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Day One Day Two Previous Next Friday 17 October 20225 Main Stage, New Dock Hall 10:00–10:50 Panel Storming and Forming: The Creation of Combined and Strategic Authorities Speaker/s Dr Henry Kippin, Chief Executive, North East Combined Authority Amy Harhoff, Chief Executive, East Midlands Combined County Authority Mark Rogers, Chief Executive, The Leadership Centre As devolution continues to reshape the landscape of local government, combined and strategic authorities are taking centre stage in driving growth, inclusion, and reform. But what does it take to build one from the ground up — and how should they look, lead, and operate to truly deliver on their promise? In this session, leaders who have been at the forefront of creating new combined authorities will share the realities behind the headlines — from early “storming” stages of partnership building, governance, and vision-setting, through to the ongoing work of forming strong, purpose-driven organisations. Together, they’ll explore what effective leadership looks like in these complex, multi-tiered systems, the lessons learned along the way, and what this evolving model of place leadership means for the future of local government.

Kathryn ReesExecutive Director for Corporate and Support Services < Speakers < Previous Next > Kathryn Rees Executive Director for Corporate and Support Services Stockport Council Kathryn has extensive experience of leading transformation and change in Local Government through several roles in Stockport and Wigan Council. She is passionate about improving the lives of people and communities. Kathryn is currently the Executive Director for Corporate and Support Services in Stockport Council, where she has responsibility for strategy, digital, communications, workforce, finance, legal and community engagement. She is also leading the development of Stockroom, a project to transform vacant retail units into a new innovative space for… Show More

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All Speakers Jonathan Bradley Senior Experience Partner, Granicus Jonathan Bradley leads the UK arm of Granicus’ Experience Services, where he partners exclusively with public sector organisations to design modern, meaningful customer experiences. As a Senior Experience Partner, he’s passionate about making public services more accessible, intuitive, and impactful—helping people get what they need, when they need it, with ease. With over 25 years of experience across the public sector, Jonathan brings deep insight and a human-centred mindset to digital transformation. His mission? To help organisations shift from process-driven systems to people-first solutions that genuinely improve lives and strengthen communities. Outside of work, Jonathan finds harmony in music—he’s a proud member of the Mousehole Male Voice Choir, where he lends his voice to a tradition that celebrates community, culture, and connection. Thursday 16 October 2025 15:45-16:25 The Silent Stakeholder: Why Residents Deserve a Seat at the LGR Table Barton Suite, Royal Armouries Go to session

Mark LawrenceICT Service and Operations Manager < Speakers < Previous Next > Mark Lawrence ICT Service and Operations Manager Stroud District Council Mark Lawrence's career has been based around Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Mark started as an apprentice and then became a Service Desk Support Technician after a year. He then delved into the Infrastructure and Security side of the industry for the next 12 years before reaching management level. Mark's current role is ICT Security and Operations Manager. When he applied for Amplify, he was the Service Delivery Manager. The change to my job role means I am now responsible… Show More

Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 Main Stage, New Dock Hall 12:15–13:15 Panel International Perspective Chair Kirsty Wark, Speaker, Award-Winning Journalist and Presenter Speaker/s Michael Land, City Manager of Coppell, Texas, and President-Elect of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Brenda Orchard, President of CAMA and Chief Administrative Officer, Lennox and Addington County, Ontario, Canada Craig Swift-McNair, General Manager, Woollahra Council, Sydney, Australia Following on from the morning’s discussion on Equity and Purpose, this session widens the frame to explore how local government leaders across the world are navigating similar challenges and opportunities. Our international guests will share insights from North America and Australia — from embedding equity and inclusion in local systems, to building organisational cultures that foster trust, purpose, and innovation. Together, we’ll look at how different governance models, community expectations, and leadership approaches are shaping more resilient, responsive, and equitable public services. This is a chance to reflect on what connects us globally as leaders, learn from alternative perspectives, and consider how international practice can inspire meaningful change at home.

< All sponsors Jadu Stand 10 www.jadu.net Jadu has over 20 years of experience digitally transforming hundreds of government, education and private sector organisations worldwide. With offices in the UK, North America and Australia, Jadu is a leading global provider of accessible web experiences, specialising in low code, CRM, accessible websites (CMS) and online forms, customer case management for the enterprise and expert digital design services. Millions of users use Jadu to access critical digital services every day. Jadu focuses on using technology to connect communities and empower effective self-service. They are on a mission to become the world’s most accessible digital platform.

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