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2026 Sponsors Workday Read More Xylo AI Read More Cyber Centre of Excellence Limited Read More IESE Read More Engage Process Read More TechnologyOne Read More Commercial Services Group Read More Zellis Read More Harmony Fire Read More CIPFA Read More

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Breakout 15:30–16:30 Breakout: Past Safe & Legal to Real Transitional Benefits Main Plenary Jonathan Stephenson, Joint Chief Executive, Brentwood Borough Council & Rochford District Council Read More Paul Brace, Director of Communities and Health, Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council Read More Greg Campbell, Strategic Director, Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council. Read More Previous How do you drive and maintain System Wide Thinking when going through the LGR process when the focus is on being ‘safe & Legal’ – An LGR Real World Problem. This workshop will engage with Senior Leaders to start thinking about how system wide approach/change that the LGR process affords local government, remains on the agenda table during the period between Governments ‘minded to’ decision and ‘vesting day’ and beyond. LGR is the opportunity to re-think how services can be reimagined across all sectors using a system approach/thinking that creates preventive measures to reduce the support required in some cases, ensuring a fulfilled life in other cases or even ensure no support is required as measures are identified early to ensure the resident maintains as full a life as possible keeping them away from many of the health, education, or other local services sometimes needed. How do we avoid ‘tunnel vision’ to ensure that whilst ‘safe and legal’ is delivered on day one ‘vesting day’, that here is equally a truly challenging ‘investment and change’ programme that would support innovative approaches across the wider sector that join up health, education, communities and public services? It will put citizens at the heart of our approach, considering the future of the ‘Place’, its purpose and those that live and work within it. Next

Previous Next Nicola Monk Divisional CEO, Commercial Services Group Nicola Monk is Divisional CEO at Commercial Services Group, one of the UK’s most successful Local Authority Trading Companies. She brings a strong track record in public service leadership (including 29 years in local government) and is passionate about the role of collaboration in driving better outcomes for communities. At Commercial Services Group, Nicola leads a wide-ranging portfolio – from energy and environmental services to procurement and recruitment – with a focus on making life easier for partners and helping organisations deliver lasting impact. Known for her open, people-centred approach, Nicola is committed to creating meaningful partnerships, supporting innovation, and ensuring public services have the tools they need to thrive in challenging times.

Previous Next Dr Jonathan Carr-West Chief Executive, LGIU Dr Jonathan Carr-West has been Chief Executive of LGIU (Local Government Information Unit) since February 2013, where he leads on all aspects of the think tank’s policy, membership and influencing work. With decades of experience, Jonathan is a leading national expert on local government transformation, LGR and devolution, local democracy and public services. He is frequently called on to provide strategic advice and facilitation support to local authorities and is a regular expert speaker at national sector conferences throughout the year. Some of his particular interests are in participative democracy, the evolving nature of public services and devolution. With an extensive media profile and sector credibility, he has published on topics as diverse as localism and public service transformation, cognitive and behavioural science, and the politics of cultural memory. Prior to being appointed as Chief Executive, Jonathan was Director of Policy at the LGIU, where he led on research and consultancy, policy development and piloting, best practice dissemination, learning and development. Before joining the LGIU, he was Deputy Programme Director and Acting Head of Programme at the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Commerce and Manufactures), where he developed and managed projects across a range of issues, including environmental policy, water and sanitation infrastructure, offender learning and rehabilitation, community cohesion, education, arts and drug treatment.

2026 People Claire Trickett Read More Jonathan Stephenson Read More Ashley John-Baptiste Read More Ted Twaalfhoven Read More Paul Brace Read More Robin Tuddenham Read More Alison McCullagh Read More Emma Palmer Read More Madaline Hoskin Read More Nicola Monk Read More Laurence Allen Read More Kurtis Toy Read More Samantha Allen Read More Greg Campbell Read More Victoria Derbyshire Read More Andrew Lewis Read More John Curtice Read More Susanne Millar Read More Sue Featherstone Read More Dr Jonathan Carr-West Read More Pam Smith Read More Jonathan Werran Read More Emma Foy Read More Alison Barker Read More Ben Dyson Read More Kath O'Dwyer Read More Vijay Rangarjan Read More

Our dedicated site for Solace's flagship event for local government & public sector professionals, the Solace Summit. 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. 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. 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. View All Speakers Claire Trickett Workforce and Organisational Development Consultant Nicola Monk Divisional CEO, Commercial Services Group Sue Featherstone Solace Associate & Director, Developing Success Jonathan Stephenson Joint Chief Executive, Brentwood Borough Council & Rochford District Council Laurence Allen Director UK, Engage Process Dr Jonathan Carr-West Chief Executive, LGIU 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 Founder & CEO, Enable Process 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 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 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 1 ... 1 2 ... 2 LIVERPOOL 2026 Don't miss the future of local government.

