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All Speakers Kersten England CBE Chair, The Young Foundation; Director of Engagement, Bradford 2025, Yorkshire Universities An experienced executive and non executive leader, Kersten has been Chair of The Young Foundation since September 2022. Passionate about building community, social justice, equality, diversity and healthy democratic practice, her career over four decades has included work in the voluntary and community sector, higher education, central government and more than 30 years in local government. Between 2009 and 2023 she was a local authority Chief Executive, initially in York for six years and latterly eight years for the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council. Kersten’s current portfolio of work includes: Chair of the Bradford Culture Company, which will deliver the programme for Bradford’s year as the UK City of Culture in 2025; Trustee of the National Literacy Trust; a consultant for the Association of Local Authority Chief Executives; Co-Director of the Yorkshire Policy Innovation Partnership; and she is a lay canon of Bradford Cathedral. Previously, Kersten was a Trustee of Nesta, a member of the Archbishop of York’s symposium on social and economic affairs, and the President of the Society of Metropolitan Chief Executives. Kersten was awarded a CBE in the 2019 New Years Honours for her contribution to the communities and economy of the Bradford District. Thursday 16 October 2025 15:45–16:25 Public Collaborations: What are they for? Who does all the work? How long do they last? And who really benefits? Pearl Suite, Royal Armouries Go to session

All Speakers Kate Hurr Assistant Director, Digital Innovation and ICT, Cumberland Council Kate is a nationally recognised leader in local government digital transformation. She currently holds the position of Assistant Director for Digital Innovation and ICT at Cumberland Council where she is overseeing a complex technology change programme, navigating the challenges associated with local government reorganisation, ensuring a smooth transition from legacy authorities and the successful implementation of new technology strategies. With more than 20 years of experience in local government, Kate has played a pivotal role in delivering high-profile digital transformation programmes. Innovation is at the core of Kate’s approach. She leads teams that are harnessing emerging technologies, including robotic process automation, low-code platforms, and intelligent automation. Kate’s leadership was instrumental in Cumbria’s successful bid to host the nationally funded LocalGov Drupal website project. A passionate advocate for inclusive service design, cross-sector collaboration, and nurturing future technology leaders, Kate continues to champion transformation efforts that deliver improved outcomes for local communities and staff alike. Thursday 16 October 2025 15:00–15:40 Navigating Local Government Reform: Lessons from the Digital Frontline of Devolution Pearl Suite, Royal Armouries Go to session

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< All sponsors LGC Stand 17 www.lgcplus.com Local Government Chronicle (LGC) is the leading publication for senior officers like you, working in local government. Through our daily news bulletins, the LGC Briefing , podcast and monthly print magazine provides you with the insight and intelligence councils need to improve services and navigate turbulent political times. A subscription offers you the following and more: Insight into the latest policy and financial developments at a time when uncertainty and budget pressures mean councils need every assistance they can get Cutting-edge analysis and thought leadership, built on unrivalled contacts within councils, government, and business, allowing us to pass on vital intelligence helping you plan ahead Learning from best practice by visiting the LGC Idea Exchange where local authorities share information about successful initiatives Visit the LGC stand and pick up a copy of the 2024 Council Control Map.

Alison Mckenzie-Folan Solace Policy Lead and Chief Executive, Wigan Metropolitain Borough Council < Speakers < Previous Next > Alison Mckenzie-Folan Solace Policy Lead and Chief Executive, Wigan Metropolitain Borough Council Wigan Metropolitain Borough Council & Solace Alison is Chief Executive at Wigan Council having worked in Local Government for the last twelve years and previously in the Civil Service for twenty years. Alison is also the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) lead Chief Executive for Culture. Alison is passionate about public services and determined to make a difference for residents and communities. She is dedicated to inspiring the next female generation and committed to collaboration, innovation and technology. She is a Board Member of Solace (Society… Show More

