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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. 15:30–16:30 South East Breakout: Beyond the Tipping Point: How do we Actually Make Long Term Change Happen Breakout View Session Speakers: Nicola Monk , Divisional CEO, Commercial Services Group Dr Jonathan Carr-West , Chief Executive, LGIU

Previous Next Kurtis Toy Chief Executive, Cyber Centre of Excellence (iESE) Kurtis Toy is a Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) and CEO of Onca Technologies Ltd who has also been appointed as the CEO of the CCoE. After gaining an MSc in Biology, Kurtis worked for an oil servicing company where he ended up working in IT. He became responsible for the IT and information security in the company, leading to him becoming Global IT Coordinator. He then gained an additional MSc in Information Technology, next becoming Global IT Team Leader, which included responsibility for cyber security, before moving to Onca Technologies full time, which he established in 2016. Further qualifications Kurtis has since gained include becoming a GDPR Foundation and Practitioner (Data Protection Officer), ISO 9001 Internal Auditor training and ISO 27001 Lead Implementor. He is also a CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional). He describes the CCoE as giving local authorities access to an umbrella of protection akin to a “validated Google of cyber security knowledge”. 11:30–12:30 North West Breakout: Cyber Resilience in Transition: Securing Public Services Through Reorganisation and Digital Disruption Breakout View Session Speaker: Kurtis Toy , Chief Executive, Cyber Centre of Excellence

Jamie OunanCo-Founder and Executive Chairman < Speakers < Previous Next > Jamie Ounan Co-Founder and Executive Chairman Inner Circle Consulting Jamie Ounan is the Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Inner Circle Consulting, where he has played a pivotal role in delivering transformative regeneration projects across East London. From the 2012 Olympics and Crossrail to local estate renewal and community-led cultural initiatives, Jamie has spent over a decade driving change in some of the UK’s most complex urban environments. With a background spanning city planning, economic growth, and infrastructure, Jamie transitioned to service design and system transformation, helping local leaders achieve… Show More

Simon AllsopManaging Consultant < Speakers < Previous Next > Simon Allsop Managing Consultant CIPFA Simon Allsop is a CIPFA qualified accountant and a Managing Consultant with CIPFA. He was previously the joint Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) for both Derbyshire Police and Fire. He has 30 years of experience working with and in a range of public-sector bodies mainly local government, fire and police. He has extensive experience of audit and advisory work as a former senior manager in KPMG’s public sector audit and advisory team working with the NAO and Audit Commission,… Show More

Barry Quirk CBESpecial Advisor < Speakers < Previous Next > Barry Quirk CBE Special Advisor LGA, and to PwC’s public sector practice Barry is an advisor to local government on governance, management and strategy. In October 2022, he completed a 45 year service record in London’s local government. This was mostly as a chief executive: first at Lewisham (1993-2017), and then at RB Kensington and Chelsea (2017-2022). He has worked in every form of governance and has deep experience of both service and democratic innovation. He has a PhD in the political and social geography of public policy. His 2013… Show More

All Speakers John Clarke Head of Client Solution – Healthcare, Netcall John Clarke is Head of Client Solution – Healthcare at Netcall, leading strategy and partnerships across the NHS and wider health sector. A former Chief Information Officer with over two decades’ board-level experience, he is recognised for driving innovation in patient engagement, data-led decision making, and technology-enabled service redesign. Passionate about aligning local power with national ambition, John works with leaders across health and care to help deliver the 10-Year Health Strategy through more efficient, collaborative, and patient-focused services. Thursday 16 October 2025 14:15–14:55 Local Power, National Plan: Delivering the 10-Year Health Strategy Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries Go to session

Sara ToddChief Executive < Speakers < Previous Next > Sara Todd Chief Executive Trafford Council Sara is the Chief Executive of Trafford Council, a role she took up in 2019. She is a Mancunian and a planner by trade having studied at the University of Manchester. She is also the NHS Greater Manchester (GM) Place Lead for Trafford as part of GM’s Integrated Care System arrangements, as well as being Lead Chief Executive for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) portfolio for Education, Work and Skills. Sara has over 30 years of local government… Show More

