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2026 Sponsors and Exhibitors Crisis Read More MHR 16 Read More AWS Read More Digital Office for Scottish Local Government Read More Policy in Practice Read More Bevan Brittan 15 Read More ReCreation 20 Read More Migration Yorkshire 11 Read More Gate One Read More Transform Read More ICS.AI 7 Read More CCLA Investment Management 17 Read More Alliance Leisure Services Read More MRI Software Read More Enable Read More Cyber Centre of Excellence Limited Read More IESE 19 Read More Engage Process Read More TechnologyOne 2 Read More Commercial Services Group 18 Read More Zellis 12 Read More Harmony Fire 14 Read More CIPFA 6 Read More Liverpool City Council Read More

Speakers 2026 Claire Trickett Workforce and Organisational Development Consultant Read more Sue Featherstone Solace Associate & Director, Developing Success Read more Victoria Derbyshire Journalist and Topical News Reporter, BBC Read more Andrew Lewis Chief Executive, Liverpool City Council Read more Robin Tuddenham Solace President and Chief Executive of Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council Read more John Curtice Professor of Politics, Strathclyde University, Scotland Read more Vijay Rangarjan Chief Executive, The Electoral Commission Read more Alison Barker Chief Executive, North Lincolnshire Council & Deputy Policy Lead for Health & Social Care Read more Ben Dyson Director, Adult Social Care Strategy, Funding & Integrated Care, Department of Health and Social Care Read more Samantha Allen Chief Executive of the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board Read more Pam Smith Chief Executive, Newcastle City Council & Policy Lead for Economic Prosperity Read more Jonathan Stephenson Joint Chief Executive, Brentwood Borough Council & Rochford District Council Read more Greg Campbell Strategic Director, Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council Read more Paul Brace Director of Communities and Health, at Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council Read more Dr Jonathan Carr-West Chief Executive, LGIU Read more Nicola Monk Divisional CEO, Commercial Services Group Read more Jonathan Werran Chief Executive, Localis Read more Emma Foy Industry Lead for Local Government, TechnologyOne Read more Kath O'Dwyer Solace Group Board Chair Read more Alison McCullagh Chief Executive, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Northern Ireland Read more Emma Palmer Chief Execuive, Powys County Council, Wales Read more Susanne Millar Chief Executive, Glasgow City Council, Scotland Read more Madaline Hoskin Chief Technology Officer, North Yorkshire Council Read more Laurence Allen Director UK, Engage Process Read more Ted Twaalfhoven Founder & CEO, Enable Process Read more Kurtis Toy Chief Executive, Cyber Centre of Excellence Read more Ashley John-Baptiste Broadcaster and Journalist Read more

2026 Sponsors Crisis Read More MHR Read More AWS Read More Policy in Practice Read More Bevan Brittan Read More ReCreation Read More Migration Yorkshire Read More Gate One Read More Transform Read More ICS.AI Read More CCLA Investment Management Read More Alliance Leisure Services Read More MRI Software Read More Cyber Centre of Excellence Limited Read More IESE Read More Engage Process Read More TechnologyOne Read More Commercial Services Group Read More Zellis Read More Harmony Fire Read More CIPFA Read More Liverpool City Council Read More

2026 Partners Zencity (formally Commonplace) Read More Salesforce Read More Robertson Group Read More PSTAX Read More Oracle Read More Norse Group Read More Hill Investment Partnerships Read More Government Commercial Agency Read More CityFibre Read More Cardo Group Read More Workday Read More Zurich Municipal Read More Alliance Leisure Services Read More Civica Read More IESE Read More

