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Previous Next Andrew Lewis Chief Executive, Liverpool City Council More information to come. 10:30–10:40 Main Stage Liverpool Welcome Welcome View Session Speakers: Andrew Lewis, Chief Executive, Liverpool City Council

Previous Next Ashley John-Baptiste Broadcaster and Journalist There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to broadcaster and journalist, Ashley John-Baptiste . From a challenging upbringing to a thriving media career, and even a stint on ITV’s The X-Factor, Ashley has overcome the adversity he was born into, and now uses his platform to advocate for change. A champion of equal opportunity, Ashley’s reporting roles have often seen him speak on society's underdogs, and if he’s not acting as an experienced host at events, he’s sharing a compelling and motivational speech. Backed by first-hand experience in beating the odds to reach success, Ashley equips his audiences with the tools to triumph and inspires each guest he meets. Best recognised for his roles as a reporter and journalist, Ashley’s media career began with him fronting the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire programme, where he covered all manner of diverse issues including racism, bullying, and the Grenfell Disaster. Fast-forward a decade and Ashley is a regular contributor to The One Show, BBC News and has co-presented numerous series of For Love or Money. With such a down to earth and relatable character, Ashley has experienced huge popularity on-screen as he resonates with viewers and shares real-life stories like ‘My Life Without Skin’ with integrity and empathy. Having been taken into care at the age of two, Ashley’s future seemed to have been written for him, if the damming statistics of children in the system, were anything to go by. Undeterred by the cards he had dealt, Ashley thrived in school, gained the backing of his local MP and secured a place at the prestigious University of Cambridge, against all odds. Tackling life and his ambitions in a truly inspirational manner, at speaking engagements, Ashley elaborates on how he persevered despite adversity and champions others in replicating his success. Equally aware of his privileged position now, Ashley is an avid campaigner for changes to fostering laws and equality in opportunity. Ashley John-Baptiste is represented and hired via the Champions Speakers Agency

Previous Next Jonathan Werran Chief Executive, Localis Prior to running Localis - an independent think-tank dedicated to issues related to politics, public service reform and localism - Jonathan worked in consultancy, communications and journalism. After five years as a reporter, commentator and features editor for The Municipal Journal (The MJ), in 2015 he became the first strategic communications officer for the District Councils’ Network. Prior to The MJ, he edited an online government property and public estate magazine and helped run communications and marketing for anti-poverty charity Elizabeth Finn Care. He began his career in online publishing and developed the groundbreaking ‘Wired-Gov’ service to repackage central government press releases.

Previous Next Emma Foy Industry Lead for Local Government, TechnologyOne Emma Foy is the Industry Lead for Local Government at TechnologyOne, where she champions digital transformation across councils and public sector organisations. She brings deep expertise in modernising services and helping local authorities unlock the power of connected, cloud‑based technology. With a background of over ten years of being Section 151 in various local authorities, she now works closely with leaders to streamline operations and drive meaningful community outcomes. Emma is known for her collaborative approach, her commitment to innovation, and her passion for helping local government build more resilient, efficient, and future‑ready services.