David SharmanCountywide Climate Change Coordinator, Climate Leadership < Speakers < Previous Next > David Sharman Countywide Climate Change Coordinator, Climate Leadership Gloucester City Council David is Countywide Climate Change Coordinator for Gloucestershire, helping to develop and progress a unique public sector climate partnership between the County Council, six Districts, the NHS ICB, the Constabulary, and the Local Nature Partnership. Recent shared action that David’s coordinated includes a countywide retrofit support service, collaborative coordination of in-county green skills, and the development of local area energy planning. Prior to working in local government David spent his career working in sustainability and climate change; with over a… Show More

Leigh Bowman-PerksCEO < Speakers < Previous Next > Leigh Bowman-Perks CEO Inspiring Leadership Foundation Leigh is a researcher and author of ‘Inspiring Women Leaders’ and forthcoming book ‘Inspiring Leadership & Toxic Turnarounds’, an international speaker, executive coach and facilitator. As a businesswoman and CEO of a charity that aims to improve the economic empowerment and safety of vulnerable women and children, she understands the challenges of leading teams and running a complex international organisation. She has made it her mission in life to develop more inspiring leaders globally, helping to change the landscape so… Show More

Previous Next Sudeshna Banerjee Data and Insight Manager, Wokingham Borough Council Sudeshna Banerjee is a Data & Insight Manager with over 15 years’ experience in local government, specialising in Children’s Services across education, SEND, social care, performance management and strategic intelligence. She leads teams that transform complex data into meaningful insight, helping leaders move from information to informed action and improve outcomes for children, young people and families. With an early career in teaching Mathematics to secondary school and undergraduate students, Sudeshna’s journey has evolved across business intelligence, performance and service leadership. At Wokingham Borough Council, she has played a key role in developing evidence-led approaches to performance improvement, cross-service data integration - using data as a catalyst to challenge assumptions, encourage curiosity, reveal inequalities and help turn intent into impact. Sudeshna is a strong advocate for authentic and inclusive leadership. Her leadership journey has been shaped by resilience, empathy and lifelong learning in creating environments where people feel valued, heard and empowered to contribute. Through mentoring, collaboration and reflective practice, she champions approaches that connect people, evidence and lived experiences. Alongside her professional role, Sudeshna is a charity trustee and actively involved in cultural and community initiatives that create opportunities for children and people of all ages. This connection to community life keeps her grounded in the realities behind the data and strengthens her commitment to support meaningful change that improves people’s everyday experiences. 15:10–15:20 Rewiring the State Amplify Cohort 5: Organisational Change and Equity: Beyond Rhetoric Showcase View Session Ododo Ediagbonya , Programme Manager, Greater London Authority Sudeshna Banerjee , Data and Insight Manager, Wokingham Borough Council

Previous Next Jessica Mullinger Executive Director of Sector Support, Solace in Business Jessica Mullinger is Executive Director of Sector Support at Solace in Business, leading specialist recruitment, interim management and consultancy services across the public sector. With more than 20 years’ experience in executive resourcing and leadership, she works closely with local government and public service organisations to support transformation, capacity and leadership challenges. 11:30–12:30 Main Stage Breakout: Ensuring success whilst Surviving LGR: Lived Experiences of Delivering Major Transformation Breakout View Session Speakers: Jessica Mullinger , Executive Director of Sector Support, Solace in Business (Co-chair) Simon Allsop , Delivery Director, CIPFA (Co-chair) Dr David Parr OBE , Former Chief Executive, Halton Borough Council Paul Robinson , Strategic Director for LGR, Nottinghamshire County Council

Trudy BirtwellDirector of Learning < Speakers < Previous Next > Trudy Birtwell Director of Learning Solace Trudy has been Director of Learning at Solace since 2011, leading their partnership work with MHCLG, LGA, INLOGOV, Collaborate and PPMA. Key areas of responsibility include: Solace Ignite programme, Total Leadership, Springboard and National Graduate and Apprenticeship programmes . A professional HR/OD practitioner with over 20 years' experience of working at board and executive level, she is a strong leader, able to inspire and motivate individuals and multidisciplinary teams. Trudy has a passion for getting the best out of… Show More