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Paulette McAllisterProgramme Director Strategic Housing Delivery Programme < Speakers < Previous Next > Paulette McAllister Programme Director Strategic Housing Delivery Programme Brentwood Borough Council Paulette has over 30 years’ experience in the Built Environment. As an accredited advisor to Public and Private Sectors she has a strong track record in place-making and urban design, including regeneration strategies for new settlements and urban extensions across the Southeast. Her longstanding role supporting local government in the UK also involves acting as an external consultee and advisor in the delivery of high-quality homes and Placemaking. She currently also acts as Programme Director for the Strategic Housing Development… Show More

< Back Previous Business Partner Zurich Municipal https://www.zurich.co.uk/municipal For more than 30 years, Zurich Municipal has worked alongside local authorities across the UK, helping them manage risk, build resilience and continue delivering vital services for their communities. Through specialist insurance, risk management expertise and practical support, we help public sector organisations navigate an increasingly complex operating environment. Since 1993, we've partnered with local authorities across the UK, as well as schools, housing associations, charities and community organisations, developing a deep understanding of the challenges facing public services and the communities they support. From financial pressures and changing regulations to emerging risks such as cyber threats, climate change and safeguarding, we support organisations in identifying, understanding and mitigating risk before issues arise. We do more than provide insurance. Through risk management expertise and practical support, we help customers understand and manage risk, strengthen resilience and protect what matters most. Our customers also benefit from a range of support services designed to help their people and organisations respond confidently when challenges occur. When a claim is made, we promise to make the claims experience personal, clear, effortless and collaborative. We take the time to understand our customers' priorities and challenges, providing tailored support and guidance that reflects their needs. At Zurich Municipal, we're committed to helping public service organisations protect what matters most, strengthen resilience, continue delivering vital services for their communities and navigate a lifetime of change. Next

Previous Next Marcus Richards Partner, Strategy and Transactions, EY Marcus leads EY's Local Government Strategy and Transactions practice. With over 18 years' experience advising the sector, he has supported some of the UK's most complex and ambitious capital programmes and partnerships. He specialises in place regeneration, investment strategy, and the capital structures that unlock infrastructure delivery and long-term growth. 15:30–16:30 South West Breakout: Future Places: Turning Devolution Ambition Into Delivery Breakout View Session Speakers: Marcus Richards , Partner, Strategy and Transactions, EY Philip Dobson , Partner, Strategy and Transactions, EY

Previous Next Sir John Curtice Professor of Politics, Strathclyde University, Scotland Professor Sir John Curtice is Professor of Politics at Strathclyde University in Glasgow, Scotland, and Senior Research Fellow, National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) and the ESRC’s ‘The UK in a Changing Europe’ initiative. He has written extensively about voting behaviour in elections and referendums in the UK, as well as on British political and social attitudes more generally. He was co-director of the British Election Study between 1983 and 1997. He has been a co-editor of NatCen’s annual British Social Attitudes reports since 1994 and is a regular contributor to British and international media coverage of politics in the UK, including as a member of the BBC’s election night team. He was President of the British Polling Council between 2008 and 2024. Curtice is Chief Commentator at two websites, whatscotlandthinks.org and whatukthinks.org/eu, that provide a comprehensive collection of materials on public attitudes towards (i) how Scotland should be governed, and (ii) the UK’s relationship with the EU. He is a Fellow of the British Academy, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Academy of the Social Sciences and the Political Studies Association. He is also an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society and the Market Research Society. 11:45–12:45 Main Stage Local Choices, National Consequences: What May’s Elections Tell Us About Britain’s Democratic Future Keynote View Session Speakers: Sir John Curtice , British political scientist and professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde Sam Hartley , Director of Policy, Research and Voter Engagement, The Electoral Commission

All Speakers Helen Bailey Chief Executive, London Borough of Sutton Helen Bailey is the Chief Executive of the London Borough of Sutton. She has previously served as Chief Executive of the London Borough of Islington and on an interim basis at North Somerset. She was director of Public Services at HM Treasury overseeing spending on health, housing, education, local government and devolved administration and public service reform between 2008 and 2011. Helen also has experience leading the Mayor's office for Policing and Crime. She has been a management consultant working on public service leadership and organisation issues in a career that started with the Greater London Councils. Friday 17 October 20225 11:10–12:00 Leading Through A Crisis Main Stage, New Dock Hall Go to session

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.

