Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 Main Stage, New Dock Hall 11:25–11:35 Finding Home in Halifax: Stella's Story Delivered by

Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 Pearl Suite, Royal Armouries 15:00–15:40 Workshop Navigating Local Government Reform: Lessons from the Digital Frontline of Devolution Speaker/s Mark Gannon, Director of Client Solutions, Netcall Craig Barker, Senior Manager – Digital and Customer Experience, Cumberland Council Kate Hurr, Assistant Director – Digital Innovation and ICT, Cumberland Council With local government reform reshaping councils across England, leaders face an urgent challenge: how to deliver seamless, citizen-centric services while navigating the complexity of system consolidation, workforce transitions, and operational realignment. In this session, we bring together those who have been through it to share hard-won insights on what works - and what doesn’t - when transforming service delivery amidst structural change. Join us for a discussion that blends strategic vision with real-world experience. The speakers will explore the ‘why’ of reform - unlocking efficiencies, economies of scale, and aligning services to citizen needs - while tackling the practical hurdles: multiple IT systems, complex migrations and integrations and the impact on people and processes. Expect candid reflections, actionable insights and a roadmap for delivering effective, digital-first services in the face of local government reform. Takeaways Get real-world, practical advice – This session focuses on actionable insights from those who have done it, rather than high-level theory. Avoid common pitfalls – Learn from the challenges and successes of others to make informed decisions in your own digital transformation journey. Stay ahead of change – Gain the knowledge and confidence to proactively shape your council’s approach, rather than reacting under pressure. Delivered by

Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 Main Stage, New Dock Hall 16:30–17:30 Keynote Empowering the Vulnerable: Lemn Sissay's Journey of Advocacy and Change Speaker/s Lemn Sissay OBE FRSL, Playwright, memoirist, performer and broadcaster Join Lemn Sissay, acclaimed poet and tireless advocate, as he delves into his transformative journey from a child in the care system to a powerful voice for change. In this keynote, Lemn will share his personal experiences with local authorities and the profound impact these experiences had on his life. He will discuss his dedicated advocacy work, aimed at empowering vulnerable children and driving systemic reform. Through his compelling narrative, Lemn will inspire attendees to recognise the importance of supporting and uplifting those in care, and to join him in his mission to create a more just and compassionate system.

Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 Barton Suite, Royal Armouries 15:45-16:25 Roundtable The Silent Stakeholder: Why Residents Deserve a Seat at the LGR Table Speaker/s Asim Ali, VP of UK Sales, Granicus Jonathan Bradley, Senior Experience Partner, Granicus As Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) continues to reshape the public sector landscape, many conversations understandably focus on governance, efficiency, and cost-saving. But what about the people these changes are ultimately meant to serve? This roundtable explores LGR through a different lens—that of the resident. While councils are working hard to manage complex transitions, there remains a widespread challenge: many residents are unclear about what LGR means, how it affects them, or even who their new council will be. This isn’t a failure of intent—it’s a call to strengthen communication and engagement strategies. As councils grow in size and scope, the need to segment audiences and deliver timely, relevant, and accessible information becomes more critical than ever. In this session, we’ll explore: Why resident understanding and engagement must be central to any successful LGR strategy. How to ensure residents feel informed, included, and supported throughout the LGR process. The role of digital engagement and human-centred design in building trust and clarity. Practical strategies for delivering the right message to the right people at the right time. How councils can balance internal transformation with external transparency. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on how to make LGR not just a structural success—but a human one. Together, we’ll explore how councils can continue to lead with empathy, clarity, and purpose. Delivered by

Day One Day Two Previous Next Friday 17 October 20225 Main Stage, New Dock Hall 12:50–13:00 President's Closing Speech Speaker/s Robin Tuddenham, President of Solace and Chief Executive, Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council

Day One Day Two Previous Next Friday 17 October 20225 Main Stage, New Dock Hall 10:00–10:50 Panel Storming and Forming: The Creation of Combined and Strategic Authorities Speaker/s Dr Henry Kippin, Chief Executive, North East Combined Authority Amy Harhoff, Chief Executive, East Midlands Combined County Authority Mark Rogers, Chief Executive, The Leadership Centre As devolution continues to reshape the landscape of local government, combined and strategic authorities are taking centre stage in driving growth, inclusion, and reform. But what does it take to build one from the ground up — and how should they look, lead, and operate to truly deliver on their promise? In this session, leaders who have been at the forefront of creating new combined authorities will share the realities behind the headlines — from early “storming” stages of partnership building, governance, and vision-setting, through to the ongoing work of forming strong, purpose-driven organisations. Together, they’ll explore what effective leadership looks like in these complex, multi-tiered systems, the lessons learned along the way, and what this evolving model of place leadership means for the future of local government.

Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries 15:00–15:40 Workshop Future-Ready Councils: If we can share a problem, we can share a solution Speaker/s Diksha Vyas, Head of Digital Change and Service Improvement, Bracknell Forest Council Tracey Anderson, Head of Scrutiny and Ward Forums, London Borough of Hackney This session sets out a bold new approach: a federated, public sector-led consultancy model that brings councils together to co-design scalable solutions to shared challenges. Grounded in shared expertise, co-creation, and equity, this model aims to eliminate duplication, level the playing field, and accelerate progress for all—empowering a more collaborative, future-ready public sector. We believe the future of local government delivery lies in enabling people across our councils to lead change with shared purpose, and to collaborate across organisational and geographic boundaries. Big Idea: A Sector-Led Consultancy Model for Shared Challenges Let’s ask some difficult questions: How much is each council spending on software, consultants, and bespoke solutions to tackle the same problems? How many of us depend on “luck”—a good account manager, a standout hire, or a place in a central government pilot—to make progress? What happens to councils that miss out, but still face the same pressures? And what about the systems and services we tolerate—not because they work, but because the cost or risk of change feels too high? Now imagine a future where: Councils pool their talent, experience, and creativity to design common solutions. A national challenge, such as improving EHCP outcomes or reducing housing pressures, is tackled by a multi-disciplinary team drawn from across authorities. These solutions—whether new processes, policy frameworks, or digital prototypes—are freely shared, adapted locally, and scaled. No council is left behind, because innovation is a shared sector asset, not a privilege. This model functions as a public sector “think-and-do tank,” built from within by the people who understand the challenges best. It’s practical. It’s equitable. And it’s entirely achievable. Takeaways A compelling new vision for collaborative delivery across local government Inspiration from leaders who have embraced courage, purpose, and systems thinking Practical pathways to get involved—from digital participation to secondments Energy, ambition, and momentum to help shape a shared delivery future Delivered by

Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 Pearl Suite, Royal Armouries 14:15–14:55 Sub Plenary 1.5 Million Homes: Ambition, Action, and Accountability Chair Jon Rouse CBE, Chief Executive, Stoke on Trent City Council and Solace Policy Lead for Housing, Planning and Infrastructure Speaker/s Joanna Key, Director General for Regeneration, Housing and Planning, MHCLG Local authorities are central to delivering the Government’s 1.5 million homes target, one of the most ambitious housing targets in a generation. This session explores how planning reform, local leadership, and community-focused development can turn national ambition into local impact.

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.

Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 Hall A, Royal Armouries 15:45–16:25 Workshop Leading with Purpose: Exploring the Nexus of Strategy and Leadership in Local Government Speaker/s Dr Mariana Pexton, Deputy Chief Executive, Leeds City Council Given the complex challenges facing local government, this case study research examines the features of senior officer leadership in relation to strategy development and delivery. Hear about the findings and what that might mean for leadership practice. The study investigated existing leadership and strategy literature, including that specifically about the public sector, and explored the use and potential value of adaptive leadership and strategic intent as subsets of the broader subjects. This research investigated the relevance of these concepts in local government, as well as the relationship between them in theory and practice. This study was qualitative, undertaking semi-structured interviews with the top team, and using reflexive thematic analysis to generate findings. Participants in this research have distinct roles with different statutory responsibilities, as well as generic strategic leadership functions, with the data showing a strong degree of consistency as well as diverse perspectives. Findings included leadership and strategy being purpose driven, adaptable and delivery focused, also noting the importance of organisational culture, combined system and organisational leadership, and equality, diversity and inclusion. The findings also highlighted the significant role of the Chief Executive on the nexus of strategy and leadership, including setting a constructive organisational culture and convening key partner relationships, and the data demonstrated that strategic intent and adaptive leadership are used and useful in a local government context. The research concluded strong alignment between the data and literature, making a unique contribution to the literature gap about the leadership and strategy in local government, about the interrelationship between adaptive leadership and strategic intent, and their application in local government given the contemporary challenges faced. Given this was a professional doctorate, the conclusions provide recommendations for leadership and strategy, as well as further research opportunities in the public sector given the literature gap. The thesis is not publishable in order to protect the anonymity and confidentiality of participants; however the general findings and conclusions can be shared as a way of stimulating further debate and providing constructive insight about approaches to leadership and strategy given the challenging context the sector faces. Takeaways Gain insight from recent academic research (through a professional doctorate) about strategy and leadership in the sector given the challenges facing the sector. Hear the findings from the research to stimulate reflection about organisational and system leadership practice and development. Be part of a conversation that informs wider leadership thinking in the sector. Delivered by