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2025 Speakers From seasoned public sector leaders to fresh voices shaping the future, Solace Summit 2025 brings together the thinkers and doers driving change across local government. Expect real-world insights, bold ideas, and candid conversations—all designed to help you lead with purpose, act with confidence, and deliver lasting impact. Explore the full programme. More speakers to be added in the coming weeks! Stay tuned to this page for updates. Robin Tuddenham President of Solace and Chief Executive, Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council Liz McQue Facilitator & Solace Associate Ed Whiting OBE Chief Executive, Leeds City Council Chris Naylor Solace Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Nazeya Hussain Solace Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Kirsty Wark Speaker, award-winning journalist and presenter Mike 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 Craig Swift-McNair General Manager, Woollahra Council, Sydney, Australia Tom Stannard Chief Executive, Manchester City Council Dr Owen Williams OBE Chief Executive,Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust John Clarke Head of Client Solution – Healthcare, Netcall Jon Rouse CBE Chief Executive, Stoke on Trent City Council and Solace Policy Lead for Housing, Planning and Infrastructure Joanna Key Director General for Regeneration, Housing and Planning, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) Diksha Vyas Head of Digital Change and Service Improvement, Bracknell Forest Council Tracey Anderson Head of Scrutiny and Ward Forums, London Borough of Hackney Mark Gannon Director of Client Solutions, Netcall Craig Barker Senior Manager, Digital and Customer Experience, Cumberland Council Kate Hurr Assistant Director, Digital Innovation and ICT, Cumberland Council Kathryn Rees Executive Director Corporate and Support Services, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council Vicki Bates Assistant Director, Governance and Monitoring Officer, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council Kate Joseph CB Chief Executive, Sheffield City Council Averil Price Solace Associate and Director, Avie Consultancy Kersten England CBE Chair, The Young Foundation; Director of Engagement, Bradford 2025, Yorkshire Universities Dr Peter O’Brien Executive Director, Yorkshire Universities Sarah Norman Chief Executive, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, and Chair of the Yorkshire and Humber Councils’ Chief Executives’ Group Dr Mariana Pexton Deputy Chief Executive, Leeds City Council Ciara Graven Consultant – Economics and Casemaking Team, Arup Gareth Fairweather Senior Leader, Urban and Regional, Arup Simon Allsop B.Com, CPFA Managing Consultant, CIPFA John O'Halloran Director of Consultancy, CIPFA Asim Ali VP of UK Sales, Granicus Jonathan Bradley Senior Experience Partner, Granicus Lemn Sissay OBE FRSL Playwright, memoirist, performer and broadcaster 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 Helen Bailey Chief Executive, London Borough of Sutton Katie Piper OBE Writer, Activist and Broadcaster Evelyn John Inner Circle Consulting Nicola Monk Divisional CEO, Energy & Environment, Procurement & Partnerships, Commercial Services Group Rosa Foster Director, Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission Jon Gleek Head of Research, LGIU Lisa Smith Director of Strategy, Performance and Partnerships, Liverpool City Council Lee Goodenough Executive Director, Harmony Fire Andrew Ferrier Chief Executive, Test Valley Borough Council Lord Gary Porter Political Leader and National Voice on Housing Safety Jonathan Clifton Director of Strategy and Communications, Sheffield City Council Kamal Patel Partner in EY-Parthenon’s Infrastructure Advisory Pactice, EY Marcus Richards Partner in EY-Parthenon’s Infrastructure Advisory Practice, EY Kevin Bolt MBA Managing Director, Step-Change Management Eleanor Kelly Former Chief Executive Hayley Hamlett Director of HR & Corporate Affairs

Previous Next Kath O'Dwyer Solace Group Board Chair Kath has 42 years local government service with 8 years’ experience as a Local Authority Chief Executive, in two different local authorities. Kath has been the Solace Board Chair since October 2024, and also chairs the Solace Commission on Professional Standards and Ethics. Since her ‘retirement’ from her Chief Executive role last year, she now has a ‘portfolio career’ and acts as an advisor and consultant to the sector, including roles as Independent Chair for Improvement Boards; Technical Assessments for Chief Executive recruitment; Executive Coaching; work with the LGA in relation to Peer Reviews and development work with elected members. 10:00–11:00 Main Plenary Beyond Barriers: Authentic Women’s Leadership in Local Government Panel Session View Session Women across local government are challenging long standing norms, reshaping organisational cultures, and redefining what leadership looks like. This panel brings together three senior female leaders to explore both the systemic barriers that still shape career progression and the powerful role authenticity plays in overcoming them. Through candid reflections on navigating political challenge, leading through complexity, and building confidence in spaces not designed with them in mind, panellists will share practical strategies and personal insights. The session will examine how allyship, inclusive cultures, and values driven leadership can create genuinely equitable pathways - and what it will take to ensure more women can lead boldly and authentically across the sector.

Previous Next Jonathan Stephenson Joint Chief Executive, Brentwood Borough Council & Rochford District Council Jonathan has over 30 years of experience in local government, predominantly in senior leadership roles across Ipswich Borough Council, the London Borough of Enfield, Babergh & Mid Suffolk District Councils, and Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council. He is currently Joint Chief Executive of Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council, a unique national local government partnership. Jonathan also holds several national positions. He is a Non-Executive Director on the Solace (Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers) Board; Chair of the LCN (Local Council Network, previously the DCN) national Chief Executive Group; a Board Member of Socitm (Society for Innovation, Technology and Modernisation); an Ambassador for the Tech UK Local Public Services Committee; and Founder and Chair of the Public Sector Challenge, which has raised over £400,000 for charity since 2022 while supporting health and wellbeing across the sector. 15:30–16:30 Main Plenary Breakout: Past Safe & Legal to Real Transitional Benefits Breakout View Session Speakers: Jonathan Stephenson, Chief Executive, Brentwood & Rochford Councils Greg Campbell, Strategic Director, Brentwood & Rochford Councils Paul Brace, Interim Director of Community and Health, Brentwood & Rochford Councils

