Professor Catherine StaiteEmeritus Professor of Public Management < Speakers < Previous Next > Professor Catherine Staite Emeritus Professor of Public Management University of Birmingham Professor Catherine Staite LLB, MBA, FRSA is an Emeritus Professor of Public Management at the University of Birmingham. She is involved in research and consultancy, specialising in leadership and governance. She currently works with Darlingburn Ltd, providing specialist consultancy in governance, especially where councils are at high risk of failure. She is a former Director of the Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV) and a former Director of the Office for Public Management. Between 2001 and 2005 she worked for… Show More

Sarah ForsterCEO & Co- Founder < Speakers < Previous Next > Sarah Forster CEO & Co- Founder The Good Economy Sarah Forster is CEO and Co-Founder of The Good Economy (TGE), a leading impact advisory firm dedicated to enhancing the contribution of business and finance to inclusive and sustainable development. She has been at the forefront of finance for positive impact for more than 25 years, working in the fields of sustainable economic development, development finance, and impact measurement and management both internationally and in the UK. She combines a strong knowledge of public and private sector development policy issues… Show More

< All sponsors Granicus Stand 6 granicus.uk Granicus is the global leader in digital engagement solutions for the public sector, connecting 500,000+ professionals with 350M+ subscribers. Its cloud-based platform streamlines communication, citizen engagement, websites, and services—powering 30B+ interactions annually across the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to build stronger government-community relationships.

Henry StratfordAssistant Director < Speakers < Previous Next > Henry Stratford Assistant Director Outcomes Matter Consulting Henry is Assistant Director for Outcomes Matter Consulting – who lead people and change management projects focused on emerging technologies. Henry has extensive experience leading change projects with local authorities, particularly in children's services. He understands how to get things done as well as bring people along that journey. He believes that collaboration and partnerships are the best way to have the biggest social impact – and is excited about the partnership between Agilisys Transform, Outcomes Matter, Datnexa, and local… Show More

All Speakers Craig Swift-McNair General Manager, Woollahra Council, Sydney, Australia Craig is the General Manager at Woollahra Council in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, not far from the Sydney CBD – a role he commenced in July 2020. Prior to this, from 2014- to 2020, Craig was the General Manager of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, a large coastal regional Council on the mid north coast of NSW. Craig has spent over 20 years in local government in a range of roles across three Councils. Prior to his time in the public sector, Craig had a twenty-five-year career in the private sector in a range of roles and industries. Craig is dedicated to giving back to the local government sector and as part of that, he has been on the Board of Local Government Professionals Australia, NSW since 2018 and the Vice President since October 2023. Craigs focus at Woollahra is building a strengths-based and values-based organisation that delivers on its purpose; provides its people with opportunities to grow in their roles and as individuals, and that delivers excellence in operational and service delivery for the community. Thursday 16 October 2025 12:15–13:15 International Perspective Main Stage, New Dock Hall Go to session

Jonathan DiggesChief Investment Officer < Speakers < Previous Next > Jonathan Digges Chief Investment Officer Octopus Energy Jonathan oversees fund management investment strategy. Since joining Octopus in 2015, he has been Product Head for Octopus Inheritance Tax Service, led the Specialist Finance Investment Team and chaired the Octopus Investment Committee.

< All sponsors Policy in Practice Stand 22 policyinpractice.co.uk Policy in Practice empowers people via proactive, integrated support. Millions of families are missing out on £23 billion of support during a cost of living crisis. Ask us how much is unclaimed in your area and how we are helping one in four local authorities to boost resident’s incomes and reduce their costs.

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

All Speakers Eleanor Kelly Former Chief Executive Thursday 16 October 2025 15:00–15:40 Life Safety First: Turning Risk into Assurance Hall B, Royal Armouries Go to session

Daniela RivasCity Manager of Newton City < Speakers < Previous Next > Daniela Rivas City Manager of Newton City Newton City, Kansas Daniela Lujano Rivas currently serves as the Newton, Kansas City Manager. As City Manager, she leads the city’s administrative operations including the execution of the Mayor and City Commissioners policies and vision. She has a bachelor’s degree in finance from the W. Frank Barton School of Business from Wichita State University and a Master of Public Administration from the Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs at Wichita State University where her studies emphasized public finance and city/county management. She earned… Show More

Jess GibbonsChief Executive < Speakers < Previous Next > Jess Gibbons Chief Executive Brighton & Hove City Council Jess is passionate about supporting communities to thrive and recognises the need for constant change and growth to meet the needs of our communities.

Lucy TruemanFounder & Managing Director < Speakers < Previous Next > Lucy Trueman Founder & Managing Director Trueman Change Meet Lucy, our Founder and Managing Director, an exceptional and perceptive leader in the public sector change domain, boasting an impressive 20 years of experience in designing and executing transformational journeys and fostering cultural change. With experience in a wide range of local authorities around the country, Lucy is able to quickly assess cultures and design tailor made approaches to driving change which really makes a difference. Lucy has recently completed a masters in Organisational Psychology, with her research… Show More