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.

Professor Catherine StaiteEmeritus Professor of Public Management < Speakers < Previous Next > Professor Catherine Staite Emeritus Professor of Public Management University of Birmingham Professor Catherine Staite LLB, MBA, FRSA is an Emeritus Professor of Public Management at the University of Birmingham. She is involved in research and consultancy, specialising in leadership and governance. She currently works with Darlingburn Ltd, providing specialist consultancy in governance, especially where councils are at high risk of failure. She is a former Director of the Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV) and a former Director of the Office for Public Management. Between 2001 and 2005 she worked for… Show More

Sarah ForsterCEO & Co- Founder < Speakers < Previous Next > Sarah Forster CEO & Co- Founder The Good Economy Sarah Forster is CEO and Co-Founder of The Good Economy (TGE), a leading impact advisory firm dedicated to enhancing the contribution of business and finance to inclusive and sustainable development. She has been at the forefront of finance for positive impact for more than 25 years, working in the fields of sustainable economic development, development finance, and impact measurement and management both internationally and in the UK. She combines a strong knowledge of public and private sector development policy issues… Show More

< All sponsors Granicus Stand 6 granicus.uk Granicus is the global leader in digital engagement solutions for the public sector, connecting 500,000+ professionals with 350M+ subscribers. Its cloud-based platform streamlines communication, citizen engagement, websites, and services—powering 30B+ interactions annually across the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to build stronger government-community relationships.

Henry StratfordAssistant Director < Speakers < Previous Next > Henry Stratford Assistant Director Outcomes Matter Consulting Henry is Assistant Director for Outcomes Matter Consulting – who lead people and change management projects focused on emerging technologies. Henry has extensive experience leading change projects with local authorities, particularly in children's services. He understands how to get things done as well as bring people along that journey. He believes that collaboration and partnerships are the best way to have the biggest social impact – and is excited about the partnership between Agilisys Transform, Outcomes Matter, Datnexa, and local… Show More

Day One Day Two Previous Next Thursday 16 October 2025 Main Stage, New Dock Hall 12:15–13:15 Panel International Perspective Chair Kirsty Wark, Speaker, Award-Winning Journalist and Presenter Speaker/s Michael 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, Ontario, Canada Craig Swift-McNair, General Manager, Woollahra Council, Sydney, Australia Following on from the morning’s discussion on Equity and Purpose, this session widens the frame to explore how local government leaders across the world are navigating similar challenges and opportunities. Our international guests will share insights from North America and Australia — from embedding equity and inclusion in local systems, to building organisational cultures that foster trust, purpose, and innovation. Together, we’ll look at how different governance models, community expectations, and leadership approaches are shaping more resilient, responsive, and equitable public services. This is a chance to reflect on what connects us globally as leaders, learn from alternative perspectives, and consider how international practice can inspire meaningful change at home.