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< Back Previous Business Partner Cardo Group https://cardogroup.co.uk Cardo Group is a national contractor delivering essential works across the UK and Ireland. We operate at scale, supporting clients across the public, private and secure-estate sectors. Our work is structured around four core workstreams: Responsive Repairs & Voids, Planned Works & Capital Refurbishment, Energy Efficiency & Retrofit, and Compliance Services. Through a combination of targeted acquisitions and continued organic growth, our aim is straightforward – to build a modern, well-governed organisation recognised as one of the leading contractors serving public, private and secure estates. We deliver nationally but with a local mindset, keeping close to the communities we serve and to the clients who trust us to deliver safely, consistently and well. Our structure gives us the capacity of a national organisation, supported by locally based teams who understand the areas in which they work. Our success is driven by experienced, competent, and highly skilled teams who deliver services in full alignment with current legislation and industry best practice. This is underpinned by rigorous governance processes that ensure consistently high standards, quality assurance, and customer satisfaction across all areas of delivery. Next

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

All Speakers Nazeya Hussain Solace Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Nazeya has worked in Local Government for over twenty-five years and is currently an Executive Director of Place in London. She specialises in urban regeneration and development. Her work continues to focus on how we design places and services to improve life chances for those who are marginalised and often not heard. She has a passion for enhancing community engagement and the needs to shift to more integrated forms of co-design and collaboration within communities. She has also held several non-executive roles including within an NHS Acute Trust and currently sits on the Solace Board as spokesperson on Equality Diversity and Inclusion. She is challenging the sector to develop new approaches to attracting and retaining a more diverse pool of talent that equips us to meet the future needs of the sector. Her successful podcast ‘Stories from Local Government’ features prominent leaders across the sector with the aim to celebrating public services and highlighting the amazing work that is done day in and day out across the country with the aim of inspiring more people to pursue a career in Local Government. She continues to use her experience and voice on issues of leadership, reform and diversity in public life. Thursday 16 October 2025 11:35–12:15 Equity and Purpose – Progress, Possibility and the Path Ahead Main Stage, New Dock Hall Go to session

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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

< Back Previous Exhibitor, Sponsor Harmony Fire https://harmonyfire.com Stand 14 Harmony Fire is the market-leading life safety engineering consultancy, enhanced with in-house construction and manufacturing capabilities. Next

Keynote 10:55–11:45 Stronger Standards, Stronger Leadership, Stronger Places Main Stage Victoria Derbyshire, Journalist and BBC Topical News Presenter Read More Kath O'Dwyer, Solace Group Board Chair Read More Cllr Hannah Dalton, Leader, Epsom and Ewell Borough Council Read More Rachel Mckoy, Executive Director, Association of Monitoring Officers (AMO) Read More Previous The launch of the final report from the Solace Commission on Professional Standards and Ethics marks the culmination of a year-long review into the ethical and cultural challenges facing local government. Established in response to concerns raised by Solace members, the Commission has examined the impact of poor behaviour, bullying, harassment and the absence of effective mechanisms to address misconduct. Against a backdrop of growing calls for reform and renewed Government interest in strengthening the standards regime, this session will explore the Commission's findings and recommendations for creating healthier organisational cultures, strengthening accountability, and restoring public confidence in local democracy. Join the Commission's members and contributors to its evidence gathering as they discuss why standards and ethical leadership matter now more than ever, what needs to change, and what support is on offer. Next

< Back Previous Org Brighton and Hove City Council https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/ Next

< Back Previous Business Partner Government Commercial Agency https://www.gca.gov.uk/ Government Commercial Agency (GCA) connects public and private sectors to achieve the best commercial and procurement outcomes for the UK and its citizens. We are the UK’s central commercial and procurement organisation. Our customers are government departments, public and third sector organisations. We place our customers at the heart of everything we do. Combining our expertise with data helps us understand their unique challenges. By creating a simpler, better procurement experience, we empower them to redirect valuable resources towards essential public services. We use our deep commercial expertise to guide over 20,000 customers to best value – from locum doctors and laptops, to emergency service vehicles and electricity. Our extensive industry knowledge ensures we maintain resilient, diverse supply chains that strengthen our economy and society. For suppliers, GCA is a gateway to the UK public sector. Businesses of all sizes are vital to our economy. By harnessing supplier expertise, we create innovative solutions that benefit communities across the nation and support government missions and policy objectives. Our ambition is to be a world class, national commercial and procurement organisation and the preferred choice for customers and suppliers. We are motivated by the opportunity to make a positive difference and set the standard for quality and integrity in public procurement. Using our scale and unique position, we create meaningful impact across the UK. We call this value for the nation. Next

Devolution and LGR Zone 15:10–15:20 Devolution and LGR Drop-in with Solace Associates, Georgia Turner and Ian Bancroft Rewiring the State Georgia Turner, Solace Associate Read More Previous Drop in for an informal conversation about devolution and local government reorganisation with the Solace team and associates. Next

Breakout 15:30–16:30 Breakout: Transition vs. Transformation: What Successful Organisations do Differently North East Kath O'Dwyer, Solace Group Board Chair Read More Nick Kennell, Partner, Gate One Read More Mark Lloyd CBE, Executive Director, IMPOWER; Non-Executive Director HMPPS Read More Kathryn Rees, Executive Director, Corporate and Support Services, Stockport Council Read More Previous Drawing on practical experience from large-scale public sector change, this session explores how organisations maintain momentum through prolonged periods of transition, balance transformation with financial and service pressures, and avoid common pitfalls while delivering lasting change. Next

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