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Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 Pearl Suite, Royal Armouries 15:45–16:25 Workshop Public Collaborations: What are they for? Who does all the work? How long do they last? And who really benefits? Speaker/s Ed Whiting OBE, Chief Executive, Leeds City Council Kersten England CBE, Chair, The Young Foundation; Director of Engagement, Bradford 2025 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 Yorkshire Universities (YU) with its strategic partners, Yorkshire and Humber Councils (YHC), and the HYPERLINK Yorkshire and Humber Policy Engagement and Research Network (Y-PERN), will share their experiences of collaboration between Higher Education Institutions (HEI) and local and mayoral combined authorities (MCAs) to drill down on what and how these relations really add value for people, places, business, and to what end. Public authority leaders are currently faced with a myriad of complex problems and finite resources. Long-term institutional structures are being reconfigured, and unprecedented global and geopolitical forces are shaping and remaking government policy agendas. Navigating these norms requires a renewed commitment to work in tandem with people, communities and places to overcome specific challenges and to realise the benefits of new and emergent opportunities. Four years after the launch of the pioneering Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between YU and YHC, there is a renewed commitment to work in partnership, and to help champion a collective voice for Yorkshire. Local government is no stranger to navigating acute financial pressures, and the region’s universities now face similar resource constraints. However, it would be a false economy to retreat into sector isolationism at a time when civic partnerships are needed more than ever, despite collaboration being labour intensive and demanding. The first phase of collaboration between YU and YHC (2021 – 2025) has yielded substantial results: £10 million of national funding awarded by UK Research & Innovation has seen Y-PERN and the Yorkshire and Humber Policy Innovation Partnership (YPIP) deepening research partnerships across HEIs, MCAs, local authorities, communities, and the NHS, to activate collective knowledge and understanding. Nationally, the MoU is seen as an exemplar of good practice and it is playing a pivotal role in helping to utilise a further £20 million of investment from the National Institute for Health Research to tackle widening health inequalities in local places, as well as providing underpinning infrastructure support for the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission . However, behind the scenes, significant effort is required to bring such programmes and networks to fruition and for them to be successful and sustainable. And what about the ideas and initiatives that get away? Or the collaborations that do not take root, result in wasted time and effort, or should prosper but somehow do not? Join us to discuss: Real-life case studies of what has/has not worked and why. Insightful discussion on the benefits and resources needed for impactful collaboration. Place-based examples across a broad and diverse geographical region, with local places at differing stages of devolution, but working on common priorities. Delviered by

John O'HalloranDirector Business Advisory and Consultancy < Speakers < Previous Next > John O'Halloran Director Business Advisory and 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.

All Speakers Mark Gannon Director of Client Solutions, Netcall Mark Gannon, Director of Client Solutions, Netcall. Former CIO at Sheffield City Council, Mark now works with over 30 local authorities to support digital transformation. He will set the stage by outlining the macro-level challenges and opportunities of devolution and service transformation through a digital lens. A senior leader from local government who will share insights from their council's digital transformation journey. They will cover the strategy, goals, and challenges faced during the transition, highlighting the importance of having a clear vision for digitisation and a solid delivery foundation. The session will also offer a practical perspective on achieving digital innovation and continuing service improvements amid significant governance changes. Thursday 16 October 2025 15:00–15:40 Navigating Local Government Reform: Lessons from the Digital Frontline of Devolution Pearl Suite, Royal Armouries Go to session

Networking 16:45–17:45 Drinks Reception Exhibition Previous More information to follow. Next

Day One Day Two Previous Next Friday 17 October 20225 Main Stage, New Dock Hall 12:00–12:50 Keynote Katie Piper Speaker/s Katie Piper OBE, Writer, Activist and Broadcaster Few stories capture the power of human strength and kindness quite like Katie Piper’s. After surviving a life-changing attack, Katie chose not only to rebuild her own life but to use her platform to help others do the same — founding a charity, writing best-selling books, and championing inclusion through her broadcasting and advocacy work. In this candid and hopeful session, Katie reflects on what it means to lead with empathy and purpose when faced with profound change. She’ll explore how people and communities can come together to restore confidence, belonging, and opportunity — themes that sit at the heart of local government work. Katie’s story challenges us to look differently at vulnerability and courage, and to recognise the quiet power of everyday leadership — whether supporting a neighbour, shaping public services, or nurturing a culture of care within our teams. This is a rare opportunity to hear from someone who embodies optimism in action — reminding us that healing and progress, both personal and collective, begin with compassion and belief in the potential of others.

