Martin SmithStrategy and Research Lead < Speakers < Previous Next > Martin Smith Strategy and Research Lead Scottish Police Authority Martin is the Strategy and Research Lead at the Scottish Police Authority, responsible for supporting the Authority’s strategic development and overall approach to commissioning research and evidence gathering, and using insights to shape strategic planning. He joined the Authority in 2015, having worked previously in a number of UK police forces as an analyst. Martin currently leads the Community Confidence Action Research Project on behalf of the Authority.

All Speakers Kirsty Wark Speaker, award-winning journalist and presenter Kirsty Wark is one of the UK’s trailblazing female news journalists. She presented BBC’s Newsnight for 30 years, stepping down after the 2024 General Election. Her long career on Newsnight has seen her holding politicians and public figures to account with her formidable interviewing skills. She made her reputation as a journalist and producer on BBC Scotland, memorably reporting from the scene of the Lockerbie bombing, before joining BBC 2’s arts strand The Late Show as a presenter, moving on to Newsnight in 1993. Kirsty continued to span both arts and news/current affairs, hosting The Review Show for over a decade, as well as a range of BBC Arts series and documentaries. Over the years she has had memorable encounters with everyone from Margaret Thatcher to Madonna, Harold Pinter to Pete Doherty, Damian Hirst to George Clooney and the likes of Toni Morrison, Donna Tartt and Philip Roth. Kirsty hosts Radio 4’s long-running flagship series The Reunion, and regularly presents of Start the Week. She continues to present arts programmes on TV and Radio, cultural history series such as The Women Who Changed Modern Scotland and Panorama specials. Kirsty has won several major awards for her work including BAFTA Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Broadcasting, Journalist of the Year and Best Television Presenter. In 2024 she was honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the RTS Journalism Awards. Thursday 16 October 2025 11:35–12:15 Equity and Purpose – Progress, Possibility and the Path Ahead Main Stage, New Dock Hall Go to session Thursday 16 October 2025 12:15–13:15 International Perspective Main Stage, New Dock Hall Go to session

Ian Bancroft Chief Executive < Speakers < Previous Next > Ian Bancroft Chief Executive Wrexham Council Ian took up his post as Chief Executive of Wrexham Council in August 2018. For the previous fourteen years he worked at a senior leadership level within large public service organisations in Greater Manchester, Merseyside and North East Wales. Most recently, since 2014, this has been at Flintshire County Council as a Chief Officer successfully leading the development and implementation of a number of major strategic programmes. Ian is committed to public service delivery and aims to work with partners,… Show More

Angela BarniclePublic Practice Non-Executive Director and Chief Officer Asset Management & Regeneration < Speakers < Previous Next > Angela Barnicle Public Practice Non-Executive Director and Chief Officer Asset Management & Regeneration Leeds City Council Angela has a passion for cities and economic development and with it, delivering transformational change and inclusive growth. Having worked extensively across the UK advising on large-scale city development and transport schemes, organisational design and place positioning, Angela now leads the Asset Management and Regeneration Service for Leeds City Council. There, she focuses on realising the development opportunities and optimum real estate solutions to support the city's growth. The Service is currently engaged in Place Programmes across the city, including… Show More

Inspector Matthew SpencerInspector < Speakers < Previous Next > Inspector Matthew Spencer Inspector Police Scotland Inspector Spencer is the Community Inspector for Levenmouth in Fife, and is also the deputy local area commander for the Levenmouth area. Inspector Spencer has responsibility for all community and response resources in the station, and has worked in the area since July 2022. He has a background in response and community policing with a number of specialisms including public order, search and CBRN. Inspector Spencer has worked hard to develop a number of areas around public health policing and… Show More

Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 Barton Suite, Royal Armouries 15:00–15:40 Roundtable Shaping Communities – How Leaders Unlock Social and Economic Value Speaker/s 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, Senior Leader from Local Government Hayley Hamlett, Director of HR & Corporate Affairs, Halton Borough Council Session Outline and Objectives Local government leaders are facing one of the toughest financial periods in recent memory. With growing demand for services and shrinking budgets, chief executives are being asked to make deeper cuts while still protecting communities. In this environment, conversations about social impact can feel like a luxury. Yet, for many leaders, it remains at the heart of what they do: shaping stronger, fairer, and more resilient places. This panel discussion recognises the fiscal reality but also highlights that driving social and economic value does not always mean spending more. Instead, it’s about seizing opportunities that already exist, adopting proven models, and looking ahead to future innovations that can reduce costs while improving lives. Delivered by

Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 City Square 08:30–10:15 Walking Study Tour Leeds South Bank Regeneration A tour of South Bank’s flagship developments including Aire Park and Points Cross, taking in transformational major mixed-use schemes, connectivity improvements, affordable housing and public realm projects. With the opportunity to explore the potential for infrastructure-led economic growth in this strategically located part of the city.

Leanda CableLead Specialist in Strategy & Resource Directorate < Speakers < Previous Next > Leanda Cable Lead Specialist in Strategy & Resource Directorate Maldon District Council Leanda has worked in local government for 18 years mainly specialising in skills and economic development. She has a passion for delivering projects for local businesses and communities. In her current role, Leanda is leading on Maldon District Council’s UK Shared and Rural England Prosperity Fund allocations and delivering the Corporate Plan Priority of Helping the Economy to Thrive.

Stand TBC < Back CityFibre cityfibre.com Stand 3 As the UK’s largest independent full-fibre infrastructure platform, CityFibre provides hundreds of wholesale business and consumer ISPs as well as the public sector and mobile operators, with ultra-fast, reliable and futureproof connectivity. Its network is built to serve all sectors, including homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, GP surgeries and more.

Amar HassanPrincipal Accountant, Investment (Capital) and Revenue Strategic Finance < Speakers < Previous Next > Amar Hassan Principal Accountant, Investment (Capital) and Revenue Strategic Finance North Tyneside Council Amar is a finance professional with over a decade of experience spanning a variety of finance and banking roles across the Public, Private and higher education sectors. Amar is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and is currently the Principal Accountant for Capital Investment and Treasury Management at North Tyneside Council. Amar has a passion for sustainability, transformational working, and technology and ICT skills. Amar is the Chair of the Ethnic Diversity Staff… Show More

< All sponsors The MJ www.themj.co.uk The MJ is the UK’s leading weekly magazine for council chief executives and their teams of decision-makers in local authorities and allied sectors. It offers an insiders’ view of what’s going on and what people are thinking in today’s ever changing and challenging world of local politics – the latest news, incisive comment in-depth features and interviews, business analysis and the top recruitment vacancies.

Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 Main Stage, New Dock Hall 11:35–12:15 Equity and Purpose – Progress, Possibility and the Path Ahead Chair Kirsty Wark, Speaker, Award-Winning Journalist and Presenter Speaker/s Chris Naylor, Solace Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Nazeya Hussain, Solace Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion In a world where the political, social and cultural ground is shifting faster than many of us can keep pace with, this session invites senior leaders to pause and reflect on what it means to lead with equity and purpose. As global narratives become more divisive and local realities more complex, the role of local government must evolve - not just as a service provider, but as a builder of trust, connection, and democratic resilience. This conversation will not dwell on past commitments, but rather challenge us to reimagine how we show up as leaders now. How do we foster belonging when communities are increasingly polarised? How do we ensure representation isn’t just a number, but a felt experience within our organisations and the communities we serve? Join us for an unflinching, honest and necessary discussion about the responsibilities we carry, and the possibilities we must unlock, as we lead effectively through the volatility of today and into the uncertainty of tomorrow.