< Back Previous Org Newcastle City Council https://new.newcastle.gov.uk More information to come. Next

Showcase Zone 13:00–13:10 Barnsley: Health on the High Street Rewiring the State Matt O’Neill, Executive Director, Place, Barnsley Council Read More Previous Barnsley is taking an innovative approach to town centre regeneration by bringing health and wellbeing into the heart of the high street. This session will explore the thinking behind the Health on the High Street initiative and how the Council is using the opportunity to connect regeneration, health and the changing role of the town centre. Using Barnsley’s experience as a practical case study, the session will consider how place-based investment can respond to changing patterns of town centre use while supporting better access to services and creating new reasons for people to visit and spend time in the town centre. The session will share the key lessons from Barnsley’s journey so far, including the importance of partnership working, aligning health and regeneration objectives, thinking differently about how public services can contribute to vibrant and sustainable town centres and how Barnsley is using its Tech Town status to support the adoption of AI in public services to improve customer and patient experiences. Next

Sub Plenary 14:00–15:00 The Future of Health and Care: Reform, Partnership and Place Main Stage Alison Barker, Chief Executive, North Lincolnshire Council and Solace Deputy Policy Lead for Health and Social Care Read More Ben Dyson, Director, Integrated Care & Care Pathways Read More Samantha Allen CBE, Chief Executive, NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board Read More Previous Health and care reform, neighbourhood health and devolution are reshaping how services are designed and delivered. As the focus shifts towards prevention, integration and place-based leadership, collaboration between local government, the NHS and regional partners will be critical to improving outcomes for communities. Chaired by Alison Barker, Chief Executive of North Lincolnshire Council and Solace Deputy Policy Lead for Health and Social Care , this session brings together Ben Dyson, Director, Integrated Care and Care Partnerships, Adult Social Care Group, Department of Health and Social Care , and Samantha Allen CBE, Chief Executive, NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board , to explore the future of health and care reform. Discussion will cover adult social care, neighbourhood health, the opportunities presented by devolution and the role of Mayoral Strategic Authorities, alongside practical lessons on how the NHS and local government can work together to deliver more integrated, preventative and locally responsive services Next

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

Previous Next Kathryn Rees Executive Director, Corporate and Support Services, Stockport Council Kathryn has more than 20 years’ experience in local government, leading transformation and change across Stockport and Wigan councils. Passionate about public services, she is committed to improving outcomes for people and communities. As Executive Director for Corporate and Support Services at Stockport Council, Kathryn leads a broad portfolio including strategy, digital, communications, workforce, finance, legal services and community engagement. Previously, at Wigan Council, she played an integral role in developing and delivering the Wigan Deal. Kathryn is also a trustee and board member at Mencap and a Non-Executive Director at Care City. 15:30–16:30 North East Breakout: Transition vs. Transformation: What Successful Organisations do Differently Breakout View Session Speakers: Nick Kennell (Chair), Partner, Gate One Kath O’Dwyer , Solace Group Board Chair, Former Chief Exec of St. Helens Council Mark Lloyd CBE , Executive Director, IMPOWER; Non-Executive Director HMPPS Kathryn Rees , Executive Director, Corporate and Support Services, Stockport Council

Previous Next Greg Campbell Strategic Director, Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council Greg is an accomplished leader with more than 15 years’ experience operating at senior and strategic leadership level across a broad range of council services, transformation programmes and corporate functions. He currently serves as Strategic Director for Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council, where he provides corporate leadership across legal services, human resources, democratic services, communications, policy, performance, transformation, engagement, and programmes and projects. Greg is known for his collaborative leadership style, his passion for improvement and his ability to bring people together to achieve ambitious goals. He is committed to developing high-performing organisations, supporting staff development and ensuring councils are well positioned to meet future challenges while continuing to deliver excellent services for residents and communities. 15:30–16:30 Main Stage Breakout: Local Government Reform Is Paused—So What Do We Do Next? Breakout View Session Speakers: Jonathan Stephenson , Joint Chief Executive, Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council Greg Campbell , Strategic Director, Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council Paul Brace , Director of Communities and Health, Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council