Break 11:00–11:30 Refreshments Exhibition Previous More information to follow. Next

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Previous Next Alison McCullagh Chief Executive, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and Solace Northern Ireland Branch Chair Alison McCullagh took up post as Chief Executive of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council on 1 February 2020; from December 2014, she had been the Council’s Director of Regeneration and Planning. Prior to this, Alison had been Omagh District Council’s Head of Development, she has also worked in higher education and in the voluntary and community sector. She is a graduate of Queen’s University Belfast, the Federal Executive Institute, Charlottesville, Virginia, and also studied at Boston College. Alison has led a number of strategic capital and partnership projects within the Council district and on a cross border basis and has a particular interest in community led regeneration and wider place shaping initiatives. She was Vice Chair of Solace NI June 2024-2026 and is currently Solace NI Chair for June 2026-2028. Alison is also the current Co-Chair of the Northern Ireland Emergency Preparedness Group (NIEPG). 10:00–11:00 Main Stage Beyond Barriers: Authentic Women’s Leadership in Local Government Panel Session View Session What does it take to lead when barriers to leadership are not experienced equally? Beyond Barriers explores the challenges women and people from other minoritised communities face in senior local government leadership, including discrimination, exclusion and workplace cultures. Building on previous research, this engaging, honest conversation will examine why inequalities persist, while celebrating leaders and organisations driving positive change. Speakers will share experiences, challenge assumptions and explore practical ways to create more inclusive leadership cultures.

Showcase Zone 11:10–11:20 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

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Previous Next Sue Featherstone Solace Associate and Director, Developing Success Sue is director of a coaching consultancy, providing executive coaching, coach and leadership training, alongside team coaching and facilitation to board and leadership teams. Her earlier career in manufacturing management, corporate HR and Learning and latterly as HR & OD Director, gives her a clear understanding of the challenges of leadership. Sue’s early career involved operational, HR and learning and development roles in the private sector. Whilst bringing up three boys she set up her own consultancy business in 2005, working with leaders and teams across the public, private and not for profit sectors. Her work for Solace has involved supporting the development of a coaching culture within a local authority and team coaching to support Executive and wider Leadership Teams as they navigate the challenges of LGR. Sue coaches at Board level in a variety of public and private sector organisations and has supported a number of Local Authority Directors and Senior Leaders in this space. Sue achieved Post Graduate Certificates in Executive and Business Coaching, alongside Post Graduate Diplomas in Personnel Management and Coaching Psychology. She has gone on to lecture in coaching and team coaching at Leeds Beckett University and University College Dublin. She holds a Senior Practitioner Accreditation with the European Mentoring and Coaching Council and continues to actively contribute to the coaching profession, recently becoming an assessor for the EMCC. She has regular supervision believing this is essential for coaches continued professional and personal development. Chartered Fellow of C.I.P.D. Professional member of EMCC, holding a Senior Practitioner Coaching Accreditation. Sue’s main interest is working with individuals and teams at a deeper level to enable transformational change. 13:30–13:40 Rewiring the State Blackburn with Darwen: The Trojan Horse of Leadership Development Showcase View Session Speakers: Claire Trickett , Workforce and Organisational Development Consultant, Blackburn with Darwen Council Sue Featherstone , Solace Associate and Director, Developing Success 09:50–10:00 Rewiring the State Blackburn with Darwen: The Trojan Horse of Leadership Development Showcase View Session Speakers: Claire Trickett , Workforce and Organisational Development Consultant, Blackburn with Darwen Council Sue Featherstone , Solace Associate and Director, Developing Success

Previous Next Paul Brace Director of Communities and Health, Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council Paul is a senior local government leader with extensive experience in community services, public health, environmental improvement and partnership working. He currently serves as Director of Communities and Health for Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council, leading services that support safer, healthier and more resilient communities across both authorities. In his role, Paul provides strategic leadership across a broad range of community-focused services and programmes, working closely with elected Members, senior officers, partners and local stakeholders to improve outcomes for residents. His work includes community safety, health and wellbeing, anti-social behaviour initiatives, safeguarding, policy development and public engagement. Paul is committed to delivering practical improvements that make a tangible difference to local communities. He has led initiatives aimed at strengthening community safety, securing investment in local projects and supporting collaborative working with partners across the public, voluntary and health sectors. His leadership focuses on ensuring services remain responsive, effective and centred on the needs of residents. Known for his collaborative and pragmatic approach, Paul works across organisational boundaries to develop solutions to complex challenges and deliver positive change. He is passionate about building strong partnerships, supporting community resilience and ensuring councils continue to provide high-quality services that improve the wellbeing of local people. As a member of the senior leadership team, Paul plays an important role in corporate governance, performance oversight and strategic planning, helping to shape the future direction of services across both councils while maintaining a strong focus on 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