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All Speakers Evelyn John Inner Circle Consulting Thursday 16 October 2025 15:45-16:25 Test, Learn and Grow: How Do We Build a Movement? Hotot Suite, Royal Armouries Go to session

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.

Day One Day Two Previous Next Friday 17 October 20225 Main Stage, New Dock Hall 11:10–12:00 Keynote Leading Through A Crisis Chair Helen Bailey, Chief Executive, London Borough of Sutton Speaker/s Tom Stannard, Chief Executive, Manchester City Council, and Solace Policy Lead for Health & Social Care In this deeply moving keynote, Tom Stannard reflects on the recent tragic events surrounding the Manchester synagogue attack and the profound impact felt across the city. Speaking from the heart of Manchester’s local response, Tom will explore what it means to lead with compassion and steadiness in the most difficult of moments — when communities are hurting, emotions are raw, and leadership is tested in the truest sense. This session will consider how councils can support recovery, foster unity, and help communities heal in the aftermath of crisis — and how leaders can carry hope, empathy, and resilience forward in their work every day.

Jonathan StephensonJoint Chief Executive < Speakers < Previous Next > Jonathan Stephenson Joint Chief Executive Brentwood Borough Council & Rochford District Council Jonathan has worked within local government for over 25 years, predominantly undertaking senior leadership roles, across a range of different organisations, Ipswich Borough Council, The London Borough of Enfield, Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Councils, Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council. Jonathan is currently Joint Chief Executive at Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council. Working more widely in Essex he is also the lead CEO for Housing and Infrastructure for the Association of South East Essex Local Authorities… Show More

Anna Rose Director and Chair of Public Practice (and Head of the Planning Advisory Service) < Speakers < Previous Next > Anna Rose Director and Chair of Public Practice (and Head of the Planning Advisory Service) Local Government Association and Public Practice Anna is currently the Head of the Planning Advisory Service, delivering improvement in planning services across the country. Anna started her planning career advising NFU members on planning, transport and environmental law before moving to Rugby Borough Council and becoming their Head of Planning and Culture at Rugby. In 2014 she became Milton Keynes Council’s Director of Growth, Economy and Culture. Anna is a past President of the Planning Officers Society; a trustee of the TCPA and sits as the… Show More

All Speakers Dr Henry Kippin Chief Executive, North East Combined Authority Dr Henry Kippin is the Chief Executive of the North East CA, responsible for its delivery programme spanning inclusive economic growth, transport, skills, housing, culture, public service innovation, net zero and devolution. He previously served as Chief Executive of the North of Tyne Combined Authority, and as an Executive Director at the West Midlands Combined Authority. Prior to this he held a number of roles in UK and international public policy, including as CEO of Collaborate and managing the cross-party RSA Public Services Commission. He is a trustee of the Young Foundation, a visiting professor at Newcastle University and was a visiting fellow of the UNDP Global Centre for Public Service Excellence from 2013 – 2018. In 2024 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law by Northumbria University. Friday 17 October 20225 10:00–10:50 Storming and Forming: The Creation of Combined and Strategic Authorities Main Stage, New Dock Hall Go to session

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All Speakers Dr Mariana Pexton Deputy Chief Executive, Leeds City Council Mariana is the Deputy Chief Executive at Leeds City Council, with responsibility for oversight of the Strategy and Resources directorate. She leads the council's cross-cutting transformation agenda and public sector reform and serves as the primary liaison with senior health partners. Strategy & Resources is a large directorate of about 5,000 staff including Finance, Human Resources, Digital, Legal and Governance, Shared Services, Strategy and Performance, Communications and Marketing, and crucially a service called Civic Enterprise Leeds that delivers many vital front-line services such as catering, cleaning, school crossing patrols, passenger transport and building repairs. She leads the strategic developments for Leeds City Council, including the Best City Ambition, and plays a key corporate role supporting councillors. Mariana has previously been employed in senior in roles in Leeds in Strategy, Customer Services and Children’s Services. Prior to joining the council in 2000, Mariana enjoyed a career in leadership and management in the Civil Service and an Inspectorate. She studied Sports Studies in Newcastle as her first degree and has a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Leeds. Mariana has recently been awarded a Doctorate in Business Administration at Leeds Beckett University, following research into local government leadership and strategy. She is married, with two children aged 24 and 16. Mariana is also chair of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and a Director at Leeds Rhinos Netball as a volunteer. She loves family holidays in Menorca, and was proud to complete the first Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in 2023. Thursday 16 October 2025 15:45–16:25 Leading with Purpose: Exploring the Nexus of Strategy and Leadership in Local Government Hall A, Royal Armouries Go to session

Martin NealeCEO < Speakers < Previous Next > Martin Neale CEO ICS.AI Martin is an experienced entrepreneur and a visionary in digital AI innovation, with a track record of launching over 20 cutting-edge technologies. Passionate about generative AI, he sees it as the key to the fifth industrial revolution. Martin's expertise propels the company’s innovation, transforming the UK public sector and revolutionising Local Government. Martin is driven by the endless potential of AI, focusing on its transformative capabilities. He strongly believes in the thoughtful and ethical integration of AI, aiming to provide… Show More

All Speakers Lord Gary Porter Political Leader and National Voice on Housing Safety Lord Gary Porter is a political leader and respected national voice on housing safety. With decades of public service, he has championed initiatives that protect residents and strengthen accountability. His influence spans policy, regulation, and advocacy, ensuring safety remains a priority in housing at both local and national levels. Thursday 16 October 2025 15:00–15:40 Life Safety First: Turning Risk into Assurance Hall B, Royal Armouries Go to session

Ita O'DonovanAssociate < Speakers < Previous Next > Ita O'Donovan Associate Solace Ita O’Donovan worked with a City Council 2023-2021 in the interim roles of Strategic Director and Corporate Director and was a core member of the Corporate Management Team. She has had a career as a Local Authority Chief Executive in unitary authorities in London and the Midlands (2010-2002). She worked for the University of Birmingham within the School of Public Policy from 1985 to 1996 in the academic field of public management. During that period she worked extensively with national,… Show More

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