Leanda CableLead Specialist in Strategy & Resource Directorate < Speakers < Previous Next > Leanda Cable Lead Specialist in Strategy & Resource Directorate Maldon District Council Leanda has worked in local government for 18 years mainly specialising in skills and economic development. She has a passion for delivering projects for local businesses and communities. In her current role, Leanda is leading on Maldon District Council’s UK Shared and Rural England Prosperity Fund allocations and delivering the Corporate Plan Priority of Helping the Economy to Thrive.

Stand TBC < Back CityFibre cityfibre.com Stand 3 As the UK’s largest independent full-fibre infrastructure platform, CityFibre provides hundreds of wholesale business and consumer ISPs as well as the public sector and mobile operators, with ultra-fast, reliable and futureproof connectivity. Its network is built to serve all sectors, including homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, GP surgeries and more.

Amar HassanPrincipal Accountant, Investment (Capital) and Revenue Strategic Finance < Speakers < Previous Next > Amar Hassan Principal Accountant, Investment (Capital) and Revenue Strategic Finance North Tyneside Council Amar is a finance professional with over a decade of experience spanning a variety of finance and banking roles across the Public, Private and higher education sectors. Amar is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and is currently the Principal Accountant for Capital Investment and Treasury Management at North Tyneside Council. Amar has a passion for sustainability, transformational working, and technology and ICT skills. Amar is the Chair of the Ethnic Diversity Staff… Show More

< All sponsors The MJ www.themj.co.uk The MJ is the UK’s leading weekly magazine for council chief executives and their teams of decision-makers in local authorities and allied sectors. It offers an insiders’ view of what’s going on and what people are thinking in today’s ever changing and challenging world of local politics – the latest news, incisive comment in-depth features and interviews, business analysis and the top recruitment vacancies.

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.

Samantha SmithDirector of Institute and past President < Speakers < Previous Next > Samantha Smith Director of Institute and past President Socitm Sam is a former President of Socitm and now the Director of the Socitm Institute. In that role she leads the delivery of services including policy, research, data, learning & development, and benchmarking. Before joining Socitm Sam spent 27 years in local government IT & Digital Services culminating in Service Director for a shared IT service working across two Councils in the East of England. Managing shared services of different types and sizes has been a feature of her… Show More

Lindsay HerbertAuthor of Digital Transformation, IBM Inventor and Chief Innovation Officer for IBM Garage < Speakers < Previous Next > Lindsay Herbert Author of Digital Transformation, IBM Inventor and Chief Innovation Officer for IBM Garage Lindsay Herbert is the author of Digital Transformation, a Bloomsbury business book that has received international praise for its practical framework on how to drive major change through innovation at enterprise scale. Her core message is that real digital transformation is about learning to become more adaptive to change itself. Success comes from the ability to react to the small and early signs of change, leveraging data, technology and new ways of working along the way. Lindsay is also an… Show More

Jess GibbonsChief Executive < Speakers < Previous Next > Jess Gibbons Chief Executive Brighton & Hove City Council Jess is passionate about supporting communities to thrive and recognises the need for constant change and growth to meet the needs of our communities.

Lucy TruemanFounder & Managing Director < Speakers < Previous Next > Lucy Trueman Founder & Managing Director Trueman Change Meet Lucy, our Founder and Managing Director, an exceptional and perceptive leader in the public sector change domain, boasting an impressive 20 years of experience in designing and executing transformational journeys and fostering cultural change. With experience in a wide range of local authorities around the country, Lucy is able to quickly assess cultures and design tailor made approaches to driving change which really makes a difference. Lucy has recently completed a masters in Organisational Psychology, with her research… 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

Angela SharmaPrincipal In-House Counsel & Deputy Monitoring Officer Law Society Planning & Environment Committee < Speakers < Previous Next > Angela Sharma Principal In-House Counsel & Deputy Monitoring Officer Law Society Planning & Environment Committee Hounslow Borough Council Angela's professional journey as a planning solicitor has equipped her with the skills to advise senior management and council members effectively. Her astute commercial awareness and dedication to client care uniquely position her to support local authorities in navigating the current economic and social challenges. Creating reliable and collaborative relationships with Members, officers, and stakeholders for our communities, Angela Sharma combines her legal acumen, business experience, and community-focused approach to help local authorities and businesses thrive. Both in and… Show More

All Speakers Marcus Richards Partner in EY-Parthenon’s Infrastructure Advisory Practice, EY Marcus is a Partner in EY-Parthenon’s Infrastructure Advisory practice, where he leads the firm’s corporate finance work with local and regional government. He specialises in helping councils and combined authorities strengthen financial resilience and unlock investment to deliver major regeneration and infrastructure programmes. Marcus has advised on some of the UK’s most complex local government finance and place transformation challenges — from New Towns to Freeports — bringing together deep technical expertise with strategic insight from his PhD research into local government financial resilience. Thursday 16 October 2025 15:00–15:40 Investing in Place to Build Financial Resilience Aire Suite, Royal Armouries Go to session