2026 Day 2 09:15–10:00 Galleria Registration | All Delegates Break 09:15–10:00 Exhibition Exhibition and Refreshments Break 09:25–09:35 Showcasing Stockport: From Consultation to Co-Creation: How Equality and Community Networks Are Driving Better Local Outcomes Innovation Zone Showcase View Session 09:40–09:50 Showcasing Amplify Cohort 5: Organisational Change & Equity: From Intent to Impact Innovation Zone Showcase View Session 09:30–09:40 Support Session 8: Coming Soon Solace LGR Support Support Session View Session 09:45–09:55 Support Session 9: Coming Soon Solace LGR Support Support Session View Session 10:00–11:00 Main Plenary Beyond Barriers: Authentic Women’s Leadership in Local Government Panel Session View Session Speakers: Alison McCullagh, Chief Executive, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Northern Ireland Emma Palmer, Chief Executive, Powys County Council, Wales 11:00–11:30 Exhibition Refreshments Break 11:10–11:20 Showcasing Barnsley: Health on the High Street - putting health at the heart of rejuvenating Barnsley town centre. Innovation Zone Showcase View Session 11:10–11:20 Support Session 10: Coming Soon Solace LGR Support Support Session View Session 11:30–12:30 Breakout 6: Coming Soon Main Plenary Breakout View Session 11:30–12:30 Breakout: What Should We Stop Doing - Sustainable Leadership in Unrelenting Times North East Breakout View Session 11:30–12:30 Leading with control: AI, LGR, and the path to high-quality services in times of change South West Breakout View Session 11:30–12:30 Breakout: Cyber Resilience in Transition: Securing Public Services Through Reorganisation and Digital Disruption North West Breakout View Session 11:30–12:30 Breakout 10: Coming Soon North East Breakout View Session 12:30–13:30 Lunch and Exhibition Exhibition Break 12:45–12:55 Showcasing Stockport: From Consultation to Co-Creation: How Equality and Community Networks Are Driving Better Local Outcomes Innovation Zone Showcase View Session 12:45–12:55 Support Session 11: Coming Soon Solace LGR Support Support Session View Session 13:00–13:10 Showcasing Barnsley: Health on the High Street - putting health at the heart of rejuvenating Barnsley town centre. Innovation Zone Showcase View Session 13:00–13:10 Support Session 12: Coming Soon Solace LGR Support Support Session View Session 13:15–13:25 Showcasing Amplify Cohort 5: Organisational Change & Equity: From Intent to Impact Innovation Zone Showcase View Session 13:15–13:25 Support Session 13: Coming Soon Solace LGR Support Support Session View Session 13:30–14:30 Main Plenary More information coming soon Keynote View Session Ashley John-Baptiste, Broadcaster and Journalist 14:30–14:45 Main Plenary President's Closing Speech Keynote Speakers: Robin Tuddenham, Solace President and Chief Executive of Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council

2026 Day 1 08:00–09:30 Liverpool – A City built on Heritage, Culture and Innovation TBC Optional Walking Study Tour View Session 08:00–09:30 Liverpool’s Regen Story TBC Optional Walking Study Tour View Session 09:15–10:30 Registration | All Delegates Galleria Break 09:15–10:30 Exhibition and Refreshments Exhibition Break 09:50–10:00 Showcasing Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council: The Trojan Horse of Leadership Development Innovation Zone Showcase View Session 09:50–10:00 Support Session 1: Coming Soon Solace LGR Support Support Session View Session 10:10–10:20 Showcasing Brighton & Hove: The Learning Organisation – being creative and innovative Innovation Zone Showcase View Session 10:10–10:20 Support Session 2: Coming Soon Solace LGR Support Support Session View Session 10:30 Conference Commences Main Plenary Compere Conference Compere: Victoria Derbyshire, Journalist and Topical News Reporter, BBC 10:30–10:40 Liverpool Welcome Main Stage Welcome View Session Speakers: Andrew Lewis, Chief Executive, Liverpool City Council 10:40–10:55 President's Opening Speech Main Stage Presidential Address View Session Speakers: Robin Tuddenham, Solace President and Chief Executive of Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council 10:55 –11:45 More information coming soon. Main Plenary Keynote View Session 11:45–12:45 Local Choices, National Consequences: What May’s Elections Tell Us About Britain’s Democratic Future Main Plenary Keynote View Session Speakers: Sir John Curtice, British political scientist and professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde Vijay Rangarjan, Chief Executive, The Electoral Commission 12:45–14:00 Lunch and Exhibition Exhibition Break 13:00–13:10 Showcasing Amplify Cohort 5: Organisational Change & Equity: From Intent to Impact Innovation Zone Showcase View Session 13:15–13:25 Showcasing Brighton & Hove: The Learning Organisation – being diverse and inclusive Innovation Zone Showcase View Session 13:30–13:40 Showcasing Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council: The Trojan Horse of Leadership Development Innovation Zone Showcase View Session 13:45–13:55 Showcase 6: Coming Soon Innovation Zone Showcase View Session 13:00–13:10 Support Session 3: Coming Soon Solace LGR Support Support Session View Session 13:15–13:25 Support Session 4: Coming Soon Solace LGR Support Support Session View Session 13:30–13:40 Support Session 5: Coming Soon Solace LGR Support Support Session View Session 13:45–13:55 Support Session 6: Coming Soon TBC Support Session View Session 14:00–15:00 Main Stage Sub Plenary The Future of Health and Care: Reform, Partnership and Place Speakers: Alison Barker, Chief Executive of North Lincolnshire Council and Solace Deputy Policy Lead for Health and Social Care Ben Dyson, Director for Adult Social Care Strategy, Funding & Integrated Care at DHSC Sam Allen CBE, Chief Executive of the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board View Session 14:00–15:00 East Stage Sub Plenary Economy Speakers: View Session 15:00–15:30 Exhibition Exhibition Break 15:10–15:20 Innovation Zone Showcase View Session Showcasing Amplify Cohort 5: Organisational Change & Equity: From Intent to Impact 15:10–15:20 Solace LGR Support Support Session View Session Support Session 7: Coming Soon 15:30–16:30 Breakout: Past Safe & Legal to Real Transitional Benefits Main Plenary Breakout View Session 15:30–16:30 Breakout 2: Coming Soon North West Breakout View Session 15:30–16:30 Breakout: Beyond the Tipping Point: How do we make change happen in local government? South East Breakout View Session 15:30–16:30 Breakout: Connected Devolution: Implications for Local Government Leadership North East Breakout View Session 15:30–16:30 Breakout 5: Coming Soon North West Breakout View Session 16:30–17:30 Exhibition Drinks Reception Networking View Session 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 20:00–00:00 Rum Warehouse Charity Dinner Networking View Session