Speakers 2026 Claire Trickett Workforce and Organisational Development Consultant Read more Nicola Monk Divisional CEO, Commercial Services Group Read more Sue Featherstone Solace Associate & Director, Developing Success Read more Jonathan Stephenson Joint Chief Executive, Brentwood Borough Council & Rochford District Council Read more Laurence Allen Director UK, Engage Process Read more Dr Jonathan Carr-West Chief Executive, LGIU Read more Ashley John-Baptiste Broadcaster and Journalist Read more Kurtis Toy Chief Executive, Cyber Centre of Excellence Read more Pam Smith Chief Executive, Newcastle City Council & Policy Lead for Economic Prosperity Read more Ted Twaalfhoven Founder & CEO, Enable Process Read more Samantha Allen Chief Executive of the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board Read more Jonathan Werran Chief Executive, Localis Read more Paul Brace Director of Communities and Health, at Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council Read more Greg Campbell Strategic Director, Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council Read more Emma Foy Industry Lead for Local Government, TechnologyOne Read more Robin Tuddenham Solace President and Chief Executive of Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council Read more Victoria Derbyshire Journalist and Topical News Reporter, BBC Read more Alison Barker Chief Executive, North Lincolnshire Council & Deputy Policy Lead for Health & Social Care Read more Alison McCullagh Chief Executive, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Northern Ireland Read more Andrew Lewis Chief Executive, Liverpool City Council Read more Ben Dyson Director, Adult Social Care Strategy, Funding & Integrated Care, Department of Health and Social Care Read more Emma Palmer Chief Execuive, Powys County Council, Wales Read more John Curtice Professor of Politics, Strathclyde University, Scotland Read more Kath O'Dwyer Solace Group Board Chair Read more Madaline Hoskin Chief Technology Officer, North Yorkshire Council Read more Susanne Millar Chief Executive, Glasgow City Council, Scotland Read more Vijay Rangarjan Chief Executive, The Electoral Commission Read more

2026 Day 2 09:15–10:00 Galleria Registration | All Delegates Break 09:15–10:00 Exhibition Exhibition and Refreshments Break 09:25–09:35 Showcasing Stockport: From Consultation to Co-Creation: How Equality and Community Networks Are Driving Better Local Outcomes Innovation Zone Showcase View Session 09:40–09:50 Showcasing Amplify Cohort 5: Organisational Change & Equity: From Intent to Impact Innovation Zone Showcase View Session 09:30–09:40 Support Session 8: Coming Soon Solace LGR Support Support Session View Session 09:45–09:55 Support Session 9: Coming Soon Solace LGR Support Support Session View Session 10:00–11:00 Main Plenary Beyond Barriers: Authentic Women’s Leadership in Local Government Panel Session View Session Speakers: Alison McCullagh, Chief Executive, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Northern Ireland Emma Palmer, Chief Execuive, Powys County Council, Wales Susanne Millar, Chief Executive, Glasgow City Council, Scotland 11:00–11:30 Exhibition Refreshments Break 11:10–11:20 Showcasing Barnsley: Health on the High Street - putting health at the heart of rejuvenating Barnsley town centre. Innovation Zone Showcase View Session 11:10–11:20 Support Session 10: Coming Soon Solace LGR Support Support Session View Session 11:30–12:30 Breakout 6: Coming Soon Main Plenary 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 Leading with control: AI, LGR, and the path to high-quality services in times of change South West 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 11:30–12:30 Breakout 10: Coming Soon North East Breakout View Session 12:30–13:30 Lunch and Exhibition Exhibition Break 12:45–12:55 Showcasing Stockport: From Consultation to Co-Creation: How Equality and Community Networks Are Driving Better Local Outcomes Innovation Zone Showcase View Session 12:45–12:55 Support Session 11: Coming Soon Solace LGR Support Support Session View Session 13:00–13:10 Showcasing Barnsley: Health on the High Street - putting health at the heart of rejuvenating Barnsley town centre. Innovation Zone Showcase View Session 13:00–13:10 Support Session 12: Coming Soon Solace LGR Support Support Session View Session 13:15–13:25 Showcasing Amplify Cohort 5: Organisational Change & Equity: From Intent to Impact Innovation Zone Showcase View Session 13:15–13:25 Support Session 13: Coming Soon Solace LGR Support Support Session View Session 13:30–14:30 Main Plenary More information coming soon. Keynote View Session More information to follow. 14:30–14:45 Main Plenary President's Closing Speech Keynote Speakers: Robin Tuddenham, Solace President and Chief Executive of Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council

