon Rouse CBE, Chief Executive, Stoke on Trent City Council and Solace Policy Lead for Housing, Planning and Infrastructure Speaker/s Joanna Key, Director General for Regeneration, Housing and Planning, MHCLG Local authorities are central to delivering the Government’s 1.5 million homes target, one of the most ambitious housing targets in a generation. This session explores how planning reform, local leadership, and community-focused development can turn national ambition into local impact.

Day One Day Two Previous Next Friday 17 October 20225 Main Stage, New Dock Hall 12:00–12:50 Keynote Katie Piper Speaker/s Katie Piper OBE, Writer, Activist and Broadcaster Few stories capture the power of human strength and kindness quite like Katie Piper’s. After surviving a life-changing attack, Katie chose not only to rebuild her own life but to use her platform to help others do the same — founding a charity, writing best-selling books, and championing inclusion through her broadcasting and advocacy work. In this candid and hopeful session, Katie reflects on what it means to lead with empathy and purpose when faced with profound change. She’ll explore how people and communities can come together to restore confidence, belonging, and opportunity — themes that sit at the heart of local government work. Katie’s story challenges us to look differently at vulnerability and courage, and to recognise the quiet power of everyday leadership — whether supporting a neighbour, shaping public services, or nurturing a culture of care within our teams. This is a rare opportunity to hear from someone who embodies optimism in action — reminding us that healing and progress, both personal and collective, begin with compassion and belief in the potential of others.

Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 Hall A, Royal Armouries 15:45–16:25 Workshop Leading with Purpose: Exploring the Nexus of Strategy and Leadership in Local Government Speaker/s Dr Mariana Pexton, Deputy Chief Executive, Leeds City Council Given the complex challenges facing local government, this case study research examines the features of senior officer leadership in relation to strategy development and delivery. Hear about the findings and what that might mean for leadership practice. The study investigated existing leadership and strategy literature, including that specifically about the public sector, and explored the use and potential value of adaptive leadership and strategic intent as subsets of the broader subjects. This research investigated the relevance of these concepts in local government, as well as the relationship between them in theory and practice. This study was qualitative, undertaking semi-structured interviews with the top team, and using reflexive thematic analysis to generate findings. Participants in this research have distinct roles with different statutory responsibilities, as well as generic strategic leadership functions, with the data showing a strong degree of consistency as well as diverse perspectives. Findings included leadership and strategy being purpose driven, adaptable and delivery focused, also noting the importance of organisational culture, combined system and organisational leadership, and equality, diversity and inclusion. The findings also highlighted the significant role of the Chief Executive on the nexus of strategy and leadership, including setting a constructive organisational culture and convening key partner relationships, and the data demonstrated that strategic intent and adaptive leadership are used and useful in a local government context. The research concluded strong alignment between the data and literature, making a unique contribution to the literature gap about the leadership and strategy in local government, about the interrelationship between adaptive leadership and strategic intent, and their application in local government given the contemporary challenges faced. Given this was a professional doctorate, the conclusions provide recommendations for leadership and strategy, as well as further research opportunities in the public sector given the literature gap. The thesis is not publishable in order to protect the anonymity and confidentiality of participants; however the general findings and conclusions can be shared as a way of stimulating further debate and providing constructive insight about approaches to leadership and strategy given the challenging context the sector faces. Takeaways Gain insight from recent academic research (through a professional doctorate) about strategy and leadership in the sector given the challenges facing the sector. Hear the findings from the research to stimulate reflection about organisational and system leadership practice and development. Be part of a conversation that informs wider leadership thinking in the sector. Delivered by

Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries 14:15–14:55 Sub Plenary Local Power, National Plan: Delivering the 10-Year Health Strategy Chair John Clarke, Head of Client Solution – Healthcare, Netcall Speaker/s Tom Stannard, Chief Executive, Manchester City Council, and Solace Policy Lead for Health & Social Care Dr Owen Williams OBE, Chief Executive, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust This session will examine the strategic and policy dimensions of the 10-Year Health Plan, focusing on its implications for local government leadership, planning, and delivery. As national health priorities shift toward prevention, integration, and place-based approaches, local authorities are being called upon to play a more central role in shaping population health outcomes. Expect candid discussion on leadership, collaboration, and the role of local authorities in driving health equity and innovation.

Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 Asia and Africa Gallery, Royal Armouries 19:15–20:00 Summit Presidential Drinks Reception

Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 Exhibition, New Dock Hall 17:30–18:15 Drinks Reception Kindly Sponsored by

Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 Main Stage, New Dock Hall 11:35–12:15 Equity and Purpose – Progress, Possibility and the Path Ahead Chair Kirsty Wark, Speaker, Award-Winning Journalist and Presenter Speaker/s Chris Naylor, Solace Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Nazeya Hussain, Solace Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion In a world where the political, social and cultural ground is shifting faster than many of us can keep pace with, this session invites senior leaders to pause and reflect on what it means to lead with equity and purpose. As global narratives become more divisive and local realities more complex, the role of local government must evolve - not just as a service provider, but as a builder of trust, connection, and democratic resilience. This conversation will not dwell on past commitments, but rather challenge us to reimagine how we show up as leaders now. How do we foster belonging when communities are increasingly polarised? How do we ensure representation isn’t just a number, but a felt experience within our organisations and the communities we serve? Join us for an unflinching, honest and necessary discussion about the responsibilities we carry, and the possibilities we must unlock, as we lead effectively through the volatility of today and into the uncertainty of tomorrow.

Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 13:15–14:15 International Meeting and Lunch