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Previous Next Ashley John-Baptiste Broadcaster and Journalist There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to broadcaster and journalist, Ashley John-Baptiste . From a challenging upbringing to a thriving media career, and even a stint on ITV’s The X-Factor, Ashley has overcome the adversity he was born into, and now uses his platform to advocate for change. A champion of equal opportunity, Ashley’s reporting roles have often seen him speak on society's underdogs, and if he’s not acting as an experienced host at events, he’s sharing a compelling and motivational speech. Backed by first-hand experience in beating the odds to reach success, Ashley equips his audiences with the tools to triumph and inspires each guest he meets. Best recognised for his roles as a reporter and journalist, Ashley’s media career began with him fronting the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire programme, where he covered all manner of diverse issues including racism, bullying, and the Grenfell Disaster. Fast-forward a decade and Ashley is a regular contributor to The One Show, BBC News and has co-presented numerous series of For Love or Money. With such a down to earth and relatable character, Ashley has experienced huge popularity on-screen as he resonates with viewers and shares real-life stories like ‘My Life Without Skin’ with integrity and empathy. Having been taken into care at the age of two, Ashley’s future seemed to have been written for him, if the damning statistics of children in the system, were anything to go by. Undeterred by the cards he had dealt, Ashley thrived in school, gained the backing of his local MP and secured a place at the prestigious University of Cambridge, against all odds. Tackling life and his ambitions in a truly inspirational manner, at speaking engagements, Ashley elaborates on how he persevered despite adversity and champions others in replicating his success. Equally aware of his privileged position now, Ashley is an avid campaigner for changes to fostering laws and equality in opportunity. Ashley John-Baptiste is represented and hired via the Champions Speakers Agency 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 Chair: Robin Tuddenham , Solace President and Chief Executive of Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council Speaker: Ashley John-Baptiste , Broadcaster and Journalist

Ringo CheungProgramme Manager - Transport Partnerships - Delivering Capital Infrastructure Projects < Speakers < Previous Next > Ringo Cheung Programme Manager - Transport Partnerships - Delivering Capital Infrastructure Projects West Yorkshire Combined Authority I have 18 years of management experience with a focus on inclusive leadership. Throughout my career, I have developed skills in communication, staff development, humility, and courage, all to deliver results. I am passionate about creating environments where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. Currently, I am taking part in the Solace Amplify Diverse Leadership course to develop my skills for higher-level responsibilities. I believe that continuous learning is essential in today’s ever-changing world. This course… Show More

Showcase Zone 15:10–15:20 Amplify Cohort 5: Organisational Change and Equity: Beyond Rhetoric Rewiring the State Ododo Ediagbonya, Senior Manager, Portfolio Office, Greater London Authority Read More Sudeshna Banerjee, Data and Insight Manager, Wokingham Borough Council Read More Previous Topic: Unconscious or Implicit Bias Join Ododo and Sudeshna for a conversation about unconscious and socio-economic bias, and the subtle ways background, circumstances and social standing can shape trust, judgement and opportunity. We will explore whose confidence reassures us, whose voice carries weight, who gets the benefit of the doubt and what we may be rewarding without realising it. Next

Gavin JonesChief Executive < Speakers < Previous Next > Gavin Jones Chief Executive Essex County Council & Solace Chair Gavin has been a local authority CEO for over 12 years, initially at Swindon and latterly at Essex County Council. The first half of Gavin’s career was in a variety of private organisations and market sectors. In 2004 he left SITA International (Airline telecommunications company) serving as Vice President Marketing and Customer Services, to join Swindon Borough Council, his home town. Gavin was listed as one of the top 50 New Radicals in the Sunday Observer’s national campaign for Britain’s… Show More

Kathryn ReesExecutive Director for Corporate and Support Services < Speakers < Previous Next > Kathryn Rees Executive Director for Corporate and Support Services Stockport Council Kathryn has extensive experience of leading transformation and change in Local Government through several roles in Stockport and Wigan Council. She is passionate about improving the lives of people and communities. Kathryn is currently the Executive Director for Corporate and Support Services in Stockport Council, where she has responsibility for strategy, digital, communications, workforce, finance, legal and community engagement. She is also leading the development of Stockroom, a project to transform vacant retail units into a new innovative space for… Show More

Liz McQueLeadership and Organisational Development Support Facilitator < Speakers < Previous Next > Liz McQue Leadership and Organisational Development Support Facilitator Solace Associate Liz is an experienced public service leader who has worked at chief executive level for over 10 years. Liz has operated as a strategic leader supporting public service organisations representing the interests of local authorities as employers, working with partners to improve outcomes for communities. Much of Liz’s time is spent working with groups facilitating large events involving different partners and smaller team events for senior managers, board members and local politicians. Liz has worked on European projects with senior… Show More

Break 12:45–14:00 Lunch and Exhibition Exhibition Previous More information to follow. Next

< Back Previous Org, Exhibitor, Breakout, Sponsor Commercial Services Group https://commercialservicesgroup.com/ Stand 18 Commercial Services Group is owned by the public sector, for the public sector. We collaborate with local authorities nationwide to help people live, learn and thrive. From energy and environment to procurement, talent, and education, we deliver sustainable solutions that strengthen communities and maximise social impact in challenging times. Next

Devolution and LGR Zone 11:10–11:20 The Human Impact of LGR Rewiring the State Previous The Human Impact of LGR with Paul Robinson, Strategic Director for LGR, Nottinghamshire County Council. Next

Welcome 10:30–10:40 Liverpool Welcome Main Stage Andrew Lewis, Chief Executive, Liverpool City Council Read More Previous More information to follow. Next

Showcase Zone 13:00–13:10 Amplify Cohort 5: Organisational Change and Equity: Beyond Rhetoric Rewiring the State 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 Previous Topic: Lost Voices Join Bev and Paul for an interactive conversation exploring whose voices are heard during times of organisational change and whose perspectives may be unintentionally missed. Drawing on personal leadership experiences and audience reflection, they will examine how decision-making, transformation and competing organisational pressures can leave some voices unheard. Because meaningful change is not just about making decisions; it is about creating the conditions for people to be heard, valued and involved in shaping the changes that affect them most. Next

Breakout 15:30–16:30 Breakout: Future Places: Turning Devolution Ambition Into Delivery South West Marcus Richards, Partner, Strategy and Transactions, EY Read More Philip Dobson, Partner, Strategy and Transactions, EY Read More Previous Devolution is entering a new phase. Combined and local authorities have greater responsibility for shaping growth, attracting investment and reforming public services, but against a backdrop of constrained resources, rising demand, economic and geopolitical volatility and increasing expectations of what places must deliver. So what will distinguish the places that succeed? This interactive session will explore the characteristics of the Future Place and the choices leaders need to make now to turn ambition into tangible outcomes. Drawing on EY’s work with places across the UK and globally, we will explore four interconnected questions: How places become genuinely investable, translating ambition into propositions capable of attracting capital; How they identify and accelerate their distinctive sources of growth; How public services can become more integrated and productive; and, How data, technology and AI can create more intelligent places. This will be a collaborative session where together, we’ll test what these ideas mean in practice, explore the barriers currently preventing places from moving at pace, and identify the interventions, partnerships and capabilities that could make the greatest difference. Join us to help shape the conversation about what the next generation of place leadership looks like, and how we move from ambition to delivery. Next