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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

Dr Khadija OwusuAward-winning Leader, International Speaker and Junior Doctor < Speakers < Previous Next > Dr Khadija Owusu Award-winning Leader, International Speaker and Junior Doctor Dr Khadija Owusu is an award-winning Leader, International Speaker and Junior Doctor. She is the Founder of AKAYA, Director of Programmes at Melanin Medics, Equality and Diversity Board Member at Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School, Ambassador at GUBA-Enterprise and Trustee. Khadija is a change agent, a voice for thousands of Black and Ethnic minority aspiring medics, medical students and doctors as she works to tackle issues on equality, diversity, and inclusion. She also has special interests in female empowerment and global health; impacting the lives of thousands… Show More

Previous Next Ododo Ediagbonya Senior Manager, Portfolio Office, Greater London Authority Ododo Ediagbonya is a public sector leader whose career has focused on turning ambitious ideas into practical results across organisational boundaries. At the Greater London Authority, she leads a diverse portfolio within London's adult skills and employment landscape, focused on delivering results for those who need it most. With over 12 years' experience across local and regional government, including roles at the London Borough of Waltham Forest and City of London Corporation, Ododo has led programmes spanning transformation, implementation, governance and organisational improvement. She is particularly interested in what helps public institutions work well together, build capability and deliver change that lasts. Ododo leads with curiosity, collaboration and care. Alongside her role at the GLA, she is an Associate Board Member at the Professional Standards Authority, which oversees the UK's health and social care regulators, and serves as an usher at her local church. 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

Matt ProsserChief Executive, Dorset Council & Solace President < Speakers < Previous Next > Matt Prosser Chief Executive, Dorset Council & Solace President Dorset Council Matt Prosser has worked in local government for over twenty eight years, and was Chief Executive of the ground breaking Dorset Councils Partnership serving; North Dorset District Council, West Dorset District Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council before taking up his current post of Chief Executive Dorset Council – one of two new unitary councils in Dorset. Matt has a wide experience within local government, having worked as a management consultant and regional programme manager for the then Improvement… Show More

Previous Next Clare Redfern Service Manager, Neighbourhood Coordination and Support Service, Stockport Council Clare Redfern leads programmes focused on public sector reform, neighbourhood development, and community empowerment. With extensive experience in partnership building, transformation, and strategic leadership, she enjoys bringing people together to solve complex challenges and create positive change. Her work spans digital inclusion, community engagement, and service innovation, with a strong focus on improving outcomes for local residents. 12:45–12:55 Rewiring the State Stockport: From Consultation to Co-Creation: Equality and Community Networks Showcase View Session Clare Redfern , Service Manager, Neighbourhood Coordination and Support Service, Stockport Council Victoria Shaw , Chief Operating Officer, Sector 3 08:55–09:05 Rewiring the State Stockport: From Consultation to Co-Creation: Equality and Community Networks Showcase View Session Clare Redfern , Service Manager, Neighbourhood Coordination and Support Service, Stockport Council Victoria Shaw , Chief Operating Officer, Sector 3

Andrew Muter Director < Speakers < Previous Next > Andrew Muter Director Darlingburn Ltd Andrew Muter worked in local government and public service roles for thirty-eight years, including eleven years as a district council chief executive, ten years on the corporate management team of a county council and three years leading the government of a Crown Dependency. He currently works with Darlingburn Ltd, providing specialist consultancy value for money and governance work, including where councils are at high risk of failure. He is a former Solace Board member and finance lead.