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

< Back Business Partner Government Commercial Agency https://www.gca.gov.uk/news/introducing-government-commercial-agency Government Commercial Agency (GCA) connects public and private sectors to achieve the best commercial and procurement outcomes for the UK and its citizens. We are the UK’s central commercial and procurement organisation. Our customers are government departments, public and third sector organisations. We place our customers at the heart of everything we do. Combining our expertise with data helps us understand their unique challenges. By creating a simpler, better procurement experience, we empower them to redirect valuable resources towards essential public services. We use our deep commercial expertise to guide over 20,000 customers to best value – from locum doctors and laptops, to emergency service vehicles and electricity. Our extensive industry knowledge ensures we maintain resilient, diverse supply chains that strengthen our economy and society. For suppliers, GCA is a gateway to the UK public sector. Businesses of all sizes are vital to our economy. By harnessing supplier expertise, we create innovative solutions that benefit communities across the nation and support government missions and policy objectives. Our ambition is to be a world class, national commercial and procurement organisation and the preferred choice for customers and suppliers. We are motivated by the opportunity to make a positive difference and set the standard for quality and integrity in public procurement. Using our scale and unique position, we create meaningful impact across the UK. We call this value for the nation. Previous Next

Business Partners

Our dedicated site for Solace's flagship event for local government & public sector professionals, the Solace Summit. The Future of Local Government Starts at Solace Summit 21–22 October, 2026 Liverpool Experience Campus The Solace Summit 2026 heads to Liverpool for an unmissable gathering of local government leaders. Join us to explore fresh ideas, ambitious strategies, and the powerful connections shaping the future of public service. Buy Tickets What is the Solace Summit? Better leadership starts here. Hosted by Solace, the Summit brings together people across local government — from emerging talent to experienced executives — to share insight, shape ideas, and drive change. Across two days of thought-provoking sessions, powerful connections, and practical content, the Summit is your space to reflect, recharge, and reimagine the future of public service. 2025 FEATURED 2 DAYS OF LEARNING, 35+ SPEAKERS AND SO MUCH MORE. Meet The Speakers Hear from experienced leaders who bring real insight and fresh thinking from across the sector. Our speakers are respected experts, known for their practical knowledge, honest perspectives, and thoughtful ideas. View All Speakers Claire Trickett Workforce and Organisational Development Consultant Sue Featherstone Solace Associate & Director, Developing Success Victoria Derbyshire Journalist and Topical News Reporter, BBC Andrew Lewis Chief Executive, Liverpool City Council Robin Tuddenham Solace President and Chief Executive of Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council John Curtice Professor of Politics, Strathclyde University, Scotland Vijay Rangarjan Chief Executive, The Electoral Commission Alison Barker Chief Executive, North Lincolnshire Council & Deputy Policy Lead for Health & Social Care Ben Dyson Director, Adult Social Care Strategy, Funding & Integrated Care, Department of Health and Social Care Samantha Allen Chief Executive of the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board Pam Smith Chief Executive, Newcastle City Council & Policy Lead for Economic Prosperity Jonathan Stephenson Joint Chief Executive, Brentwood Borough Council & Rochford District Council Greg Campbell Strategic Director, Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council Paul Brace Director of Communities and Health, at Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council Dr Jonathan Carr-West Chief Executive, LGIU Nicola Monk Divisional CEO, Commercial Services Group Jonathan Werran Chief Executive, Localis Emma Foy Industry Lead for Local Government, TechnologyOne Kath O'Dwyer Solace Group Board Chair Alison McCullagh Chief Executive, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Northern Ireland Emma Palmer Chief Execuive, Powys County Council, Wales Susanne Millar Chief Executive, Glasgow City Council, Scotland Madaline Hoskin Chief Technology Officer, North Yorkshire Council Laurence Allen Director UK, Engage Process Ted Twaalfhoven Founder & CEO, Enable Process Kurtis Toy Chief Executive, Cyber Centre of Excellence Ashley John-Baptiste Broadcaster and Journalist 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ... 9 PEOPLE THEME 1: Local government is, at its heart, a people business. This theme explores how we lead with empathy, empower communities, and invest in the workforce of the future — asking what it means to put people first in a system under strain, and how we build cultures of care, trust, and accountability. PARTNERS We’re grateful to our partners for their continued support. Their contribution plays a key role in making this event a success and strengthening the work we do with communities across the country. View All Partners 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 ... 100 LIVERPOOL 2026 Don't miss the future of local government.

< All sponsors Crisis Stand 22 https://www.crisis.org.uk More information to come.

< All sponsors Crisis Stand 23 https://www.crisis.org.uk More information to come.