Previous Next Paul Brace Director of Communities and Health, at Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council Paul is a senior local government leader with extensive experience in community services, public health, environmental improvement and partnership working. He currently serves as Director of Communities and Health for Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council, leading services that support safer, healthier and more resilient communities across both authorities. In his role, Paul provides strategic leadership across a broad range of community-focused services and programmes, working closely with elected Members, senior officers, partners and local stakeholders to improve outcomes for residents. His work includes community safety, health and wellbeing, anti-social behaviour initiatives, safeguarding, policy development and public engagement. Paul is committed to delivering practical improvements that make a tangible difference to local communities. He has led initiatives aimed at strengthening community safety, securing investment in local projects and supporting collaborative working with partners across the public, voluntary and health sectors. His leadership focuses on ensuring services remain responsive, effective and centred on the needs of residents. Known for his collaborative and pragmatic approach, Paul works across organisational boundaries to develop solutions to complex challenges and deliver positive change. He is passionate about building strong partnerships, supporting community resilience and ensuring councils continue to provide high-quality services that improve the wellbeing of local people. As a member of the senior leadership team, Paul plays an important role in corporate governance, performance oversight and strategic planning, helping to shape the future direction of services across both councils while maintaining a strong focus on residents and communities. 15:30–16:30 Main Plenary Breakout: Past Safe & Legal to Real Transitional Benefits Breakout View Session Speakers: Jonathan Stephenson, Chief Executive, Brentwood & Rochford Councils Greg Campbell, Strategic Director, Brentwood & Rochford Councils Paul Brace, Interim Director of Community and Health, Brentwood & Rochford Councils

Previous Next Robin Tuddenham Solace President and Chief Executive of Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council Robin has been Chief Executive at Calderdale Council, in West Yorkshire, since June 2017 and Calderdale's Place Lead for West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board  since July 2022. He is responsible for leading both the Council's and ICB's workforce, supporting system leadership across the area in support of Calderdale Vision 2034, and overseeing a major regeneration programme across the borough's market towns. Robin is the current President of Solace (Society of Local Authority Chief Executives) after being lead spokesperson for Solace for Economic Prosperity from 2020-24. Robin was previously Director of Communities and Business Change for Calderdale, leading the redevelopment of the multi-award-winning restoration of the Piece Hall and new Central Library in Halifax. Prior to that, he worked in local government, the Probation Service and the voluntary sector in East London. Robin is a Fellow of the Centre of Science and Policy at the University of Cambridge, is a life Member of the Faculty of Public Health, a Non-Executive Director of the Northern Housing Consortium and a Trustee of Belong. 10:40–10:55 Main Stage President's Opening Speech Presidential Address View Session Speakers: Robin Tuddenham, Solace President and Chief Executive of Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council 19:15–20:00 Rum Warehouse Presidential Drinks Reception Networking View Session Speakers: Robin Tuddenham, Solace President and Chief Executive of Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council 14:30–14:45 Main Plenary President's Closing Speech Keynote View Session More information to follow.

Previous Next Greg Campbell Strategic Director, Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council Greg is an accomplished leader with more than 15 years’ experience operating at senior and strategic leadership level across a broad range of council services, transformation programmes and corporate functions. He currently serves as Strategic Director for Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council, where he provides corporate leadership across legal services, human resources, democratic services, communications, policy, performance, transformation, engagement, and programmes and projects. Greg is known for his collaborative leadership style, his passion for improvement and his ability to bring people together to achieve ambitious goals. He is committed to developing high-performing organisations, supporting staff development and ensuring councils are well positioned to meet future challenges while continuing to deliver excellent services for residents and communities. 15:30–16:30 Main Plenary Breakout: Past Safe & Legal to Real Transitional Benefits Breakout View Session Speakers: Jonathan Stephenson, Chief Executive, Brentwood & Rochford Councils Greg Campbell, Strategic Director, Brentwood & Rochford Councils Paul Brace, Interim Director of Community and Health, Brentwood & Rochford Councils

Previous Next Alison McCullagh Chief Executive, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Northern Ireland Alison McCullagh took up post as Chief Executive of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council on 1 February 2020; from December 2014, she had been the Council’s Director of Regeneration and Planning. Prior to this, Alison had been Omagh District Council’s Head of Development, she has also worked in higher education and in the voluntary and community sector. She is a graduate of Queen’s University Belfast, the Federal Executive Institute, Charlottesville, Virginia, and also studied at Boston College. Alison has led a number of strategic capital and partnership projects within the Council district and on a cross border basis and has a particular interest in community led regeneration and wider place shaping initiatives. She was Vice Chair of Solace NI June 2024-2026 and is currently Solace NI Chair for June 2026-2028. Alison is also the current Co-Chair of the Northern Ireland Emergency Preparedness Group (NIEPG). 10:00–11:00 Main Plenary Beyond Barriers: Authentic Women’s Leadership in Local Government Panel Session View Session Women across local government are challenging long standing norms, reshaping organisational cultures, and redefining what leadership looks like. This panel brings together three senior female leaders to explore both the systemic barriers that still shape career progression and the powerful role authenticity plays in overcoming them. Through candid reflections on navigating political challenge, leading through complexity, and building confidence in spaces not designed with them in mind, panellists will share practical strategies and personal insights. The session will examine how allyship, inclusive cultures, and values driven leadership can create genuinely equitable pathways - and what it will take to ensure more women can lead boldly and authentically across the sector.