All Speakers Dr Peter O’Brien Executive Director, Yorkshire Universities Peter leads the Yorkshire Universities’ (YU) Executive Team, and he is the Company Secretary for the Limited Company and Charity. With over two decades’ experience, as a practitioner and academic, Peter has driven YU’s increasing and influential policy engagement activity, including YU’s strategic relationships with local government and combined authorities in Yorkshire. He has worked extensively at a senior level across the north of England and published widely on research relating to local and regional development. He represents YU and the higher education sector on many high-level national and regional groups. Peter is a Commissioner on the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission, and a member of the Universities UK Civic and Local Growth Network Steering Group. Thursday 16 October 2025 15:45–16:25 Public Collaborations: What are they for? Who does all the work? How long do they last? And who really benefits? Pearl Suite, Royal Armouries Go to session

Speakers From seasoned public sector leaders to fresh voices shaping the future, Solace Summit 2025 brings together the thinkers and doers driving change across local government. Expect real-world insights, bold ideas, and candid conversations—all designed to help you lead with purpose, act with confidence, and deliver lasting impact. Explore the full programme. More speakers to be added in the coming weeks! Stay tuned to this page for updates. Robin Tuddenham President of Solace and Chief Executive, Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council Liz McQue Facilitator & Solace Associate Ed Whiting OBE Chief Executive, Leeds City Council Chris Naylor Solace Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Nazeya Hussain Solace Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Kirsty Wark Speaker, award-winning journalist and presenter Mike 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 Craig Swift-McNair General Manager, Woollahra Council, Sydney, Australia Tom Stannard Chief Executive, Manchester City Council Dr Owen Williams OBE Chief Executive,Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust John Clarke Head of Client Solution – Healthcare, Netcall Jon Rouse CBE Chief Executive, Stoke on Trent City Council and Solace Policy Lead for Housing, Planning and Infrastructure Joanna Key Director General for Regeneration, Housing and Planning, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) Diksha Vyas Head of Digital Change and Service Improvement, Bracknell Forest Council Tracey Anderson Head of Scrutiny and Ward Forums, London Borough of Hackney Mark Gannon Director of Client Solutions, Netcall Craig Barker Senior Manager, Digital and Customer Experience, Cumberland Council Kate Hurr Assistant Director, Digital Innovation and ICT, Cumberland Council Kathryn Rees Executive Director Corporate and Support Services, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council Vicki Bates Assistant Director, Governance and Monitoring Officer, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council Kate Joseph CB Chief Executive, Sheffield City Council Averil Price Solace Associate and Director, Avie Consultancy Kersten England CBE Chair, The Young Foundation; Director of Engagement, Bradford 2025, Yorkshire Universities 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 Dr Mariana Pexton Deputy Chief Executive, Leeds City Council Ciara Graven Consultant – Economics and Casemaking Team, Arup Gareth Fairweather Senior Leader, Urban and Regional, Arup Simon Allsop B.Com, CPFA Managing Consultant, CIPFA John O'Halloran Director of Consultancy, CIPFA Asim Ali VP of UK Sales, Granicus Jonathan Bradley Senior Experience Partner, Granicus Lemn Sissay OBE FRSL Playwright, memoirist, performer and broadcaster Dr Henry Kippin Chief Executive, North East Combined Authority Amy Harhoff Chief Executive, East Midlands Combined County Authority Mark Rogers Chief Executive, The Leadership Centre Helen Bailey Chief Executive, London Borough of Sutton Katie Piper OBE Writer, Activist and Broadcaster Evelyn John Inner Circle Consulting 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 Lisa Smith Director of Strategy, Performance and Partnerships, Liverpool City Council Lee Goodenough Executive Director, Harmony Fire Andrew Ferrier Chief Executive, Test Valley Borough Council Lord Gary Porter Political Leader and National Voice on Housing Safety Jonathan Clifton Director of Strategy and Communications, Sheffield City Council Kamal Patel Partner in EY-Parthenon’s Infrastructure Advisory Pactice, EY Marcus Richards Partner in EY-Parthenon’s Infrastructure Advisory Practice, EY Kevin Bolt MBA Managing Director, Step-Change Management Eleanor Kelly Former Chief Executive Hayley Hamlett Director of HR & Corporate Affairs