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Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 Aire Suite, Royal Armouries 15:00–15:40 Workshop Investing in Place to Build Financial Resilience Speaker/s Kamal Patel, Partner in EY-Parthenon’s Infrastructure Advisory Practice, EY Marcus Richards, Partner in EY-Parthenon’s Infrastructure Advisory Practice, EY How can councils build long-term financial resilience through investment and regeneration? This roundtable will explore how public and private capital can be aligned to deliver growth, affordability, and inclusivity, whilst also strengthening financial resilience. It will draw from examples across the UK and globally, including housing, transport and other forms of social infrastructure. Discussion will cover the tools available to unlock regeneration, the attributes investors look for, and how funding reform and fiscal devolution could further strengthen local government financial sustainability. Delivered by

Tom StannardChief Executive < Speakers < Previous Next > Tom Stannard Chief Executive Salford City Council Tom’s professional background is in regeneration, economic development and skills.  From 2018-21 he was Wakefield Council’s Corporate Director of Regeneration and Economic Growth, a key member of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority in one of the fastest growing economies within the Leeds City Region, the UK’s biggest economic area outside London.  His previous career roles include Director of Economy and Skills at Oldham Council in Greater Manchester, Deputy Chief Executive of the UK Learning and Work Institute, and senior leadership… Show More

Previous Next Rachel McKoy Executive Director, Association of Monitoring Officers (AMO) Rachel McKoy is a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales and currently the Executive Director of the Association of Monitoring Officers. She qualified as a solicitor in 2005 and has worked in local and central government for over 20 years in various roles including Monitoring Officer, Director of Law & Governance, Assistant Director of Law & Governance, and Head of Legal Services. During the course of her career, she has held, and currently holds, several representative roles on behalf of the local government sector including: the Past President of Lawyers in Local Government (LLG); Law Society Council Member (Local Government Seat); Local Government Association (LGA) Governance Peer; and Non-Executive Director (Group Solicitor) to the Board of the Society of Chief Executives and Senior Leaders (Solace). 10:55–11:45 Main Stage Stronger Standards, Stronger Leadership, Stronger Places Keynote View Session Speakers: Kath O'Dwyer , Solace Group Board Chair Cllr Hannah Dalton , Leader, Epsom and Ewell Borough Council Rachel McKoy , Executive Director, Association of Monitoring Officers (AMO)

All Speakers John O'Halloran Director of Consultancy, CIPFA John is a highly experienced business manager and management consultant with over 30 years’ experience in both the private and public sectors, now leading CIPFA’s consultancy service. Recently John has helped shape and drive a major cost reduction UK wide programme for police sector, Achieving Finance Excellence in Policing. John has also worked for large civil service departments and every type of local authority in the UK. Thursday 16 October 2025 15:45–16:25 Local Government Reorganisation: Practical Advice and Support Aire Suite, Royal Armouries Go to session

Salena MulhereDeputy Chief Executive < Speakers < Previous Next > Salena Mulhere Deputy Chief Executive Test Valley Council Salena has worked in local government for over 20 years, starting her career as a temporary admin assistant before moving quickly into front line customer services where she developed a real passion for the difference local government could make to individuals and communities if it listened to, and worked in partnership with, local residents and local organisations across a range of sectors. In 2020 she was appointed Assistant Chief Executive of the London Borough of Lewisham with a wide strategic… 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.

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 damning 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 13:30–14:30 Main Stage The Difference One Person Makes: Lessons in Resilience, Purpose and the Life-Changing Impact of Public Service Keynote View Session Chair: Robin Tuddenham , Solace President and Chief Executive of Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council Speaker: Ashley John-Baptiste , Broadcaster and Journalist

Ringo CheungProgramme Manager - Transport Partnerships - Delivering Capital Infrastructure Projects < Speakers < Previous Next > Ringo Cheung Programme Manager - Transport Partnerships - Delivering Capital Infrastructure Projects West Yorkshire Combined Authority I have 18 years of management experience with a focus on inclusive leadership. Throughout my career, I have developed skills in communication, staff development, humility, and courage, all to deliver results. I am passionate about creating environments where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. Currently, I am taking part in the Solace Amplify Diverse Leadership course to develop my skills for higher-level responsibilities. I believe that continuous learning is essential in today’s ever-changing world. This course… Show More

Showcase Zone 15:10–15:20 Amplify Cohort 5: Organisational Change and Equity: Beyond Rhetoric Rewiring the State Ododo Ediagbonya, Senior Manager, Portfolio Office, Greater London Authority Read More Sudeshna Banerjee, Data and Insight Manager, Wokingham Borough Council Read More Previous Topic: Unconscious or Implicit Bias Join Ododo and Sudeshna for a conversation about unconscious and socio-economic bias, and the subtle ways background, circumstances and social standing can shape trust, judgement and opportunity. We will explore whose confidence reassures us, whose voice carries weight, who gets the benefit of the doubt and what we may be rewarding without realising it. Next

Gavin JonesChief Executive < Speakers < Previous Next > Gavin Jones Chief Executive Essex County Council & Solace Chair Gavin has been a local authority CEO for over 12 years, initially at Swindon and latterly at Essex County Council. The first half of Gavin’s career was in a variety of private organisations and market sectors. In 2004 he left SITA International (Airline telecommunications company) serving as Vice President Marketing and Customer Services, to join Swindon Borough Council, his home town. Gavin was listed as one of the top 50 New Radicals in the Sunday Observer’s national campaign for Britain’s… Show More

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

Liz McQueLeadership and Organisational Development Support Facilitator < Speakers < Previous Next > Liz McQue Leadership and Organisational Development Support Facilitator Solace Associate Liz is an experienced public service leader who has worked at chief executive level for over 10 years. Liz has operated as a strategic leader supporting public service organisations representing the interests of local authorities as employers, working with partners to improve outcomes for communities. Much of Liz’s time is spent working with groups facilitating large events involving different partners and smaller team events for senior managers, board members and local politicians. Liz has worked on European projects with senior… Show More