Stand TBC < Back PSTAX pstax.co.uk PSTAX: Public Sector Tax Experts PSTAX is the UK’s leading specialist provider of tax advisory and compliance services to the public sector. For over 22 years, we’ve worked with hundreds of local authorities, police forces, fire services, NHS bodies, and other public organisations, helping them with expert VAT, employment taxes, and other specialist tax services. Our team comprises former public sector tax professionals and HMRC officers who understand the unique challenges and financial pressures faced by public bodies. We offer practical, tailored solutions that are both compliant and value-for-money, enabling our clients to maximise tax recovery, mitigate risk, and improve efficiency. In addition to expert consultancy, PSTAX delivers a comprehensive suite of support services including training, VAT health checks, employment tax reviews, and an all-taxes helpline (a key feature of our subscription service, PSTAX Club). Our clients value us for our depth of knowledge and experience, our proactive advice, and our commitment to delivering tangible financial benefits We pride ourselves on our strong relationships with HMRC, allowing us to resolve issues swiftly and ensure our methodologies are robust and acceptable. From agreeing one-off exceptional partial exemption breaches to managing the off-payroll working rules and tax implications of service transformations, PSTAX brings clarity and confidence. As a trusted partner to the public sector, we are proud to support SOLACE and its members in driving financial resilience and good governance across UK public services. To learn more about how we can support your organisation, visit www.pstax.co.uk or contact us at devolutionlgr@pstax.co.uk .

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

< All sponsors Locality Stand 2 locality.org.uk Locality is the national membership network of 2,000 community organisations. We believe in the power of community to transform lives. As well as supporting local charities and social enterprises with paid specialist advice and resources, we’ve helped over 80 local authorities build stronger communities by investing in and working with local people. We’re experts in VCSE funding and governance, community engagement, service transformation, climate projects and community ownership of assets. Find out more at www.locality.org.uk/consultancy-services .

Darius ToomerHead of Agilisys Transform < Speakers < Previous Next > Darius Toomer Head of Agilisys Transform Agilisys Darius is the Head of Agilisys Transform, responsible for the Agilisys GenAI products business. As part of the Agilisys leadership team for the past 2 years, Darius has been working with public sector clients, building and deploying GenAI tools to support front-line teams. Transform’s core focus is supporting key workers, particularly in SEND & Social Care, with their time-consuming and complex activities - such as drafting of EHCPs & Safeguarding Meetings. Darius is also the Head of Portfolio Transformation at… Show More

Rachel MckoyDirector of Law & Governance (Monitoring Officer) < Speakers < Previous Next > Rachel Mckoy Director of Law & Governance (Monitoring Officer) London Borough of Hounslow Rachel is an experienced senior leader who is passionate about good governance, democracy, fairness, and delivering for local communities. Rachel has acquired substantial experience within the legal, governance, and commercial space. Her specialism of planning and regeneration has also provided her with exposure to a myriad of high-profile strategic schemes and national infrastructure projects, within local and central government. Her experience as President of Lawyers in Local Government (LLG) and as a NED on the Solace Board has further provided… Show More

Barry Quirk CBESpecial Advisor < Speakers < Previous Next > Barry Quirk CBE Special Advisor LGA, and to PwC’s public sector practice Barry is an advisor to local government on governance, management and strategy. In October 2022, he completed a 45 year service record in London’s local government. This was mostly as a chief executive: first at Lewisham (1993-2017), and then at RB Kensington and Chelsea (2017-2022). He has worked in every form of governance and has deep experience of both service and democratic innovation. He has a PhD in the political and social geography of public policy. His 2013… Show More

Frances McBrideGroup Manager in Children and Families Legal Team < Speakers < Previous Next > Frances McBride Group Manager in Children and Families Legal Team Manchester City Council Frances McBride qualified as a solicitor in 2010 and began her career in litigation and housing law with a sharp focus on high-profile litigation including inquests, serious case reviews and public inquiries. Frances has led on visionary innovative projects throughout her career including the first LGBTQ+ Extra Care Housing in the UK and redesign of the Council’s Fostering Service. Frances is the Group Manager in the Children and Families Legal Team at Manchester City Council representing the group as a… Show More

Sarah NormanChief Executive < Speakers < Previous Next > Sarah Norman Chief Executive Barnsley Metropolitian Borough Council Chief Executive of Barnsley Council since 2019 and previously Chief Executive of Dudley Council between 2015 and 2019. Before that Sarah's background was in Adults and Children’s services and she was previously both the DASS and the DCS at the City of Wolverhampton. Sarah has also spent periods of time in central government agencies and the voluntary sector and did two terms as an elected member in Liverpool in the 1990s. Passionate about making a difference in our places, she… Show More

< All sponsors Commonplace Stand 18 www.commonplace.is Commonplace, now powered by Zencity, is a global leader in community insights and engagement. We work with 400+ local authorities across UK, Canada and US to build an ‘always-on’ understanding of community sentiment and experience. Our platform has proven that maximising audience reach, collaborating through multiple channels to create a clear understanding of community needs and closing the loop to take action are critical trust builders for place-makers.

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 Commercial Services Group Stand 8 www.commercialservices.org.uk Commercial Services Group is owned by the public sector, for the public sector. We collaborate with local authorities nationwide to help people live, learn and thrive. From energy and environment to procurement, talent, and education, we deliver sustainable solutions that strengthen communities and maximise social impact in challenging times.

Jamie OunanCo-Founder and Executive Chairman < Speakers < Previous Next > Jamie Ounan Co-Founder and Executive Chairman Inner Circle Consulting Jamie Ounan is the Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Inner Circle Consulting, where he has played a pivotal role in delivering transformative regeneration projects across East London. From the 2012 Olympics and Crossrail to local estate renewal and community-led cultural initiatives, Jamie has spent over a decade driving change in some of the UK’s most complex urban environments. With a background spanning city planning, economic growth, and infrastructure, Jamie transitioned to service design and system transformation, helping local leaders achieve… Show More