Breakout 15:30–16:30 Breakout: Beyond the Tipping Point: How do we make change happen in local government? South East Previous The Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) and Commercial Services Group will jointly present an insight led session that deliberately moves beyond diagnosing the challenges facing local government to focus on the more difficult question: how do we actually make change happen? We have been working with chief executives and senior leaders across local government and the wider public sector to explore the major “mega trends” shaping the next 3, 5 and 10 years. These include demographic and fiscal pressure, declining trust in public institutions, rapid technological disruption, workforce strain and changing expectations of place-based leadership. None of these are new. Leaders recognise them instinctively, and many have been managing their effects for years. This session aims to bring together leaders with their diverse experiences and give them space to share and collaborate on what is happening in their areas and communities. Attendees will leave with new insights, examples of successful change and a greater awareness of the impact of these mega trends on the future of leadership in local government. Next

2026 Day 1 08:00–09:30 Liverpool – A City built on Heritage, Culture and Innovation TBC Optional Walking Study Tour View Session 08:00–09:30 Liverpool’s Regen Story TBC 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 Showcasing Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council: The Trojan Horse of Leadership Development Innovation Zone Showcase View Session 09:50–10:00 Support Session 1: Coming Soon Solace LGR Support Support Session View Session 10:10–10:20 Showcasing Brighton & Hove: The Learning Organisation – being creative and innovative Innovation Zone Showcase View Session 10:10–10:20 Support Session 2: Coming Soon Solace LGR Support Support Session View Session 10:30 Conference Commences Main Plenary 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 More information coming soon. Main Plenary Keynote View Session 11:45–12:45 Local Choices, National Consequences: What May’s Elections Tell Us About Britain’s Democratic Future Main Plenary Keynote View Session Speakers: Sir John Curtice, British political scientist and professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde Vijay Rangarjan, Chief Executive, The Electoral Commission 12:45–14:00 Lunch and Exhibition Exhibition Break 13:00–13:10 Showcasing Amplify Cohort 5: Organisational Change & Equity: From Intent to Impact Innovation Zone Showcase View Session 13:15–13:25 Showcasing Brighton & Hove: The Learning Organisation – being diverse and inclusive Innovation Zone Showcase View Session 13:30–13:40 Showcasing Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council: The Trojan Horse of Leadership Development Innovation Zone Showcase View Session 13:45–13:55 Showcase 6: Coming Soon Innovation Zone Showcase View Session 13:00–13:10 Support Session 3: Coming Soon Solace LGR Support Support Session View Session 13:15–13:25 Support Session 4: Coming Soon Solace LGR Support Support Session View Session 13:30–13:40 Support Session 5: Coming Soon Solace LGR Support Support Session View Session 13:45–13:55 Support Session 6: Coming Soon TBC Support Session 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 of North Lincolnshire Council and Solace Deputy Policy Lead for Health and Social Care Ben Dyson, Director for Adult Social Care Strategy, Funding & Integrated Care at DHSC Sam Allen CBE, Chief Executive of the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board View Session 14:00–15:00 East Stage Sub Plenary Economy Speakers: View Session 15:00–15:30 Exhibition Exhibition Break 15:10–15:20 Innovation Zone Showcase View Session Showcasing Amplify Cohort 5: Organisational Change & Equity: From Intent to Impact 15:10–15:20 Solace LGR Support Support Session View Session Support Session 7: Coming Soon 15:30–16:30 Breakout: Past Safe & Legal to Real Transitional Benefits Main Plenary Breakout View Session 15:30–16:30 Breakout 2: Coming Soon North West Breakout View Session 15:30–16:30 Breakout: Beyond the Tipping Point: How do we make change happen in local government? South East Breakout View Session 15:30–16:30 Breakout: Connected Devolution: Implications for Local Government Leadership North East Breakout View Session 15:30–16:30 Breakout 5: Coming Soon North West Breakout View Session 16:30–17:30 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