Maria CastellinaDirector of Impact < Speakers < Previous Next > Maria Castellina Director of Impact Frameworks UK Maria is Director of Impact at FrameWorks UK, a not-for-profit organisation which collaborates with charities and other mission-driven organisations to communicate about social issues in ways that will create change. Maria supports partners to utilise FrameWorks innovative framing research to change hearts and minds. Because we know that when we change the story, we can change the world. Maria has spent her career finding the right words to persuade, influence and inspire social and political change. With over fifteen years… Show More

All Speakers Tracey Anderson Head of Scrutiny and Ward Forums, London Borough of Hackney Tracey has built a diverse career spanning both the public and private sectors, with experience in financial services, council governance and scrutiny. As Head of Scrutiny and Ward Forums in Hackney, she has dedicated nearly two decades to governance and scrutiny. In her role as the statutory scrutiny officer, Tracey oversees the council’s Overview and Scrutiny function, leading a well-regarded scrutiny team that collaborates with councillors, officers, partners and residents to develop and implement a comprehensive scrutiny work programme. Her leadership has shaped council and partner organisation policies, strategies, and service improvements while navigating complex and contentious issues. Her team has been recognised as a leading example of championing a more inclusive approach to governance and strengthening democratic accountability in local public services. Tracey has also played a key role in developing ward-level community engagement for councillors. Under her strategic leadership, ward forums have strengthened councillors’ community leadership roles, fostered stronger connections between elected representatives and their ward communities, and facilitated community action at a local level. Her work has brought local decision-making to the heart of the community, developing strong networks of local partners, organisations and residents and providing a platform for local engagement and conversation. Thursday 16 October 2025 15:00–15:40 Future-Ready Councils: If we can share a problem, we can share a solution Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries Go to session

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.

All Speakers Liz McQue 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. Recent assignments include: providing individual and team coaching for Chief Executives as part of the LGA /Solace national support package to local authorities; working with the Birmingham University, LGA, Solace to develop a reflective learning intervention for authorities working with 21st Century Public Servant framework; providing support to several Combined Authorities’; supporting national public health bodies in England and Scotland (Office for Health Improvement Disparities - OHID and Public Health Scotland PHS). Liz has worked on European projects with senior leaders and politicians from different countries including Denmark, Greece, and Ukraine. Her key interest is in organisational and system change, and the role leaders play in shaping cultures where people thrive. Liz has held a number of external roles and served on a variety of boards including: North West NHS Leadership Academy; Chief Executives Leadership Commission; NJC working group on Public Health Workforce. Liz’s experience and expertise has been recognised by national and regional organisations and she has served on several high-profile Improvement Boards set up to address key improvement and governance challenges in local authorities. She has led several cross-sector development initiatives including the development of a Public Sector Chief Executives’ Coaching Programme and has played a leading role in developing sector led improvement approaches. Liz facilitates on several national leadership development programmes including Solace’s lead facilitator on the Springboard Leadership Programme, National Graduate Development Programme and the LGA’s Leadership Academy for senior politicians.

Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 City Square 08:30–10:15 Walking Study Tour Regeneration, Culture and Public Art A tour to learn about Leeds as we know it today and how its regeneration is interwoven with the recent evolution of the city’s public art and vibrant street art scene. Discover lesser known stories of Leeds past and how new diverse artworks, such as Hibiscus Rising by internationally acclaimed artist Yinka Shonibare, continue to highlight creativity and representation within our very unique city centre.

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.

< 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.

Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 Exhibition, New Dock Hall 13:15–14:15 Exhibition and Lunch

Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 Asia and Africa Gallery, Royal Armouries 19:15–20:00 Summit Presidential Drinks Reception

Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries 15:45–16:25 Workshop The Leader’s Mirror: Defining the Legacy You Leave Behind Speaker/s Averil Price, Solace Associate and Director, Avie Consultancy As a senior leader in local government, your impact extends far beyond day-to-day decision-making. The legacy you leave, whether through policies, leadership culture, or the development of future leaders, shapes communities for years to come. This interactive session on Legacy Coaching will help you define, articulate, and strengthen your professional and personal legacy while preparing for the next chapter of your career. A timely session with further local government reorganisation and devolution in England and a working group of elected leaders and chief executives looking to develop a clear vision and a set of proposals that can support a sustainable future for local government in Wales. This workshop will provide a structured and reflective space to consider: The achievements and influence you want to be remembered for. What steps you are considering next in your career and how to transition purposefully. How you can help your team prepare for their future too. Delivered by

< All sponsors Lightning Reach Stand 1 www.lightningreach.org Lightning Reach is a financial support portal that makes it easy for people to find and apply for a wide range of personalised support in one place.

BECOME A SPEAKER Share your expertise Session submissions for this year’s Summit are now closed. Thank you to everyone who contributed their ideas.