Jo PittLocal Government Policy Manager < Speakers < Previous Next > Jo Pitt Local Government Policy Manager CIPFA Joanne Pitt is an experienced local government adviser and has 25 years of public sector experience. She was responsible for the delivery of the CIPFA Financial Management Code and is an advocate of strong financial management and good governance. She is a national speaker and author of numerous publications on topics such as government funding, housing and financial sustainability.  Through her work with CFOs across the country she supports local government improvement and reform using data analysis and strong evidence-based… Show More

All Speakers Gareth Fairweather Senior Leader, Urban and Regional, Arup Gareth is a senior leader in urban and regional development, transport strategy, infrastructure investment, and governance. His background in town planning, transport-led regeneration and placemaking sees him take an outcomes and systems-led approach his work, supporting clients position infrastructure and investments as enablers of wider change. He has a sharp focus on good governance, collaboration and structured partnership working, bringing a strong understanding of the opportunities presented through devolution. Thursday 16 October 2025 15:45–16:25 Delivering Together: How Local Authorities and Strategic Authorities Are Jointly Driving Place-Based Transformational Growth Hall B, Royal Armouries Go to session

Denise McGuckinManaging Director at Hartlepool Borough Council and Civil & Community Resilience Policy Lead at Solace < Speakers < Previous Next > Denise McGuckin Managing Director at Hartlepool Borough Council and Civil & Community Resilience Policy Lead at Solace Denise has over 27 years’ experience in Local Government, all with Hartlepool Borough Council. She has had various roles include Environmental Services Manager, Neighbourhood Manager, Community Safety Partnership lead, Assistant Director for Environment and Neighbourhoods, Director for Regeneration and Neighbourhoods. Prior to this she worked in the private sector in hospitality.

All Speakers Lee Goodenough Executive Director, Harmony Fire Lee Goodenough, Executive Director at Harmony Fire, has been instrumental in shaping the framework now transforming safety across the UK. With a proven track record of leadership and innovation, Lee drives change that ensures compliance, strengthens resilience, and raises safety standards, influencing the way organisations and communities protect people nationwide. Thursday 16 October 2025 15:00–15:40 Life Safety First: Turning Risk into Assurance Hall B, Royal Armouries Go to session

Amy HarhoffSolace Deputy Policy Lead for Economic Prosperity & Corporate Director Regeneration Economy & Growth < Speakers < Previous Next > Amy Harhoff Solace Deputy Policy Lead for Economic Prosperity & Corporate Director Regeneration Economy & Growth Durham County Council Amy is Corporate Director of Regeneration and Growth for Durham County Council, one of the largest local authorities in the UK. Amy has previously held senior roles in local government in two large metropolitan authorities in the West Midlands and Sheffield City Region, passionate about communities and our potential for growth, Amy has also held senior roles for Transport for the North, Sheffield City Region and Transport for Greater Manchester. Amy has a breadth of experience in delivering major investments,… Show More

Louise SunderlandPartner Local & Devolved Government < Speakers < Previous Next > Louise Sunderland Partner Local & Devolved Government EY Louise is the Partner leading EY Local and Devolved Government practice. Louise brings over 20 years experience operating at a senior level both across the public sector and professional services. Louise has worked across regional and local government and has deep experience across economic development and regeneration; skills; devolution; local government reform; inclusive growth. Louise has held positions as a Senior Civil Servant- managing large operational teams and delivering change across reform, shared services, technology Louise specialises in delivering sustainable change and impact in public services… Show More

Mark HepworthCo-Founder & PBII Lead < Speakers < Previous Next > Mark Hepworth Co-Founder & PBII Lead The Good Economy Mark Hepworth is the co-Founder of The Good Economy and leads the firm’s place-based impact investing work. He is a multidisciplinary economist and entrepreneur whose international career spans academia, public policy and business consulting. Mark’s work over 40 years has focused on innovation and new paradigms for economic development. He also directs The Good Economy's research and policy work on inclusive and sustainable development. Radical innovation as a driver of economic and social change across cities, regions and countries has… Show More